What's New? | Thinking Outside The Box | Penny Willoughby

Term 2, 2019 Programs

Sun, 10 Mar 2019 17:43:33 +1100

I am so pleased to announce our Term 2 programs are now open for bookings for high ability learners. You can find information about the programs, or book your child in, by clicking one of the links below.

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Martian Maths (Open-ended Numeracy) - Book Now

Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Problem Solving Club (Numeracy) - Book Now

If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact Janine:

0429 522 903 or admin@thinkingoutsidethebox.com.au.

We suggest you get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! Early Bird bookings close on Friday, 5 April. All bookings close on Wednesday, 24 April.

We look forward to seeing your child there.

- Penny.

Term 4, 2018 Programs

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:02:35 +1000

I am excited to announce our Term 4 programs are now open for bookings for high ability learners. You can find information about the programs, or can book your child in, by clicking one of the links below.

Narre Warren North Primary School

Prep (Foundation) - Sparttron’s Maths (Numeracy) Book here
Grades 1 & 2 - Invent That (Technology & Creativity) Book here
Grades 3 & 4 - Seven Wonders (Geography) Book here

Oatlands Primary School (Open only to Oatlands students)

Grade 3 - Superhero's Underpants (Literacy/Journalism) Book here
Grade 4 - Superhero's Underpants (Literacy/Journalism) Book here

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Invent That (Technology & Creativity) Book here
Grades 3 & 4 - Seven Wonders (Geography) Book here

If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact Janine: 0429 522 903 or admin@thinkingoutsidethebox.com.au.

We suggest you get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! Early Bird bookings close on Friday, 21 September*.

Bookings close on Friday, 12 October*.

* Dates not applicable to Oatlands PS.

We look forward to seeing your child there.

- Penny.

Term 3, 2018 Programs

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 12:40:49 +1000

We are delighted to announce a range of stimulating programs for highly able children running in Term 3. Bookings are now open and you can use the links below to see more information or to go straight to bookings:

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Theia (Science - Light & Sound) Book here

Grades 3 & 4 - Super Sleuth (Chemical Science) Book here

Grades 5 & 6 - Herlock Shoams (Numeracy-Problem Solving) Book here

Oatlands Primary School (Open only to Oatlands students)

Grade 3 - Maths Tricksters (Numeracy) Book here

Grade 4 - Maths Tricksters (Numeracy) Book here

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Theia (Science - Light & Sound) Book here

Grades 3 & 4 - Super Sleuth (Chemical Science) Book here

Grades 5 & 6 - Science Secret (Chemical Science) Book here

If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact Janine: 0429 522 903 or admin@thinkingoutsidethebox.com.au.

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount closes on Friday, 29 June. All bookings close on Thursday, 19 July.

Term 2, 2018 Programs

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:54:01 +1100

Our programs for Term 2, 2018 are now up on our website. Use the links for more information and to go to bookings:

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-Ended Numeracy) Book here
Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) Book here
Grades 5 & 6 - Herlock Shoams (Numeracy-Problem Solving) Book here

Oatlands Primary School (Open only to Oatlands students)

Grade 1 - Maths Monster (Open-Ended Numeracy) Book here
Grade 2 - Maths Monster (Open-Ended Numeracy) Book here

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-Ended Numeracy) Book here
Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) Book here
Grades 5 & 6 - Herlock Shoams (Numeracy-Problem Solving) Book here

If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact Janine.

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount ends on Friday, 30 March, 2018. Bookings close on Thursday, 26 April, 2018.

We hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Term 1, 2018 Programs and Exam Preparation Classes

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:53:03 +1100

I am delighted to announce that we’re offering the following range of stimulating programs in Term 1, 2018. Use the links for more information and for booking links:

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Literacy/Writing)

Grades 3 & 4 - Superhero’s Underpants (Literacy/Journalism)

Grades 5 & 6 - Word Revolution (Literacy/Language)

Oatlands Primary School (Open only to Oatlands students)

Grade 1 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Literacy/Writing)

Grade 2 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Literacy/Writing)

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Literacy/Writing)

Grades 3 & 4 - Superhero’s Underpants (Literacy/Journalism)

Grades 5 & 6 - Myths & Legends (Literacy/Writing)

Exam Preparation Classes

We will also be running exam preparation classes in Term 1. For details about the content, click here. For bookings, click here.

