The Tournament of Minds (TOM), an Australian educational programme, held its highly anticipated event at Brighton College Dubai this weekend, showcasing the creative and problem-solving talents of pupils from seven participating schools from across the UAE. With over 100 pupils forming 14 teams, the competition was fierce, culminating in an inspiring display of innovation and teamwork.
The schools that took part in this prestigious event included: Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Brighton College Dubai, Dubai British School Emirates Hills, GEMS Wellington International School, Jebel Ali School, Jumeira Baccalaureate School and Private International English School Abu Dhabi. Each school demonstrated their commitment to nurturing their pupils’ creative potential and critical thinking abilities.
The Tournament of Minds aligns strongly with international curricula, fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students
After six-weeks of rigorous preparation, and presentations in front of a judging panel, the winners were crowned as follows.
Brighton College Dubai – UAE National Tournament of Minds Primary Division Stem Winner 2023
Brighton College Dubai – UAE National Tournament of Minds Primary Division Social Sciences Winner 2023
Private International English School, Abu Dhabi – UAE National Tournament of Minds Secondary Division Social Sciences Winner 2023
Sarah Brannon, UAE Director of Tournament of Minds and Head of Prep at Brighton College Dubai expressed her excitement about the event’s success and said: “The Tournament of Minds is an exceptional platform that encourages pupils to think outside the box, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Witnessing the enthusiasm and ingenuity displayed by these young minds is truly inspiring. We commend all participants for their hard work and congratulate the winners on their outstanding achievement.”
The Tournament of Minds is renowned for its dynamic approach to learning, emphasising the development of enthusiasm for experimentation and problem-solving among talented and creative students across all levels of primary and secondary education. Pupils are formed into vertically grouped team structures and undertake one of four discipline groups: STEM, The Arts, Language Literature, and Social Sciences.
”The Tournament of Minds is an exceptional platform that encourages pupils to think outside the box”
During the competition, teams worked tirelessly for six weeks without assistance from teachers, parents, or peers, developing a creative solution to a problem within pre-determined parameters and complex criteria. They also faced an unseen Spontaneous Challenge®, putting their quick thinking and adaptability to the test. The challenges at this year’s Tournament of Minds focused on social sciences and STEM, presenting pupils with thought-provoking scenarios. For instance, one challenge, “The Gold Rush”, required teams to create a moving platform that displayed a valuable gold nugget from various angles while incorporating an explanation of STEM processes. Another challenge, “Circles of Time,” tasked teams with uncovering the significance of a historic circle and its impact on present and future societies.
Teams were assessed based on their creativity, scientific understanding, use of technology, application of STEM principles, design and construction of the platform, presentation skills, and overall dramatic performance. This holistic evaluation ensured a comprehensive assessment of each team’s efforts and achievements.
I am incredibly proud to have been a part of the Tournament of Minds. It was an amazing experience that challenged us to think creatively and work as a team. The competition pushed us to our limits, but it was all worth it when we saw our hard work come to life. I learned so much about problem-solving and innovation, and I will carry these skills with me throughout my academic journey. Thank you to the Tournament of Minds for giving us this incredible opportunity to showcase our talents.” said Ashwin Joshi, a pupil at Private International English School Abu Dhabi.
Teams worked tirelessly for six weeks without assistance from teachers, parents, or peers, developing a creative solution to a problem within pre-determined parameters and complex criteria
The Tournament of Minds aligns strongly with international curricula, fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students. By encouraging them to generate and evaluate knowledge, clarify concepts, and solve problems, TOM equips participants with the tools necessary for success in the rapidly evolving world. The success of this year’s Tournament of Minds serves as a testament to the commitment of schools, teachers, and pupils in fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. As these bright young minds continue to develop their capabilities, the Tournament of Minds remains dedicated to providing a platform for their growth and celebrating their achievements.
Winners of the Regional competitions have an invitation from TOM to go to the international final which will be held in Melbourne in mid-October.