It’s teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and hard work.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fifty five teams from Woolgoolga to Gloucester and Dorrigo converged on Port Macquarie for Sunday’s Tournament of the Mind.
The event was held at Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus.
The competition requires teams of students to solve demanding challenges from the disciplines of science technology, engineering mathematics, social sciences and language literature.
Working in teams, students choose their challenge in the discipline of their choice using effective problem-solving, thinking outside the square and use of technology.
HSC Port Macquarie campus students Felicity Wilson and Patch Rudd said the event also helped with team building.
“It makes you think outside the square,” they said.
Another student in the team, Kodi Perrot said Tournament of the Mind helped teams learn how to work together for a common goal.
Student teams are required to work on their challenge over a six week period without assistance from teachers, parents or peers. They are encouraged to explore possibilities and experiment with ideas to produce the best solution to their challenge.
Teams are made up of seven students.
In secondary school teams, two of the team need to be Year 7 students. This tournament allows students to develop skills in team building, communication and relationship building.
Students presented their ideas and their solutions to a panel of judges and audience at the campus where they were given ten minutes to present in a 3-metre by 3 metre performance area.
TOM aims to enhance the potential of our youth by developing future focused skills such as time management, problem-solving, confidence and working collaboratively within a team environment
- Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus principal Ian Ross
Principal Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus Ian Ross said TOM is another example of a dynamic, student-centred program.
“TOM aims to enhance the potential of our youth by developing future focused skills such as time management, problem-solving, confidence and working collaboratively within a team environment,” he said.
“This is one of the many ways in which Hastings Secondary College is leading the way in creating positive learning environments for their students.”
Students also will participate in a spontaneous challenge on the day which means they are given four minutes to come up with the most creative solution to the problem raised.
This issue requires rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think creatively as well as advanced group cooperation skills.
This year 45 professional judges were chosen from all areas of education, the arts, industry, community and past students. Judges will be looking for multiple ways in which teams solve problems to their challenges.
Tournament of the Minds is only as strong as the enormous volunteer base supporting it.
Over 60 volunteers from our community, including 20 Hastings Secondary College students, retirees, university students, past students of the tournament and members of Rotary gave up their time to engage, mentor and assist with the day.
Winners across a range of categories will progress deeper into the competition in September.