If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact Janine.

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount ends for most programs on Friday, 22 December, 2017. Bookings close for all programs on Friday, 9 February, 2018.

Term 4, 2017 Programs

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 16:29:07 +1000

It is with pleasure that I invite parents to book their child in to one of a our stimulating programs running in Term 4. Below is a summary of what’s of offer in Term 4:

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Problem Solving Club (Numeracy)

Narre Warren North Primary School

Foundation - Sparttron's Maths (Open-Ended Numeracy)

Grades 1 & 2 - Message From Yunan (Technology)

Grades 3 & 4 - Spies Inc. (Codes & Ciphers)

Oatlands Primary School

Grade 1 - Message From Yunan (Technology)

Grade 2 - Message From Yunan (Technology)

The Patch Primary School

Foundation - Nursery Rhyme Letters (Literacy/Writing)

Grades 1 & 2 - Message From Yunan (Technology)

Grades 3 & 4 - Spies Inc. (Codes & Ciphers)

Bookings for Term 4 programs are now open. Just click on a program to find out more about it, read the Important Information, Payment Information and Terms & Conditions. Then click on ‘Book now’ on each page to book a place for your child. The online booking system is easy and fast - but if you need any help please contact Janine.

Term 3, 2017 Programs

Sat, 27 May 2017 18:35:08 +1000

I am pleased to announce our engaging and stimulating programs on offer in Term 3, 2017! Here is a summary of what’s running in Term 3:

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Numeracy) Book now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Travel to Planet Yunan (Space/Imagining) Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - Who Stole The Sustainability Key? (Environment) Book now
Grades 5 & 6 - Global Power Sleuth (Renewable Energy/Geography) Book now

Oatlands Primary School (Open only to Oatlands students)

Grade 1 - Penwar the Alien (Literacy / Creative Imagination) Book now
Grade 2 - Penwar the Alien (Literacy / Creative Imagination) Book now

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Penwar the Alien (Literacy / Creative Imagination) Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - Who Stole The Sustainability Key? (Environment) Book now
Grades 5 & 6 - Global Power Sleuth (Renewable Energy/Geography) Book now

Exam Preparation Classes

My popular exam preparation classes are running again in Term 3. See this page for information about the classes and to book in.

Bookings for Term 3 programs are now open. Just click on a program to find out more about it, read the Important Information, Payment Information and Terms & Conditions. Click on ‘Book Now’ to book a place for your child. The online booking system is easy and fast - but if you need any help please contact Janine.

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount* ends Friday, 16 June, 2017. Bookings close on Friday, 30 June, 2017.

*Applies to most programs.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Term 2, 2017 Programs

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 22:49:33 +1100

I am pleased to announce our engaging and stimulating programs on offer in Term 2, 2017!

Here is a summary of what’s running in each school:

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Mysterious Stories (Literacy/Writing) - Book now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Martian Maths (Open-Ended Numeracy) - Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - The Borrowers’ House (Geometry) - Book now
Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Numeracy - Problem Solving) - Book now

Oatlands Primary School (Open only to Oatlands students)

Grade 1 - That’s Not How it Ended (Literacy/Writing) - Book now
Grade 2 - Martian Maths (Open-Ended Numeracy) - Book now

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Penwar the Alien (Literacy/Creative Imagination) - Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - The Borrowers' House (Geometry) - Book now
Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Numeracy - Problem Solving) - Book now

Bookings for these programs are now open. Just click on a program to find out more about it, read the Important Information, Payment Information and Terms & Conditions. Click on ‘Book Now’ to book a place for your child. The online booking system is easy and fast - but if you need any help please contact Janine.

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount* ends Friday, 31 March, 2017. Bookings close on Friday, 21 April, 2017.

*Only applies to some programs.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Exam Preparation Classes

Sun, 29 Jan 2017 14:15:10 +1100

I am pleased to offer exam preparation classes for students sitting entry exams for a gifted program (e.g. SEAL - Select Entry Accelerated Learning) or a scholarship in 2017.

