Brighton College Dubai hosts 2025 UAE Tournament of Minds
United Arab Emirates, Dubai: This past weekend, Brighton College Dubai hosted the UAE regionals of The Tournament of Minds (ToM), an esteemed Australian educational competition designed to enhance pupils' ability to tackle complex challenges through innovative problem-solving.
Five schools from Dubai and Abu Dhabi participated in the tournament's latest edition, with over 105 pupils forming 16 teams, fostering a competitive spirit and collaborative environment. Pupils tackled a variety of spontaneous and long-term challenges in global and topical contexts.
The participating schools included: American Academy for Girls, Brighton College Dubai, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, The English College Dubai, and Private International English School (PIES) Abu Dhabi. Each school demonstrated their commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and divergent thinking among pupils.
After six weeks of intensive preparation and presentations before a judging panel, the winners were announced. In the Social Sciences Primary category, Brighton College Dubai's Brighton Blitz took first place, and The English College's EC Invincibles earned honours. In the STEM Primary category, Private International English School's PIES Primary team secured first place, while Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's Team RAMLLA received honours. In the STEM Senior category, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's InnovEngineers claimed first place, with honours going to Private International English School's PIES Senior team. In the Social Sciences Senior category, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's JP Geniuses took first place, while Brighton College Dubai's Andromas Advocates were awarded honours.
Sarah Brannon, UAE Director of Tournament of Minds and Head of Prep at Brighton College Dubai commented on the event's success: 'It was fantastic to welcome so many talented and enthusiastic pupils to Brighton College Dubai for this year's Tournament of Minds. The creativity, confidence, and teamwork on display throughout the day were exceptional. The challenges demanded deep thinking and imaginative solutions, and every team rose to the occasion. Congratulations to all who took part – and thank you to the schools, judges, and supporters who helped make the event such a success.'
During the competition, teams worked independently for six weeks to develop creative solutions to problems within predetermined parameters and criteria. In the STEM challenge, pupils were asked to focus on a specific aspect of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. Each team had to devise an innovative device to remove or mitigate their chosen type of plastic pollution, explain what would happen to the collected waste, create a prototype, demonstrate how it works, and produce a scaled drawing of the device. In the Social Sciences challenge, teams addressed a fictional event that caused the continents to move, re-connect, and release the Spirit of ToM. They were tasked with exploring how this would affect the world as we know it and building a 3D model of The New World.
Bhadhra Vivek, Grade 7 pupil at Private International English School said, 'The 'Tournament of Minds' urged me to step outside of my comfort zone and taught me the value of fortitude, cooperation, and innovative problem-solving. Despite tight deadlines, difficult assignments, and moments of uncertainty, which were just a few of the difficulties our team had to overcome, we never wavered, but rather helped each other throughout. In addition to assisting me in building my leadership qualities, this experience demonstrated to me what can be achieved when perseverance and passion gleefully unite. Though it feels a dream to have won the national round for the second consecutive year, it is a great honour and pride to grab the opportunity to represent UAE, our second home, at the international level.'
The Tournament of Minds is acclaimed for its dynamic educational approach, fostering experimentation and problem-solving among talented pupils in primary and secondary education. Pupils are organised into teams and participate in disciplines such as STEM, The Arts, Language Literature, and Social Sciences. Teams are evaluated on creativity, scientific understanding, technology use, application of STEM principles, design and construction, presentation skills, and overall performance, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. Aligning with international curricula, TOM encourages critical and creative thinking, equipping participants with essential skills for the evolving world.
For more information and press enquiries please contact:
Plus 1 Communications /madhu@plus1comms.com
About Tournament of Minds
The Tournament of Minds (TOM) is an Australian educational programme designed for talented and creative students across primary and secondary school education. TOM emphasises a dynamic approach to learning, encouraging students' enthusiasm for experimentation, problem-finding, and problem-solving. Teams of students from various schools form vertical group structures and undertake challenges within specific discipline groups. The programme aligns with international curricula, fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students.
About Brighton College Dubai
Brighton College Dubai is a co-educational independent school that offers a distinctively British education to pupils aged from three to 18 years old. As the sister school of Brighton College UK, Brighton College Dubai has strong and tangible links to England's 'School of the Decade', as named in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table 2020.
