Tournament of Minds Success 2022

Sunday 28 August was a beautiful day for a Tournament. Our creative minds basked in the sundrenched yards of Randwick Boys High School as they awaited their turn to light up a room. This was the first face-to-face Tournament of Minds event since 2019.

The morning passed quickly as our six teams, in the Secondary Division, moved from presenting long-term project results (a six-week commitment) to spontaneous presentations where they are presented with a problem, given four minutes of brainstorming teamwork then have one minute to present their solution to a panel of 2 judges. Eventually, recycled cardboard props were recycled yet again and smiles replaced the nervous tension.

Late Sunday afternoon, in the presentation ceremony, SCEGGS dominated consistently, awarded Honours in three disciplines and taking out first prize for the Secondary, STEM challenge. Team 1 (Social Science), who gained an honours, included many team members from last years winning Social Science team.

Congratulations should be extended to SCEGGS Team 3 (STEM) who have won a place at the state finals on 11 September.  Team 3 (STEM) have surprised themselves by using their resilience and persistence to impress the judges with their creative problem solving, overcoming 12 other teams (including locals, Randwick Boys High School, who were awarded Honours).

I would also like to acknowledge our Language Literature teams (5 and 6) who were up against 16 other school teams. All teams participated with enthusiasm and friendliness.

Congratulations also to SCEGGS Primary Social Science team who were also awarded Honours.

Thank you to all the parents who transported their resident creative minds and for the many who provided an audience to support our teams. You have helped us enable some new friendships, new mind-melding and future leaders. The full team participant list and results are below:

Veronica Schwedes
TOM Secondary School Facilitator