I have helped many students over the years prepare for uncoming exams and thoroughly enjoy the personalised nature of these classes.

The classes are for small groups and will help students to:

Know what to expect when they sit the exams
Practise completing past exams and understand how to improve their performance
Find out about the range of questions they will face and the best way to tackle each of them
Learn how to manage their nerves and time
Plan how to use their strengths to best advantage
Clarify their goals and focus their motivation

You can click here for more information or go straight to bookings if this program is for your child.

Please call me if you would like to chat about whether this is suitable for your child.

- Penny.

Term 1, 2017 Programs

Sun, 11 Dec 2016 17:37:22 +1100

I am excited to announce our engaging programs on offer in Term 1, 2017! Grades 1 & 2 children will interpret the World for a visiting alien, Grade 3 & 4 students will create mysterious stories and participants in Grades 5 & 6 will explore the nuances of language or write their own myth or legend.

Below is a summary of what programs are running in each school in Term 1:

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Mysterious Stories (Literacy/Writing) - Book now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Penwar The Alien (LIteracy/Imagining) - Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - Mysterious Stories (Literacy/Writing) - Book now
Grades 5 & 6 - Myths and Legends (Literacy/Writing) - Book now

Oatlands Primary School

Grade 1 - Travel to Planet Yunan (Literacy/Writing) - Book now
Grade 2 - Invent That! (Literacy/Writing) - Book now

The Patch Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Mysterious Stories (Literacy/Writing) - Book now
Grades 5 & 6 - Word Revolution (Literacy/Language) - Book now

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount ends Friday, 23 December, 2016*. Bookings close on Friday, 10 February, 2017.

*Doesn’t apply to all programs.

I hope to see your child there.

Term 4, 2016 Programs

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:04:06 +1000

It is with great pleasure that I announce some more exciting programs on offer in Term 4!

Foundation (Prep) children will solve and write mystery letters from well-known nursery rhyme characters, participants in Grades 1 & 2 will draw on their inventiveness and Grade 3 & 4 students will explore the amazing Seven Wonders of the World.

Below is a summary of the programs running in Term 4.

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Invent That! (Technology/Creativity) - Book now

Kallista Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Seven Wonders (Geography) - Book now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Foundation (Prep) - Nursery Rhyme Letters (Literacy/Writing) - Book now
Grades 1 & 2 - Invent That! (Technology/Creativity) - Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - Seven Wonders (Geography) - Book now

Tecoma Primary School

Foundation (Prep) - Nursery Rhyme Letters (Literacy/Writing) - Book now
Grades 1 & 2 - Invent That - Under The Sea! (Technology) - Book now

The Patch Primary School

Grades 5 & 6 - Herlock Shoams (Numeracy - Problem Solving) - Book now

Please get in quickly as these programs usually fill fast! The Early Bird discount closes Wednesday, 31 August, 2016*.

*Tecoma Primary Early Bird bookings close 2 September.

Term 3, 2016 Programs

Sun, 29 May 2016 16:35:00 +1000

I am delighted to announce that we are offering our highly, popular science programs in Term 3! Children will unravel the mystery of the Goddess Theia, deduce who the culprit is and solve the science behind an incident.

Here is a quick summary of the programs running in Term 3. Click on a program for more information or ‘Book Now’ to go straight to the booking page.

Balwyn Primary School

Grades 5 & 6 - Science Secret (Science - Chemical) - Book now

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 5 & 6 - Science Secret (Science - Chemical) - Book now

Kallista Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Super Sleuth (Science - Chemical) - Book now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Mysterious Theia (Science - Light & Sound) - Book now
Grades 3 & 4 - Super Sleuth (Science - Chemical) - Book now

Tecoma Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Mysterious Theia (Science - Light & Sound) - Book now

The Patch Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-ended Numeracy) - Book now

Bookings for these programs are now open. Just click on a program to find out more about it, read the Important Information, Payment Information and Terms & Conditions or book a place for your child. The online booking system is easy and fast - but if you need any help please contact Janine.

