We are delighted to announce that our Language Literature, STEM, and Social Sciences teams have achieved outstanding success at the 2024 New Zealand National Tournament of Minds (TOM) competition, winning national titles in each of their divisions. This achievement has earned them the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the International Finals in Sydney, Australia, later this year.

Tournament of Minds is an international competition designed to develop students' creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through complex, open-ended challenges. It goes beyond academic learning, helping students develop essential 21st-century skills.

Our teams' success is a testament to their dedication. The Language Literature team (Nika Shi, Eshal Hasan, Charlie Lynch, Fiona Matheson-Grant, Maddie McDowell, Sian Pegg, Matilda Myers), which secured National Champion titles in both 2023 and 2024, displayed exceptional storytelling and creative performance skills. The STEM team (Eric Zhang, Harry Digby, Ashton Gates, Sam O'Hagan, Jonathan Searle, Tom Streeter, Ovian Meiyalaghan, a non-travelling member for Nationals), after receiving Honours in 2023, triumphed as 2024 National Champions and earned the prestigious Spirit of TOM Award for their teamwork, resilience, and cooperation. The Social Sciences team (Rasheli Hettiarachchi, Pippa Tyrer, Ivy Ding, An Nguyen, Saanvi Pandya, Ella Poxon, Skye Whetter) also impressed with their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, winning the 2024 National Championship for their division.

A significant part of this journey has been the unwavering support from their teachers: Kiri Dillon, who is also a member of the National TOM Committee, alongside Vanessa Lamont, Michaela Couperus, and Dave Phillipps. These teachers have guided the teams through months of preparation, fostering their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The teams have committed countless hours to their preparation, sacrificing most lunch breaks, intervals, and time outside of school over the past two years to master the skills necessary for success.

Now, as our teams prepare for the Tournament of Minds International Finals in Sydney, they will apply these skills on a global stage, competing against the best teams from around the world. This opportunity not only showcases their hard work and talent but also highlights the support and expertise of the teachers who have mentored them.

We are incredibly proud of our students and look forward to cheering them on as they represent New Zealand at the international level. Their success reflects the strength of Lincoln High School’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and teamwork.

STEM Team

Social Sciences Team

Language Literature Team

Article added: Thursday 26 September 2024