Since launching its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha South in 2018 the College has been crowned by Schools Compared Top School Awards as 'Best New School in the UAE 2018-2024', whilst Which School Advisor credits the College for delivering 'quite possibly the most outstanding early year's practice in the UAE'. In addition, the College was recently graded as 'Very Good' by the KHDA and achieved 'Outstanding' in all areas of a recent British Schools Overseas report and has also celebrated outstanding GCSE and A-Level results. Talk Education describes the College as 'One of the most desirable schools in the city'.
Brighton College Dubai is operated by Bloom Education, a Bloom Holding subsidiary, and delivers the highest standard British curriculum in the UAE, as well as inspiring pupils to appreciate and value local heritage and cultural diversity. As well as Brighton College Dubai, Bloom Education operates a Brighton College campus in Al Ain, rated Outstanding by ADEK and another in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its outstanding GCSE and A Level results.
For more information please visit: https://www.brightoncollegedubai.ae/
About Bloom Education
Bloom Education supports the development of future generations through partnerships with world-class international education brands, owns brand schools and nurseries, and the operation of UAE Charter Schools and New Generation Schools.
A pioneer in the Middle East education sector for more than 14 years, Bloom Education has introduced and operated leading American, English and International Baccalaureate curriculum education brands in the UAE market and has provided exceptional educational experiences and opportunities to more than 20,000 students. The partner of choice for international school brand Brighton College, Bloom Education has been entrusted to deliver and sustain the highest international standards locally and has been selected by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to operate the Abu Dhabi Charter Schools programme. Bloom Education has also been chosen by Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) to operate schools in the Northern Emirates, as part of the 'Ajyal' (new 'generation') school initiative.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
11 hours ago
- The National
Money & Me: ‘Raising Dh2 million in funding for my start-up is a milestone'
For Jennifer Cohan Solal, buying a home in Dubai and raising funds for her UAE-based retail start-up are major financial milestones. The French citizen, 37, who lives on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah with her husband and two children, is chief executive and co-founder of Hushday, a premium flash sales platform. The company offers limited-time flash sales from luxury and premium brands in a members-only space for the digital-first generation. In April, it raised more than Dh2 million ($550,000) in pre-seed funding. Launched just this year, Hushday offers members access to sales across fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, home and leisure products. The company is already considering plans to grow beyond the UAE and expand operations into Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. 'We're not here to patch a post-Covid inventory issue. We're here to open a new, scalable path for growth for brands who want to reach a younger, price-sensitive, digital audience,' says Ms Solal, who has lived in Dubai for more than two years. 'We found our paradise here as entrepreneurs. There's something very inspiring about the UAE's pace, vision and ambition. It's the best choice we've ever made.' Before moving to the Emirates, Ms Solal worked in fashion and e-commerce sectors for more than 12 years and studied marketing at a French business school. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? I grew up in a fairly privileged environment. Both my parents were doctors, but nothing was handed to them. They arrived in France from Algeria with nothing, and built their lives through hard work and education. That influenced me the most, seeing first-hand how much it takes to succeed and how deeply independence and resilience are rooted in our family culture. So even though we never lacked anything, my parents always told me to be careful and thoughtful about money, and above all, to rely on myself. That mix of stability and drive has shaped every decision I've made. How did you first earn? My first job was with a start-up when I was 18. I launched a luxury concierge service company in Paris by procuration for a woman who had an amazing idea, but no time to execute it. So, I did everything from A to Z for her and gained more recognition and experience than money. I enjoyed the feeling of autonomy, the sense that if I wanted something, I had the power to go out and make it happen. My first real job was with The Other Store, and my job was to create and manage e-commerce websites for brands. I was 20 years old and got paid €1,000 ($1,154) a month. Any early financial jolts? The biggest financial setback was when I left the corporate world to launch my first start-up, L'Ultime, in Paris. I call it the first digital native vertical brand in pastry. Although the brand gained strong visibility in France, the media attention was incredible and the revenue looked exciting, I quickly learnt the difference between