Eleven Hillcrest Christian College students will represent Australia on the world stage this week, travelling to Yale University in the United States to compete in the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions, the final and most elite round of the global academic program.
Departing the Gold Coast on 4 November 2025, the students – Joscelyn du Toit, Tim Gregory, Pietra Dini, Marley Pacific, Zara Waters, Cameron Hawley, Aidan Colgate, Trisong Yangzom, Emily Barker, Cleo Hadi, and Chloe Colbran – earned their place in the competition after excelling at both the Regional Round, hosted earlier this year at Hillcrest, and the Global Round in Christchurch, New Zealand. Their success has secured them a coveted invitation to the Tournament of Champions at Yale, an honour achieved by only the top teams worldwide.
Hillcrest students Tim Gregory and Zara Waters said they were thrilled to represent both their school and Australia in such a prestigious setting.
“We’ve been working hard all year and can’t believe we’ll be competing at Yale,” said Tim Gregory. “It’s amazing to think we’ll be debating, writing and collaborating with students from all over the world.”
Fellow teammate Zara Waters added, “It’s such a huge opportunity, not just to test what we’ve learned, but to see Yale, meet new people, and experience global learning in real life.”
Zara and Tim’s older siblings were also part of Hillcrest’s 2022 World Scholar’s Cup team, which achieved an impressive 4th place overall at the Tournament of Champions – a legacy the younger students are proud to continue.
Now in its fourth appearance at Yale in the past five years, Hillcrest Christian College is proud to be recognised among the world’s top-performing schools in the program.
Jacques Du Toit, Head of Enrichment at Hillcrest’s Senior Learning Community, has been the driving force behind the school’s long-running success in the competition. As the host of the Gold Coast Regional Round since 2019, he has led Hillcrest teams to Yale on three previous occasions and was named the World Scholar’s Cup Coach of the Year in 2023.
“At Hillcrest, we love providing this unique academic opportunity that allows students to be challenged and connect with others from across the world,” Mr Du Toit said. “It’s a coming together of nations, celebrating their love for learning and the new friendships they form – it’s wonderful to witness.”
Each year, the Gold Coast Regional Round welcomes over a dozen schools and more than 400 students from across Southeast Queensland to Hillcrest Christian College.
Principal Jeff Davis said the World Scholar’s Cup embodies Hillcrest’s commitment to inspiring curiosity, creativity and courage in its students.
“This competition celebrates learning in its purest form; it’s about teamwork, critical thinking and global awareness,” Mr Davis said. “To see our students not only achieve academically but also embrace the joy of learning and collaboration is something we’re immensely proud of. Representing Hillcrest and Australia at Yale University is an extraordinary honour.”
The World Scholar’s Cup draws over 1,500 students from more than 60 countries each year, with events ranging from team debates and collaborative writing to the fast-paced Scholar’s Bowl. This year’s theme, ‘Reigniting the Future’, challenges students to explore new ways of thinking across science, history, literature, art, and social studies.
The Hillcrest delegation will also visit Boston, New York and Washington D.C. as part of a broader cultural and educational tour, taking in historic sites and world-class universities along the way.
“It’s the trip of a lifetime! We’ll be learning, competing and exploring all at once,” said Tim.
