Page 15 - 2023 - The Altiora Vol 75

| 15
TOURNAMENT OF MINDS
T OURNAMENT OF MINDS | 15

A
CHES T
oM ST
TE FINALS
BMGS REA
BMGS REACHES ToM STATE FINALS
Our four fabulous ToM teams showed great there was no music in living memory. As a part
creativity, composure, teamwork and endurance of this they were required to explore alternate
at the Tournament of Minds State Final held in uses for a recorder, and make instruments from
September. recycled materials and perform an original
At the State Final, teams are “locked” in a room song using them, reflecting aspects of the
with limited resources and no internet access for culture in question. They also had to elaborate
three hours. In that time, they must develop a on the impact of music on the culture. Our
creative solution to a previously unseen problem. Secondary team was first to perform, and set
Obviously, clever time management, excellent a high standard for other teams to aspire to,
teamwork and serious application are essential if with convincing song and clever rhyme features
teams are to meet the criteria in this limited time! of their performance. Our Primary team also
Teams are then required to present their solution performed very well, implying that attraction
dramatically to a large audience at a scheduled to certain aspects of technology may have led
time in the afternoon (with all competing teams to the loss of music in the culture in question,
sitting in the presentation venue and watching and presenting sophisticated poetic expositions
each other) but are not allowed to discuss or about the importance of music for mental health,
rehearse their solution after the preparation time among other things. In their feedback, the judges
has finished. commended the team’s “incredible ideas”.
During the preparation phase, teams are also
Our Primary and Secondary Language Literature
teams were required to reimagine the classic visited by judges to undertake a previously
story of The Velveteen Rabbit, with specific unseen Spontaneous Challenge, which this
reference to - and alteration of - structure. They year focused on the creative design of a badge
explored the power of love to make us “real” and symbolising the spirit of ToM.
each demonstrated detailed knowledge of the While BMGS did not win any awards at the State
text (which had been set as pre-reading). Our Final this year, our teams are to be applauded for
Secondary team incorporated music and song their wholehearted application to the challenge.
into their rendition of the story and went close to Mutual respect, high expectations of themselves
filling their allotted ten minute time-frame, with and each other, enthusiasm and determination
one of the longest presentations of the day (an were characteristics of all of our wonderful
achievement in itself!). teams.
Our Primary and Secondary Arts teams had to Our thanks to Dr Elissa Drew for her continued
devise a presentation demonstrating the impact mentorship of our ToM teams over the past eight
of the discovery of a recorder in a society where years and whose exemplary coaching of our
teams each year has brought our students to the
State level of the competition several times, and
the International level once. These are unique
opportunities over many years.
We also thank Mr Coote (Principal), Mrs Newton
(Head of Junior School), Mr Forbes (Stage 3
Performing Arts Class teacher and Mrs Van
Gelderen (Senior School Head of Mathematics)
who were very supportive audience members.

Pictured clockwise
Pictured clockwise from
Pictured clockwise from Pictured clockwise
from left: Eva Tilley,
left: Neva Stockwell, Finley
left: Ne va Stockwell, Finle y from left: Eva Tille y ,
, Jack
y Carter
Rub
Snedden, Zariya Janine, Ruby
Snedden, Zariya Janine, Rub y Ruby Carter, Jack
Lowe, Hugh Isbister
ant, Eadie
Minter
Minter, Milo Grant, Eadie L owe, Hugh Isbister
, Milo Gr
and Abbie Johnson.
Macarthur.
Macarthur . and Abbie Johnson.