Magis Report 

Ethics Training Clinic

On Wednesday, our Junior Ethics Teams took part in an Ethics Training Clinic in preparation for the Middle School Ethics Olympiad Competition which will take place next term. This Clinic provided our ‘eth-letes’ (as they are known in the competition) with a unique and fascinating opportunity to hear from global experts. In the morning, students heard from Dr Andrew Cullison of De Pauw University; Dr Lance McBride and Dr Emma Maurice from the University of Canterbury NZ; and Dr Tim Dean from The Ethics Centre in Sydney. In the afternoon, students went to breakaway mentor sessions with academics from Australia, the US and India. A thoroughly rewarding experience and invaluable learning opportunity for our Ethics students.

World Scholars Cup – Bangkok Global Round

Our World Scholars Team (pictured below at the airport) departed VERY early yesterday morning for Bangkok, to take part in the Global Round of the World Scholars Cup. The World Scholars Cup (WSC) is an annual international academic program, with more than 15,000 students from over 65 countries participating each year. Qualifying for the annual Global Round requires teams to finish in the top percentile at a Regional Round – with our two Year 10 Teams having performed strongly at the Perth Regional Round last term.

Our teams will be competing in a number of academic events including:

• The Scholar’s Challenge: 120-question multiple choice exam given to each individual competitor to complete within 60 minutes.
• Collaborative Writing: This event is based on arguments, with students picking one of six different prompts associated to each subsection of the given curriculum. Each participant on a team must pick a different prompt. Participants pick one side of a topic and write for, against, or about it critically. Any writing form is allowed. 
• Team Debate: Teams must argue for (affirmative) or against (negative) the topic. All topics are derived from the WSC curriculum.

• The Scholar’s Bowl: Team members work together to answer multiple choice questions – with questions progressively getting harder throughout the quiz.

   

Our teams will also participate in a number of community-based events, providing them opportunities to socialise with students from other schools around the world. In addition to the competition, our students will be visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The theme for our tour is: A celebration of learning – and it is sure to be an enriching experience for all involved. 

We wish all our World Scholars the very best of luck.  

Our World Scholars Global Team:

Staff

• Ms Farley (Head of Magis)

• Ms Roberts (House Co-ordinator; Mathematics Department)

   

Debating Update

The WA Debating League’s (WADL) British Parliamentary Debating Tournament will begin this weekend, with the final preliminary round scheduled for the following weekend. This competition requires teams to participate in three debates over the course of one day, in a distinct style of parliamentary-based debating (representing the government or opposition). Information pertaining to BPD has been sent to students and families.

Preliminary rounds include:

• 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)

We wish all our BP Debaters the best of luck with their upcoming preliminary round.

You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar 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.