Magis Report
Evatt Competition
We congratulate Niamh Jennings, Kai Tyrrell (both Year 9) and Isaac McCready (Year 10), for their outstanding performance in the preliminary round of the 2026 Evatt Model United Nations Competition. The Evatt Competition runs each year from May to July in every Australian State and Territory. Delegates compete in teams of two, working together to debate a resolution between the chamber floor and the negotiation room. All delegates participate in three debates, representing an assigned UN member state. These debates challenge delegates to think critically, problem solve carefully, and search for answers in the rapidly changing world of current affairs. Well done team!
Debating Update
The State Semi Finals of the WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) took place on Tuesday evening at Perth Modern School. Many thanks to the family and friends who came in support. The debates were naturally of an exceptionally high standard, as these were the top four teams in the state! Our team argued for the negative, with the topic: This house opposes school students protesting by refusing to attend school. Whilst our team narrowly missed out on a place in the Grand Final, they are to be congratulated for this outstanding achievement.
Congratulations to: Novice JTC 7
Asha Bowers
Madeleine Miller
Holly Harrison
Rosie O’Toole
Pearl Bovell
With one debating competition ending, another one is just beginning. Unlike the School’s Debating Competition, the British Parliamentary Debating (BPD) Tournament (also run through WADL) requires teams to participate in three debates over the course of one day, in a distinctly parliamentary-style format (representing the government or opposition). Information pertaining to BPD has been sent to students and families, with our team participating in one of the following preliminary rounds:
- Saturday 29 August (Mount Lawley Senior High School)
- Sunday 30 August (Shenton College)
- Saturday 5 September (Guildford Grammar School)
- Sunday 6 September (St Stephen’s School, Duncraig)
BPD students received a hard copy of the Debating Handbook earlier this week. We strongly encourage our students to view the resources on the WADL website, including watching a BP debate through the WADL YouTube Channel. Wishing all our BP Debaters the best of luck with their upcoming preliminary round.
Shakespeare Incursion
'Two households, both alike in dignity, / In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, / Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.'
These were just some of the famous lines delivered by the Bell Shakespeare actors at our incursion this afternoon. A key aspect of our GATE program is providing opportunities for our students to learn 'more': to be stretched academically; to extend beyond their year-level curriculum; and our Shakespeare incursion is a wonderful example of this. The Players performed the play Such Sweet Sorrow – replaying famous scenes and soliloquies from Romeo and Juliet. The play celebrates theatre-making, storytelling and the power of the imagination, within an engaging contemporary narrative. Following the performance, students participated in a Q&A session with the actors. It was an enriching experience for all those who attended.
You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar on the link below.
Daisy Farley
Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented
Magis: Opportunities to do more!
Note: All expressions of interest should be sent to the Magis Assistant: magis@johnxxiii.edu.au
Curtin Rising Scholar Program
Attention current Years 9 to 11 students: Curtin University is pleased to invite schools to nominate gifted and talented Years 10 to 12 students for the Rising Scholar Program (RSP) in Semester 1, 2027. This program offers high-achieving students the chance to get a head start on their university journey by completing Curtin University units while completing their high school studies.
Program Overview:
- High-ability Years 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to enrol in one Curtin University unit per semester (up to four units in total)
- Participants can choose to study either on campus or online (course dependent)
- An A-grade average is required for all students and all units. This is assessed against their MESH subject results (Maths, English, Science and HASS).
- The Health Science Faculty requires all Health Science students to be 16 years or older as of 15 February 2027. We apologise for any inconvenience—unfortunately, no exceptions can be made.
- All places are fully sponsored with no fees payable. Though it should be noted, due to the program’s competitive nature, we strongly advise early applications
For further information about this outstanding learning opportunity, including unit offerings, application guide, information PowerPoint, etc., please see Magis Teams, and/or speak with the Head of Magis and/or the Head of Pathways and Transition.
Quest Tutorials Program for Gifted and Talented Students
BRAINways Education, in conjunction with the University of Western Australia, is pleased to offer the BRAINways Quest Tutorials program for Gifted and Talented students of Perth. Incorporating information and lessons from a wide range of international curricula, the Quest Tutorial Program offers advanced learning experiences in both content and process, delivering challenging yet interesting, hands-on learning. Their next program of workshops will be held at UWA in the upcoming school holidays (Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October). Below is the list of programs for students in Year 7:
The Mathematics Games program will provide an opportunity to explore the depth of advanced mathematical concepts, as well as to develop skills such as multi-step problem solving, spatial reasoning and pattern recognition by integrating deeper mathematical thinking into gameplay
The Science of Pain program will explore the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we’ve invented to block or circumvent that discomfort. It will investigate the biological and psychological factors that influence our experience of pain and how our nervous system reacts to harmful stimuli
What is Art? The Philosophy of Beauty program will explore the impact of visual art and its meaning across time and culture, as well as identify philosophical concepts of beauty. The students will be given an opportunity to create original art incorporating ideas that emerged during this exploration.
For more information, please see the attached flyer. Students interested must discuss the program and check availability with their parents before submitting an expression of interest by Monday, 7 September (Week 8). Please note: Students require a Nomination Letter to be signed by the Head of Magis, before parents can book their place in the program.
Nature in Focus Photography Competition
Celebrate Australian biodiversity with the Nature in Focus Photography Competition. Last year’s entries came from across Australia, showcasing the extraordinary nature, wildlife, and conservation efforts around our vast country. This competition is open to students in K-12, to show off their amazing photography skills. Categories for high school students include Oceans, Wetlands & Rivers; Sustainability; and Species and Habitats. Visit Conservation Volunteers Australia. Nature In Focus Photo Competition (2026) to learn more (including judging criteria). Competition closes at 5:00pm AEST, 7 September 2026. Great prizes to be won!
The Global Voices Fellowship
Attention Year 12 students: Applications are open for the Global Voices Fellowship. This life-changing program aims to upskill and develop the next generation of Australian leaders to contribute to domestic and global decision-making. This is a fully funded scholarship, with all domestic and international flights, accommodations, breakfasts, visas, insurance, and registration fees covered. For more information, please click here or speak with the Head of Magis.
