HAVE you got what it takes?
About The Challenge
The G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge is a national, team-based competition held in Term 4, designed to engage high-ability students in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
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The competition is designed to prioritise teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking over individual performance.​Schools register teams that are made up of students with advanced abilities across the curriculum.
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​​Commencing in Term 4, teams come together for the G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge event, applying their preparation in a live, team-based setting. Across the day students rotate through four distinct rounds, each linked to a different scenario with a different academic focus. Each team draws on the strategies, collaboration, and problem-solving approaches developed during the Training Series.​​​​​​​​​
✓ Minimal teacher involvement
The G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge is designed to run independently of school staff. No teachers are required on the event day, with all activities fully facilitated by G.A.T.E.WAYS presenters. There is no assessment or judging required from teachers, allowing schools to provide a high-impact extension experience without adding to workload.
✓ Unique and exciting scenarios
The Challenge comprises four distinct and engaging scenarios, each centred on a different area of thinking and learning. Every scenario presents a unique hypothetical problem to solve and is supported by purpose-built resources, ensuring a consistent, well-structured experience across all rounds.
✓ Teamwork at its core
The G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge is designed for collaboration rather than individual performance. Students work together to recognise and leverage each other’s strengths, building shared strategies and solutions. Success depends on collective effort, with each Challenge structured so that no single student can complete a round alone. A dedicated teamwork-focused Challenge further develops students’ ability to collaborate effectively and contribute meaningfully within a team.
✓ Training material provided
Schools are supported through the Challenge Training Series in Term 3, featuring a sequence of structured weekly activities aligned to each Challenge scenario. Accompanied by dedicated training materials, the series is designed to prepare teams effectively while also serving as a valuable extension resource for Years 3–6. Over time, students build the confidence, strategies, and collaborative skills needed to perform at their best.
How to participate
1.
Check for available
dates and venues
in your state.
2.
Register your teams
(four students for each team)
3.
Prepare for the competition using the training material
4.
Teams compete
at The Challenge
event
Please note:
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Each team is made up of four students and up to 6 teams can be registered per division. The divisions are Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6.
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Teachers nominate their students and parents pay for their child (unless subsidised by the school).
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The fee for 2026 is $139 per student (this includes full access to the Training Series).
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For detailed information about The G.A.T.E.WAYS Challenge and how to participate, please download the program information. Register your team to secure your spot in the competition! Have you got what it takes?
2026 Scenarios
YEARS 3 and 4
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The Deep Sea Architect
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Priority Access Case
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The Book Doctor
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Teamwork round
YEARS 5 and 6
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Star Struck skaters
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Lady Stanza's last sonnet
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The Mathematician's vault
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Teamwork round
And the winner is...
2025 Years 3 and 4 winners:
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Equal 1st: Canberra Girls Grammar — Brainy Bunch
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Equal 1st: Murray Farm Public School — Brainy B.E.E.M.S
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2nd: Pacific Hills Public School — Glitter Goblins
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3rd: Pacific Hills Public School — Crowdos
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90th percentile: Parkdale Primary School — Quick Thinkers
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90th percentile: Good Shepherd Lutheran — Fish Bites
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2025 Years 5 and 6 winners:
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1st: Rouse Hill Anglican — Rouse Hill Newtons
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2nd: Good Shepherd Lutheran — Four-midable Force
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3rd: Auburn South Primary — Auburn South Nerds
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90th percentile: Canberra Girls Grammar — Geniuses On Demand
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90th percentile: Canberra Grammar — The Fabled 4
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90th percentile: Coatesville Primary School — The Halogens
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You have to be in it to win it...register your teams now!