Da Vinci Decathlon: Exploring Minds and Building Utopias

March 14, 2024

Last week, some of our students enjoyed an exciting day of exploration. Three teams of eight, from Years 6, 7, and 8, ventured to the Da Vinci Decathlon hosted at the University of Western Australia. The Da Vinci Decathlon, renowned for its ability to ignite intellect and curiosity of gifted students, proved to be an unforgettable experience for all those involved.

The essence of the Da Vinci Decathlon lies in its unique approach to academic competition, challenging participants across ten diverse disciplines. From engineering to poetry, code-breaking to legacy, students engage in a riveting battle of wits and creativity. Working collaboratively in teams, they delve into the realms of knowledge, problem-solving, and innovation.

Throughout the day, our students immersed themselves in three intense sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Within these sessions, they tackled between two to four disciplines, confronting questions that tested their resilience and ingenuity. The challenges were not merely academic; they were a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of creative thinking.

This year, the overarching theme of ‘Utopia’ infused the competition with an extra layer of intrigue. From designing sky-reaching structures to envisioning a brighter future for Perth, every question resonated with the essence of utopian ideals. It was a journey where imagination and intellect meshed seamlessly, paving the way for boundless possibilities.

Among the highlights of the day was the enthusiasm of our Year 6 team. Immersed in the realms of ideation and science, they thrived on the opportunity to explore and innovate. Their passion and dedication exemplified the spirit of the Da Vinci Decathlon, where learning transcends the boundaries of traditional education.

As the day concluded, our teams departed with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. The Da Vinci Decathlon had not only tested their academic prowess but had also nurtured their thirst for knowledge and creativity. It was a reminder that in the pursuit of excellence, there are no limits to what the human mind can achieve.

In retrospect, our journey to the Da Vinci Decathlon was more than a competition; it was a celebration of intellect, collaboration, and the boundless potential of young minds.

Collaboration, Creativity, Featured, Innovation, Learning 4 Life, ProblemSolving

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.