Newman Selective Gifted Education Program

Tournament of Minds 2026 Expression of Interest

We are excited to announce that Our Lady Star of the Sea will be participating in the 2026 Tournament of Minds (TOM)!

What is Tournament of Minds? TOM is an international program that challenges students to solve complex, open-ended problems in the areas of STEM, The Arts, Language Literature, or Social Sciences. It is designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration and creative flair.

How it Works:

• The Team: 7 students from Years 4-6 work together for six weeks.
• The Challenge: Teams create a 10-minute dramatic presentation to solve a "Long Term Challenge." They also participate in a "Spontaneous Challenge" on the day of the tournament.
• Student-Led: This is a strictly "hands-off" program for adults. Students must generate all ideas, scripts and props themselves. Miss Natalie Burland will act as the group’s facilitator.
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Key Dates for 2026:

• Preparation: withdrawn weekly by Miss Burland for 6 weeks during Term 3.
• Regional Tournament: Saturday 22nd / Sunday 23rd August or Saturday 29th / Sunday 30th August (dates to be confirmed).

• Location: A local host school (to be confirmed).

   

If your child is in Years 4-6 and would like to be considered for a team, please complete the Expression of Interest form here by the end of Term 1. 

https://forms.gle/bwXTUnqyLfxsnSaGA

Please note that teachers have also been encouraged to nominate students whom they believe would embrace this challenge. 

Miss Natalie Burland

Newman Leader of Learning