revenue and profit and between brand hype and sustainable growth. So, it was humbling, but also an incredible experience. I met a lot of inspiring people and understood the deeper mechanics of running a business. It made me a stronger and responsible entrepreneur. How do you grow your wealth? I'm in reinvestment mode, so I pour most of my capital into building a long-term vision for Hushday. I have also invested in Dubai real estate. My husband and I purchased a villa on Palm Jumeirah two years ago. We also have property investments in France. Are you a spender or a saver? I'm more of a spender now, but spend consciously. I invest in my business, in quality experiences with my family and in our lifestyle. But I aspire to become more of a saver in the years to come because I want to build a legacy and create a financial foundation that brings freedom, not stress. Have you been wise with money? Yes, I've always been careful with money. I don't take reckless risks such as big spending sprees or flashy purchases, apart from the occasional luxuries I need during sales or beautiful family trips. I've never lived beyond my means. I was raised to be intentional with money and that has stayed with me. Even now as I build my company, I make sure that every dirham I spend serves a purpose and receives a return on investment. What has been your best investment? My best investment was on my own education and self-development, in my children's education and in Dubai. We love this city and feel aligned with its energy and ambition. We are committed to creating something meaningful here for our family and the ecosystem. Any cherished purchases? Yes, everything in our home is a cherished purchase. All items, from the furniture to the decorations, have been chosen with intention. I spent a lot of time and energy to build our home. I love the feeling when people walk in and say it doesn't feel like a house, but a home. Every morning, my husband and I almost cry when we wake up and see the sun and sea in front of us. How do you feel about money? Money is just a consequence, it's not a goal. It gives you freedom, but it doesn't define success. For me, what matters most is creating an impact, leaving a mark and building something lasting. Being the richest person in the cemetery never interested me. I want to do something that lives beyond me and make my children and family proud. Any financial advice for your younger self? Start saving earlier, not out of fear, but to gain freedom. Understand that money buys you time, leverage and peace of mind. Use it to invest in skills, ideas and people who elevate you. Never confuse visibility with value. Also understand that growth is quiet, but compounding is magic. Any key financial milestones? Raising our first round of funding for Hushday was huge, not just because of the capital but the confidence it signalled from people who believe in our vision. Another milestone was buying our home in Dubai before we moved here from Paris. It was a statement of trust in ourselves, in our family and in the life we're choosing to build here. What luxuries are important to you? Spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new places and getting lost in different cultures. When we will eventually be free from work, my husband and I plan to do a world tour. So, it's not always about price, but about the richness of experience and emotions. What are your financial goals? Financial independence is non-negotiable. But right now, my main focus is on creating value and building Hushday into the future leader of premium private sales in the Gulf region. I want to create strong returns for investors and build a brand that resonates across borders.
The National
11 hours ago
- The National
An ode to the sacrifices of a Palestinian dad for Father's Day
He doesn't say 'I love you' very often. But, at 82, he will fight his chronic back pain, the one that has come back after surgery, and leave the warmth of his bed at 6am. He'll head to the market to buy fruit and vegetables that could otherwise have been ordered and delivered within the hour. This is the way Arab fathers say 'I love you.' I was at my parents' house once when my dad, Dr Mazen AlTaher, began to put on his shoes after coming home from work. He was exhausted and still sweating from the walk home. I kept asking where he was going, but he wouldn't tell me. Eventually, I said I'd go with him. We walked in the Abu Dhabi heat for 10 minutes. We entered a supermarket and he picked up some fruit, including some watermelons. They were really heavy, but I insisted on taking them off his hands like it was nothing. I was dizzy by the time we got home and thought the whole trip was unnecessary. Nobody had asked for these things and there was no need to leave so suddenly in the middle of the day in summer. But he takes pride in this. He will cut that melon, and offer it to us after lunch or in the afternoon. It is his way of saying 'I love you', and we're saying 'I love you too' when that piece exchanges hands. For him, every 'that was delicious' means 'thank you for everything you do.' Empowerment As a Palestinian, my dad struggled growing up. He has six younger siblings. His mother died when he was nine, something he only talked about once – five years ago when he was still under anaesthesia from back surgery. He often suppressed his emotions. He was used to carrying the burden in silence. All of it. From the big decisions he had to make after his father died to the financial hardships he had sending all of his five kids to schools and universities. I am the youngest and there's a 13-year gap between me and my eldest sister. By the time it was my turn to go to university, my dad had already depleted most of his resources to get my brothers and sisters through. But all he asked of me was one thing: get good grades. 