Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO)

Mrs Trish Prenzler recently organised for four Concordia teams (Years 9–12) to take part in Round 1 of the annual Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO).

In a two-hour period, students worked in teams to solve challenging puzzles using real languages – ancient and modern. Our students enjoyed searching for patterns and stretching their brains. OzCLO presents an unmatched opportunity for students passionate about languages, mathematics or computing to showcase their problem-solving skills.

Our teams should be commended on their incredible focus and magnificent collaboration during the event. The challenges posed by the competition required more than just linguistic knowledge; they demanded creativity, teamwork, and a deep understanding of logic and pattern recognition. Results will be available soon.

Voice of Youth Competition

The 2025 Rostrum Voice of Youth competition will challenge you to inspire, persuade and captivate an audience. It is your chance to build confidence, sharpen communication skills and make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you. Public speaking skills are critical life skills. This is your last chance to express interest in taking part in this year’s competition. Visit the Rostrum Voice of Youth website to see this year’s topics. You can nominate online.

Upcoming Competition Dates

Competitions provide gifted and highly able students with the challenge and stimulation they crave, pushing them to think critically and creatively. They offer opportunities to deepen their knowledge, develop problem-solving skills and collaborate with like-minded peers.

Additionally, competitions foster resilience, confidence and a growth mindset, helping gifted students reach their full potential. See below for some excellent opportunities students can explore.

Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to enter any of the following competitions:

• What Matters! Writing competition (Years 5–12), Closes 16 May 2025
• SA Young Writers Award, Closes 15 May 2025
  The Young Writers Award is now open to South Australian students from Reception-Year 12. It is free of topic. Entries can be poetry or prose, up to 1,000 words.
• Dymocks Beyond Words writing competition, Closes 1 June 2025
• 2025 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, Closes 14 April 2025.
  The Prize will be awarded for a short (two-minute) film that communicates a scientific concept in an accessible and engaging way. The theme for 2025 is “above and below.” (Primary and Secondary categories).

Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning