MACKILLOP College’s Tournament of the Minds (TOM) team is competing in the state finals at the University of NSW in Sydney this weekend, Sunday 14 September.
TOM is a problem-solving competition, which aims to develop diverse skills, enterprise, time management and collaboration.
MacKillop’s students were successful at the regional stage of the competition, held recently at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour.
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Arts junior teams both received honours for their regional presentation on balance and the importance of the four spheres (Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere and Hydrosphere.)
Teacher-in-charge Abigail Ross said, “They created a mechanical interpretation of the spheres alongside a creative adaptation of how they interact.”
The senior STEM and Language Literature teams were awarded first place.
“They generated a 3D model of the spheres to represent how, when all are working in unison, they are stronger than when working out of alignment.”
Students are obviously enjoying the challenge, the creativity and the teamwork that the competition affords.
Charlotte from the STEM junior team said, “Honestly, TOM taught me a lot – from teamwork to collaboration.
”I believe that a lot more people should be giving it a chance, if not for the experience, then for the opportunity to work together with friends to create something great.”
Violet said, “I enjoyed TOM because my friends and I worked on puzzle solving.
“I got to understand their thinking style and we came up with many different ideas for our spontaneous presentation.
“I believe that we work well together and I thoroughly enjoyed creating the props and costumes.”
Paige said, “TOM was a really fun experience for me.
“It helped me learn things I did not know before, and have lots of fun with my friends.”
By Pauline CAIN
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