'I would sell the clothes off my back to educate you,' I remember him saying once. You would think this man, who grew up without a mother, would not be so inclined to empower women. But shortly after I turned 21, the first thing my dad did was to take me to the Emirates School of Transport, sign a no-objection letter and help me get the driving lessons I needed to become more independent after graduation. And when I got my license while working as a journalist at a local paper, he saved every single one of my articles. This is how Arab dads say 'I am proud of you'. Family first Like most Arab dads, my father is so committed and dedicated to his family that he would hand-wrap our Eid gifts – which are always perfumes – at 5am on the first day of Eid, after morning prayers. We would all tear them open in seconds, the gifts he had spent so much time imperfectly perfecting. I once saw him hunched over, trying to make those corners smooth and painstakingly cutting pieces of tape to keep it all together. I have started to keep the wrapping paper. Then there are the daily check-ins. When he doesn't see my name in the newspaper, I would get a call: 'What's happening? Why aren't you writing anything?'. 'Baba, I'm working on long-term projects,' I'd reply. 'Oh,' he would say, disappointedly. He just wants to see my name in the paper. 'Your achievements are mine,' he'd say. And I believe him. The dramas But of course, no Arab father would be who he is without a little drama. When I told him I have a surprise for him this Father's Day – referring to this column – he insisted that I reveal what it was. 'You never know. I might not live until Friday,' he said before reciting a verse of poetry that made an otherwise happy topic quickly turn dark. I caved in, of course, and told him. He suppressed his smile. But I know it meant something to him. Baba, as you're reading this, know that I love you and I see everything you do for us. Happy Father's Day to you and all the vigilant Arab dads who are 100 per cent dedicated to their families, in a way that future generations can only hope they can aspire to be too.
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Aldar generates more than $953mln in sales at Fahid Island during launch week
Aldar today announced it has generated over AED3.5 billion in sales at Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, the island's first residential developments released during launch week. The Fahid Island homes attracted a diverse pool of buyers, drawn by the island's position as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination, the waterfront lifestyle, and proximity to super-premium education at Kings College School Wimbledon which sits within the wider wellness inspired masterplan. Expatriate residents and overseas buyers account for 67% of total sales, with buyers from the UAE, Russia, the UK, and China making up the top nationalities by sales volume. This strong local and international interest underscores Fahid Island's emerging global profile as a premier lifestyle destination where wellness meets culture, nature, and community. 42% of buyers are under the age of 45, signalling growing demand for luxury wellness-focused living among younger demographics. Notably, 67% of buyers are first-time Aldar customers, demonstrating Aldar's expansive reach and the appeal of the Group's thoughtfully curated destinations. Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development, said, 'The highly anticipated launch of Fahid Island has resulted in the first homes released generating more than AED3.5 billion - and serves as a powerful validation of our vision to place wellness at the heart of community living. The success reflects Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's most desirable investment and lifestyle destinations and we are expecting continued interest in Fahid Island as Abu Dhabi's first wellness island builds its profile on the global stage.' In response to the overwhelming demand for Fahid Beach Residences, Aldar accelerated the launch of Fahid Island's second residential offering, The Beach House during launch week and sales progress continues at pace. Comprised of 11 elegantly designed towers offering a collection of studios to 3-bedroom + maid apartments, the new development draws on its coastal surroundings and is thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of calm, lightness, and relaxed sophistication. Residents benefit from exquisite interiors and breathtaking views of the sea and Abu Dhabi skyline, as well as a state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, direct shoreline access, and seamless connectivity to Coral Drive, the island's boutique retail boulevard. With further residential launches planned, Aldar will continue to deliver on its vision to transform Fahid Island into a vibrant, wellness-focused destination that redefines coastal living in the region.
