Tournament of Minds

2023 Tournament of Minds – Regional Tournament held at Deakin University 

The Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a problem-solving program for teams of students from primary and secondary years. Teams solve the six-week Long Term Challenge from a choice of the following disciplines; The Arts, Language Literature, Social Sciences and STEM. They also prepare for the Spontaneous Challenge on Tournament Day.

TOM provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and talents in an exciting, vibrant, and public way. The tournament also aims to enhance time management, enterprise, working as a team, thinking outside the square, utilising technology, working within a competitive environment, and promoting knowledge and appreciation of self and others.

This year, we had one team to represent Language Literature. This team worked consistently during their lunch times, after school and during their weekends on the challenge to prepare their ten-minute presentation.

On Sunday 20 August they performed exceptionally well in their division. Congratulations to the Year 7 team Constance N, Isabella S, Isabella M, Jenny C, Luna W, Madison M and Mandy C for representing Shelford. 

Special mention must go to our Year 8 STEM team who set the standard high as they worked for 25 hours in the first three weeks to problem solve their challenge. Sadly, due to conflicting events they were unable to continue and compete at the tournament on Sunday. But we are all excited to compete in the 2024 tournament. 

Joanna Kane

Head of Learning & Support & Enrichment Prep – Year 12