Beyond the Bell

Our school participates in a range of competitions throughout the year, providing students with opportunities to challenge themselves, extend their learning and explore their interests.

Families can view the full Competition Overview Calendar, which includes key dates for competitions such as ICAS, Maths Talent Quest, Science Talent Search and more, via the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mZgXY7rh0P5jOMc-6Tsx_PpDCzlTrV2v/view

We encourage families to refer to this calendar when planning participation across the year.

Maths Talent Quest (MTQ) and Science Talent Search (STS) – Entries Open!

A reminder that we have now launched our involvement in both the Maths Talent Quest and Science Talent Search, and students from all year levels are encouraged to enter. These competitions provide students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, think creatively, and apply their learning to real-world problems.

Families can access further information via the resources below:

Maths Talent Quest Slideshow

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YH8hC7FyQ2zaYKdo4vqE8RrAzUZ2wEMf/view

Science Talent Search Slideshow

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxHY00PeAAFBJsbogrFV3nPbhxx4VAed/view

Register interest (Google Form) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc84DfEgdpOj_bOfI30hjztoyO3DMQaEAf4LqRKidZivCPlbw/viewform

Kids Photo Competition – The Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum is calling on young photographers across Australia to submit their best nature images as part of its 2026 OM Kids Photo Competition.

The competition, linked to the museum’s Ocean Photographer of the Year program, is open to children aged 16 and under and aims to encourage the next generation to explore and document the natural world through photography.

Entries close on 3rd May 2026, with participants invited to capture images inspired by oceans, waterways and the environment.

The initiative forms part of the museum’s broader focus on ocean storytelling and conservation, with the wider Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition showcasing thousands of global entries and highlighting both the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.

Organisers say the competition is designed to get kids outdoors and thinking creatively, while also building awareness of environmental issues through photography.

Winners will receive OM System Tough TG-7 underwater cameras, with three prizes on offer. You can enter here. 

Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

A reminder that the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards are still open for entries!

This well-known national competition celebrates creativity and encourages students to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas through poetry. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy writing to challenge themselves and explore the power of language.

2026 Optional Theme: “The Traveller” Students may choose to respond to this theme or submit an open poem on a topic of their choice.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to students across Australia, from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Why enter?

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Develop creativity and imagination

• Experiment with language and poetic techniques

• Express personal ideas and perspectives

• Build confidence in writing

There are a range of prizes awarded at a national level, recognising outstanding entries across different year groups.

If your child enjoys writing or would like to give poetry a try, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved.

Further information and entry details can be found here:  https://www.dorothea.com.au. We look forward to seeing the creativity and voice of our young writers shine! 

Kind regards,

Carole Upton

Learning Enrichment Leader