Language and Literature team: Tomara Brown, Kellie Ross, Olivia Vardas, Jessica Ottewell, Ellana Gormly, Chloe Daniel and Zoe Grigoris.

On Sunday 14th September 2003, two teams of students from Year 6 and 7 took part in The Tournament Of Minds at The Flinders University. 

The Tournament of Minds is a problem solving programme for teams of students from both primary and secondary schools throughout the whole of Australia. The teams are required to solve demanding, open-ended problems from one of several disciplines. 

Each team has six weeks to work together on a long term problem without assistance from teachers, parents or peers. They are encouraged to explore many possibilities and experiment with ideas as they endeavour to produce their best possible solution. They develop a creative and original way to communicate this solution to others, working within predefined parameters such as limited materials, complex problem criteria and the deadline of Tournament Day.

The teams must also participate in an unseen, Spontaneous Challenge on Tournament Day. This challenge requires rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think creatively and well developed group cooperation skills.

The Tournament of Minds is an opportunity for students with a passion for learning and problem solving to demonstrate their skills and talents in an exciting, vibrant and public way.

The objectives of the tournament are:-
     To provide the stimulation of real, open-ended challenges
     To develop creative problem solving approaches and techniques
     To foster cooperative learning and team work
     To promote knowledge and appreciation of self and others
     To encourage experimentation and risk taking
     To expand and reward creative and divergent thinking
     To stimulate a spirit of inquiry and a love of learning
     To develop enterprise
     To celebrate excellence

     
Social Science team: Caitlin Addison, Emma Hillman, Scott Butler, Nickie Hein, Nicole Nash and Matty Vidler.

In 2003, Happy Valley entered two teams in The Tournament of Minds;  a Language Literature team and a Social Science team. Team members were:-

Our Social Sciences team competed first, presenting their solution to the challenge "All the Time in the World".  All team members performed strongly, and really enjoyed the opportunity to show their solution to the problem!

The Language and Literature team competed second showing how they solved the challenge "Going Bananas".  The seven team members adopted a range of fairy tale and storybook characters as they successfully presented their solution to the challenge.

While not winning any awards, both teams had a very enjoyable and rewarding time, preparing and then presenting their solutions.  They are to be congratulated for all their hard work in representing the school.

Thank you to the parents of team members, who supported them throughout their preparations, and then on the day.

Back to 2003 School Highlights

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