Hurry! These programs usually fill fast. The Early Bird discount closes Wednesday, 22 June, 2016.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Term 2, 2016 Programs

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:05:56 +1100

I am delighted to announce that we are offering our highly, popular numeracy programs in Term 2! Children will be introduced to characters such as the Maths Monster and Herlock Shoams or will have an opportunity to learn mind-boggling maths tricks.

We are also excited to welcome Balwyn Primary School and Knox Gardens Primary School to Thinking Outside The Box programs and can’t wait to hear their feedback!

Here is a quick summary of the programs running in Term 2. Click on a program for more information or ‘Book Now’ to go straight to the booking page.

Balwyn Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-ended Numeracy) - Bookings open soon
Grades 3 & 4 - Seven Wonders of the World (Geography) - Bookings open soon

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) - Book Now
Grades 5 & 6 - Herlock Shoams (Numeracy - Problem Solving) - Book Now

Kallista Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-ended Numeracy) - Book Now
Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) - Book Now

Knox Gardens Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) - Book Now
Grades 5 & 6 - Herlock Shoams (Numeracy - Problem Solving) - Book Now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-ended Numeracy) - Book Now
Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) - Book Now

Tecoma Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Maths Monster (Open-ended Numeracy) - Book Now
Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Tricksters’ Club (Numeracy) - Book Now

Bookings for these programs are now open. We’ve received terrific feedback about our new streamlined online booking process: no more paper forms or postage stamps! Just click on a program to find out more about it, read the Important Information, Payment Information and Terms & Conditions or book a place for your child. It’s easy and fast - but if you need any help please contact Barbara.

Term 1, 2016 Programs

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 18:36:50 +1100

I am delighted to offer a range of my popular programs again in Term 1, 2016!

The focus of this term is Literacy. As usual, I am working with a number of enthusiastic schools who are hosting these programs.

Here is a quick summary of the schools and programs:

Tecoma Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Story Telling) - Book Now
Grades 3 & 4 - Newspaper: Superman’s Underpants (Journalism) - Book Now
Grades 5 & 6 - The Word Revolution (Literacy) - Book Now

Kallista Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Writing/Story Telling) - Book Now
Grades 3 & 4 - Newspaper: Superman’s Underpants (Journalism) - Book Now

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - That’s Not How It Ended! (Writing/Story Telling) - Book Now
Grades 3 & 4 - Newspaper: Superman’s Underpants (Journalism) - Book Now
Grades 5 & 6 - The Word Revolution (Literacy) - Book Now

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Newspaper: Superman’s Underpants (Journalism) - Book Now

Hurry! We expect programs to fill fast. The Early Bird discount closes Monday, 18 January, 2016.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Term 4, 2015 Programs

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 15:50:13 +1000

I am delighted to offer a range of my popular programs again in Term 4, 2015!

The foci of this term are Mathematics, Technology, Codes & Ciphers and Sustainability. As usual, I am working with a number of enthusiastic schools who are hosting these programs.

Here is a quick summary of the schools and programs:

Tecoma Primary School

Grade Foundation (Prep) - Sparttron’s Maths Adventures (Open-ended Mathematics)
Grades 1 & 2 - Message from Yunan (Technology)
Grades 3 & 4 - Spies Inc. (Codes and Ciphers)

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grade Foundation (Prep) - Sparttron’s Maths Adventures (Open-ended Mathematics)
Grade Foundation (Prep) - Nursery Rhyme Letters (Literacy/Writing)
Grades 1 & 2 - Message from Yunan (Technology)
Grades 3 & 4 - Spies Inc. (Codes and Ciphers)

Dingley Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Spies Inc. (Codes and Ciphers)

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Spies Inc. (Codes and Ciphers)

Bookings for these programs are now open. I am pleased to advise that the booking process has now been streamlined online: no more paper forms or postage stamps! Just click here or above to find out more about each program, read the Terms & Conditions and book a place for your child. It’s easy and fast - but if you need any help please contact Barbara.

