The College is gearing up to enter teams in the 2021 Optiminds Challenge. Optiminds is an inclusive team challenge that empowers participants to think, create and communicate. Teams of 4-7 people are required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges from one of the following areas:

• Language Literature
• Science Engineering
• Social Sciences

Whilst the opportunity is open to all ages, teams will be nominated in the division that matches the oldest participant in each team.  Divisions are as follows:

• Division 1 – up to Year 6
• Division 2 – up to Year 9
• Division 3 – up to Year 12

At OLSCC, students from Years 1-12 are invited to participate.

Students selected in teams will be required to work on challenges for a six week period from July 19. This six week period will involve meetings and practise sessions organised outside of school hours, with days and times negotiated by each team and their manager. This commitment of time is likely to intensify as the event draws closer. All participants must be available to present their team challenge solution on The Challenge Day in Toowoomba on Sunday August 29.

In preparation for this, Mrs Walton will be offering an Optiminds Critical and Creative Thinking Club during Term 2 on Wednesday afternoons, 3.15-4:00pm. Parents and caregivers of students who wish to participate in Optiminds should register their interest by completing this form online by Monday, March 15. An individual form is required for each student.

OPTIMINDS EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Team selections will be finalised mid Term 2. Thankyou to the many wonderful staff who have volunteered to manage teams during the Challenge period. This has enabled us to be able to offer this opportunity to our students.