Year 5 IGNITE Students Put Teamwork to the Test

April 8, 2025

Armed with clues, curiosity and teamwork, our Year 5 IGNITE students set off on a high-energy Amazing Race around the College. But this was no ordinary race. It was about teamwork, communication, and thinking on the go.

And they absolutely nailed it.

What Is IGNITE?

IGNITE is Santa Maria College’s Gifted & Talented program for students in Years 5 to 7. It’s all about stretching curious minds and creating learning that’s fun, challenging and different.

This term, the girls have been building their collaboration skills. They’ve worked in teams, reflected on how they learn, and practised solving problems together.

One student, Scarlett, loved “working together with my team to complete the challenges on the playground and near the pool.” She added, “My favourite part was running through the banners at the end and winning the Amazing Race!”

Year 9 leader handing a clue to younger students

Students solving clues together near the playground

IGNITE participants working on a puzzle at a checkpoint

How the Race Worked

Over the past few weeks, students wrote and tested their own clues. On Monday, it was time to race! In small teams, they solved riddles that led them to spots all over the school:

Doyle Playground
The Oval
Café Area
Student Services
Pool Outdoor Area
Science SuperLab
Library
The Figure 8

At each checkpoint, they met friendly Year 9 students who handed out the next clue.

Sienna, one of the Year 9 helpers, said, “I really enjoyed helping the Year 5s. It felt great to be a leader and support them when they needed help. I loved watching them solve the challenges and seeing how excited they got!”

Real Learning, Real Fun

The girls were full of energy as they ran between locations. There were smiles, high fives, and lots of encouragement. But they were also learning big skills along the way.

The Amazing Race helped students to:

Think creatively
Communicate clearly
Manage setbacks
Respect different ideas
Reach group goals
Reflect on their contribution

IGNITE teacher Amanda Nenke said, “Year 5s are new to the school and new to each other. The goal this term was to build collaboration and teamwork. It was wonderful to see them solving clues, enjoying themselves, and working with students they don’t always partner with.”

Chloe shared that “one of my highlights was doing the puzzle because everyone got involved.” Phoebe added, “My favourite part was walking up and down the stairs—it was so much fun. I’d love to do something like that again!”

Why It Matters

Starting in Year 5 gives girls the chance to build friendships and confidence early. Through IGNITE, they explore ideas, solve problems, and discover what they’re capable of.

And activities like the Amazing Race? They’re the moments that make school unforgettable.

AmazingRace, Collaboration, Featured, Gifted&Talented, IGNITEProgram, leadership, ProblemSolving, SantaMariaCollege, StudentActivities, teamwork, Year5

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.