Hurry! Bookings close Thursday, 8 October, 2015.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

“Read all about it!” Penny in the press

Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:42:12 +1000

I was among several people recently interviewed by Fairfax Media for a special feature on Education that appeared in the Australian Financial Review on Monday, 17 August 2015. Click on the following links to read the articles online:

I hope you enjoy the articles.

- Penny.

Free Parent Information Evening

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:39:34 +1000

Thinking Outside The Box and the Gifted Support Network are delighted to invite parents to a free evening of information and discussion about gifted and talented children. Parents are welcome from all schools and whether or not your child is attending a Thinking Outside The Box program. Teachers are also welcome.

Penny is the keynote speaker and will present on:

What is giftedness?
Hands-on maths and logic problems

Please click here for full details.

Thursday, 23 July 2015, from 7:00pm for 2 hours at Tecoma Primary School.

Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Barbara Vegh on 0429 522 903 or admin@thinkingoutsidethebox.com.au.

- Penny.

Term 3, 2015 Programs

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 21:47:14 +1000

I am delighted to offer a range of my popular programs again in Term 3, 2015!

The focus this term is Space Science and Environmental Science. As usual, I am working with a number of enthusiastic schools who are hosting these programs.

Here is a quick summary of the programs:

Tecoma Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Travel to Planet Yunan – (Space Science / Imagination)
Grades 3 & 4 - Who Stole the Sustainability Key? (Environmental Science)
Grades 5 & 6 - Global Power Sleuth (Environmental Science)

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Travel to Planet Yunan – (Space Science / Imagination)
Grades 3 & 4 - Who Stole the Sustainability Key? (Environmental Science)
Grades 5 & 6 - Global Power Sleuth (Environmental Science)

Dingley Park Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Who Stole the Sustainability Key? (Environmental Science)

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - Maths Problem Solving Club (Maths)
Grades 5 & 6 - Global Power Sleuth (Environmental Science)

Registrations for these programs are now open - more details are here.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Term 2, 2015 Programs

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 20:17:55 +1100

I am delighted to offer a range of my popular programs again in Term 2, 2015!

The focus this term is Maths. As usual, I am working with a number of enthusiastic schools who are hosting these programs.

Here is a quick summary of the programs:

Tecoma Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Martian Maths (Maths)
Grades 3 & 4 - The Borrowers’ House: Where did all the missing socks go (Maths)
Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Maths)

Narre Warren North Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Martian Maths (Maths)
Grades 3 & 4 - The Borrowers’ House: Where did all the missing socks go? (Maths)
Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Maths)

Dingley and Mentone Park Primary Schools

Grades 3 & 4 - The Borrowers’ House: Where did all the missing socks go? (Maths) - Mentone Park PS
Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Maths) - Dingley PS

Knox Gardens Primary School

Grades 1 & 2 - Martian Maths (Maths)

Essex Heights Primary School

Grades 3 & 4 - The Borrowers’ House: Where did all the missing socks go? (Maths)
Grades 5 & 6 - Impossible Problems (Maths)

Registrations for these programs are now open - more details are here.

I hope to see your child there.

- Penny.

Parent Information Night - Problem Solving for Gifted Children

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 14:00:50 +1100

I am excited to announce a new event which I will be hosting together with the Gifted Support Network.

This evening will commence with a short talk from me on the benefits of Problem Solving for Gifted Children. Your chid’s teacher is also very welcome to attend and supper and a range of outstanding resources will be available.

I hope you are able to attend - here are the details:

Thursday, 11 March, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Southern Community Church of Christ, Cnr Chesterville Rd & Pine Street, Cheltenham 3192 (Melways ref 86 J1)

Are you keen to find great activities for children with lively young minds? Do you enjoy challenging yourself to solve tricky maths and logic problems?

This evening will provide a range of hands-on maths and logic problems for you to have a go at and take away for your children.

There will be a large range of levels to select from including easy problems - for younger children (Kinder, Prep etc) or beginners - through to hard problems - for adolescents and adults keen for a challenge. Penny Willoughby, of Thinking Outside The Box Professional Education Services, will be there to introduce the evening

with some thoughts on why problem solving is ideal for clever brains. Penny will also be available to help parents solve tricky problems and suggest ideas for how to use them with your children.