Magis Report 

Junior Thinkers GATE Conference

On Tuesday, a select group of Year 8 Magis students took part in the Junior Thinkers GATE Conference. This was a unique opportunity for students to step beyond the classroom and engage with big ideas that challenge their perspectives and inspire intellectual curiosity. This year’s focus explored thought-provoking ideas across philosophy, science, and ethics. The students benefited from the expertise of accomplished educator, Julie Arliss, from Academy Learning, who guided and inspired the students throughout the day. The students took part in a series of academic sessions, which included:

• Session 1: The Big Questions

  • Exploration of fundamental philosophical questions such as “What is truth”? and “What makes a good life?”

     

• Session 2: Freedom of Speech

  • A highly topical interactive session, where students engaged in a structured student-led discussion.

     

• Session 3: The Science of Time

  • What is time? Does Time really exist? Why does time seem to move in one direction? Is time travel scientifically possible?

     

• Session 4: Debate
  • Topic: Does Love Conquer All?

Student takeaways:

Junior Thinkers was an incredible day filled with lots of very interesting information. We discussed many topics ranging from freedom of speech to the science of time. I found it very enjoyable, and I learned lots from this valuable experience that I wouldn't have otherwise.

Sienna D'Alessandro

The Junior Thinkers GATE Conference was a great opportunity to stretch our minds. We learnt about the philosophy of consciousness which got us thinking about the way we think. We also delved into the notion of freedom of speech – which is highly topical at present. We discussed our rights and if we are truly free to speak our mind. It was a great day, and we were all challenged to think deeper. 

Niamh Jennings 

Junior Thinkers was an incredible opportunity. I particularly enjoyed the debate on whether love conquers all – and the audience vote was a conclusive no. Overall, it was a fun learning experience which I would certainly do again.

Connor Siegert

British Parliamentary Debating

We congratulate the following debating teams who took part in the British Parliamentary Debating Tournament held at Perth Modern School last Saturday and at Guilford Grammar School last Sunday:

• John Soliman & Aidan Humphreys
• Asha Bowers & Rosie O’Toole
• Amelie Tomlin-Waller & Mia McCombe
• Sienna D’Alessandro & Tilly Finucane
• James Sommerfield & Isaac McCready
• Zachary Sartorello & Luke Nicol
• Lily King & Scarlett Polini

Unlike the School’s Debating Competition, the British Parliamentary Debating Tournament requires that teams participate in three debates over the course of one day, in a distinct style of parliamentary-based debating, representing the government or opposition. We have some more teams who will compete this Sunday at Hale School, and we wish them the best of luck. We look forward to sharing our team’s results.

Tournament of Minds

Our Tournament of Minds STEM and SOSE Teams have been very busy rehearsing and putting the final touches on their props and costumes this week. I commend the team members on their dedication and hard work throughout the Term, and we wish them the best of luck as they compete in the regional finals of the Tournament of Minds this Saturday at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. A copy of the timetable and campus can be found below. Special thanks to Mrs Anne Joyner and Mrs Dawn Plummer for their assistance in training sessions.

Save the date!

Our Magis Community Mass is scheduled for 8am on Friday, 26 September, in the College Chapel. Not only will this be a terrific way to finish a very busy term for students, but moreover, it provides us a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community in celebration and support of the Magis Program. Some students have been nominated to take an active role in the mass, and we thank them in advance. We look forward to seeing our Magis students and their families on the last day of term!

You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.  

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented

Magis: Opportunities to do more!

Magis Camp

A highlight of the Magis calendar is our annual camp to Point Walter, for Years 7 to 9 Magis students, which will be held on Friday, 17 October to Saturday, 18 October (Term 4, Week 11). We have some terrific activities planned, which will prove an enriching experience for students. There will be a number of opportunities for our younger year students to work alongside and learn from our senior school students. The cost of the camp is $200, which covers all activities, transport, food and accommodation. Those interested need to complete the Magis Camp Expression of Interest e-form and submit it by Friday, 12 September (Week 9).

Insight Creative Writing Competition

This competition is open to high school students around Australia as we aim to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future. Entering the competition is free and all entrants will have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes! The optional theme for 2025 is: Soulmates. See website for further details: 2025 Insight Creative Writing Competition - Insight Publications. Competition closes 12 September 2025.

Nature in Focus Photography Competition

Entries are now open for the 2025 Nature in Focus Photography Competition. Last year’s competition saw nearly 500 entries from across Australia, showcasing the extraordinary biodiversity and sustainability efforts across this great land. With nearly $8,000 worth of prizes to be won, show Australia how you keep ‘Nature in Focus!’. Students can enter in three (3) themed categories: Oceans, Wetlands, and Rivers; Sustainability; Species and Habitats. Participants may submit one (1) photograph per entry, per themed category. Photographs must be submitted in digital format and should not be digitally altered beyond standard optimisation (e.g. colour correction, cropping). The competition closes at 11:59pm September 26, 2025. Visit Conservation Volunteers Australia for more information (Nature In Focus Photo Competition)

National Youth Parliament

150 motivated young Australians - one from every federal electorate - will be selected for a five-day residential program in Canberra in 2026.  You don’t need to have any experience - just a desire to contribute, learn and represent your community. Eligibility: All young people who will be aged 16 - 17 and living in Australia in August 2026 are welcome to apply - regardless of background, education or experience. All essential costs, including travel to and from Canberra, accommodation, all meals and activities, are covered by the program. See website for further details: 

Apply - National Youth Parliament. Applications close 21 November 2025.

Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Competition

Ethics Olympiad are holding a case writing competition with prize money to be won. Submissions should follow the general format for Ethics Olympiad cases: a scenario, between 400 and 800 words long, which highlights a clear moral issue and is appropriate for middle or high-school students and is written in a way that encourages civil discourse. The scenario should be framed so that the central issue is clearly moral and not simply or primarily legal or professional. Knowledge of the structure of the Ethics Olympiad competition is important, and it is for that reason that we would recommend the case writing competition to students who have previously participated in an Ethics Olympiad.

Entries due by 23 April 2026, view Ethics Olympiad website (Case Competition - EthicsOlympiad) for further details.

Astronomy Club

Calling all stargazers and astronomy lovers! Join our College’s Astronomy Club, where you’ll learn more about the night sky and the history behind constellations, gain confidence with telescopes, and discover tips to make stargazing more enjoyable. It is a great social club where you’ll meet like-minded people of all ages, who share a passion for learning and stargazing. The Astronomy Club meets on the College Oval on various evenings throughout the year – and has a few events booked with the Perth Observatory. For more information, please email the Club Coordinator, Mr Peter Mazur (Mathematics Learning Area), or the Head of Magis.