Tournament of Minds Success

This year, after two years disrupted by remote learning and sudden lockdowns, Tournament of Minds was once again back to normal with an in-person event. We had 7 teams competing at the Regional Final at Latrobe University, Bendigo, including 3 senior teams and 4 junior teams. All the teams were given the problems to solve over the holidays and had five weeks to create an entire 10-minute solution to the problem, including ideas, characters and costumes! 

Each of the problems fell into one of 4 categories: STEM, Language Literature, Social Sciences or The Arts, and each problem was complex and required a lot of work from all the teams. The presentation of the problems that each team formulated were presented to a panel of judges at Latrobe University in their 10-minute performance, in front of a crowd of spectators as well! All teams performed amazingly, with entertaining, unique and creative solutions!

In addition to a nerve-wracking performance in front of a crowd, the teams also faced an unknown problem on the day called a ‘Spontaneous’ problem, which required them to create a unique solution to the questions posed with only 3-4 minutes to think, and a minute to present. The teamwork and creativity of our teams during these problems was testament to their hard work and willingness to help each other to succeed. 

After a very long day, the presentation ceremony finally happened! We were lucky enough to have 6 of our teams emerge victorious: Primary Social Sciences, Primary Arts, Primary STEM, Secondary Social Sciences, Secondary Arts and Secondary STEM. This is an amazing effort for these teams and their facilitators, especially after the two years of disrupted Tournament of Minds. 

The teams who won this year are heading to the State Finals at Latrobe University Bundoora, on September 11. We wish them the best of luck!

I would like to thank all of the teachers, students, parents and facilitators who have assisted our teams throughout their time creating a solution, as well as the many people- including students, former students and parents- who helped the event run on the day, judging solutions, running registration and everything in between! Augustine Leung (11J), Willow Barnett (11J) and Ronell Masiboy (11Jo) were amazing supports and their contribution on the day is valued immensely. A big thank you to Mrs Stagg, Mr Ruddick, Dr Maslunka, Mrs Milner, Mr Parry, Leilani Babitu (11J), Aidan Clemens (12M) and of course Mrs Bath, our incredible MiC- without you all, it would be impossible to organise all the teams and the rehearsals, and your contribution is greatly appreciated! 

Zoe MacGregor (11 Riley)

Captain of TOM