Mel Maria SEEDS TOM STEM team wins the SYDNEY TOM INTERNATIONAL FINALS

Edith Cowan University (ECU) hosted the State Tournament of Mind State competition on 20^th September. More than 180 students competed and Mel Maria were selected as the WA representative team for STEM primary.

This win saw them compete for Western Australia at the Tournament of Mind International finals in Sydney on the 29 October to the 2 November.  Mel Maria was awarded first place as the overall winners in the international TOM primary STEM category.

The International finals competition took place at the prestigious University of NSW. Students competed against all the Australian States and overseas teams in the discipline of STEM. They were required to complete an unseen lock in challenge in three hours and then perform their solution to a panel of interstate judges. This year’s task asked students to use laser pointer technologies to set up a working model for a coding system that sends messages via light. They needed to contextualise its use, create a coding system, and set up an intercepting point that redirected the light source once the message had been sent. Using the design process model students presented a highly engaging scenario highlighting and explaining their working model of a light maze, the STEM principles involved alongside a chart featuring the diagrammatical model detailing its science and mathematical understandings.

TOM is designed to develop vital skills such as time management, innovation, and teamwork by engaging students in solving complex problems within a competitive environment. Working collaboratively, participants address open-ended challenges across four key areas — The Arts, STEM, Language Literature, and Social Sciences — fostering creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. This year over 10,000 students took part in the Tournament of Minds competition.

Through the TOM program, students apply their knowledge in practical contexts, gaining real-world experience that helps them expand their understanding and build essential skills for the future workforce. The TIF 2025 theme, Innovate & Inspire,  captured the essence of what Tournament of Minds is all about. At its heart is the Spirit of TOM, embracing creativity, collaboration, and resilience. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities and turning imagination into impact. In this space, innovation is celebrated, and inspiration is contagious. We are proud that Mel Maria has been seen as a leading presence in this competition.