On Saturday 25th August two teams consisting of Year 5 and Year 6 Reach Academic Extension  students participated in the Perth Regional contest for the Tournament of Minds at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. One of the teams tackled the STEM challenge and the other the Social Science. 


Both of the teams represented the school with pride, presenting their challenge solutions confidently in informative and engaging ten minute plays
As always, the TOM challenges were extremely difficult.  The Social Science team had to portray the discovery of the remains of a fence and explain the reasons for it’s construction and fall into disrepair, including the intended and unintended consequences. During their presentation they explained the political and historical context, which they set in Antarctica in the aftermath of the Falklands War. 


The STEM challenge was technically complicated, involving the design and manufacture of a working model of a new species, which had to be capable of movement simulating eating and the creation of a sound. The STEM team’s presentation also included a video enacting the discovery of the new species and highly detailed field notes on the classification.  


Congratulations to both teams for their ingenuity and infectious enthusiasm – they gave up many lunch times to work on the challenges and to practice their plays. Particular congratulations are due to our STEM team who, have been invited to participate at the WA Branch final, which takes place on Sunday 9th September, competing for a place in the national contest. 


The STEM team have also been awarded an additional award, shared with Padbury Catholic Primary School, which is for creativity. This means that these two teams scored the top points for the Spontaneous Challenge on the day. 


Many thanks to Mrs Veronica Dunlop and Mrs Heather Linnell, who acted as parent Facilitators for their child’s team. They attended all of the Co-Curricular sessions in Terms 2 and 3 and also hosted team rehearsals in their homes. Their support is greatly appreciated. 


STEM Team
Toby Murphy, Teagan Edwards, Kayley Johnson, Dana Harrison Year 6
Geneva Dunlop, Zac McNeair, Sophie Ashurst Year 5

Social Science Team
Dion Gilling, Jack Slade, Aanishka Sen, Hayley Mann Year 6
Matthew Linnell, Jade White, Samantha Davey Year 5


Written by Chrissie Payne, Reach Primary Academic Extension Teacher