The inaugural THINKfest was hosted at St Peter’s Primary School in Inglewood recently.

A collaboration between GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) teachers and students from St Peter’s Primary School, Trinity College, St Paul’s Primary School, and St Columba’s School, THINKfest was designed to meet a need for GATE students to collaborate, share, innovate and think in a non-competitive environment.

The students were put in teams of four or eight, allowing them to get to know each other, improve collaboration skills and create friendships for the future.

Throughout the day students were involved in team building, philosophy, engineering and problem-solving activities while also enjoying a presentation from Josh Richards, one of 100 astronaut candidates shortlisted for a one-way mission to Mars in 2031.

St Peter’s Primary School GATE Coordinator Clare Magee said Mr Richards explained how those who visit space were only allowed 1kg of personal items to be contained in something the size of a lunchbox.

“We considered what we would bring for our 1kg,” she said. “Some chose a deck of cards, a harmonica, a language converter, family photos and even a fidget cube.”

The students asked thought provoking questions like: “In what way will humanity be changed on Mars?”.

“It was a joyful, entertaining and challenging day where our students had a chance to think critically and creatively as well as problem solve — all skills required for the 21st Century learner,” Ms Magee said.

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