The 2025 Academic Triathlon – Curiosity, Courage and Competition
There was a real buzz across Santa Maria College this term as students from all eight Houses came together for the annual Academic Triathlon, a much-anticipated McAuley Shield event that celebrates learning, teamwork and a touch of healthy rivalry.
Held over two House PCTs, the Triathlon featured three lively rounds.
- Spelling Bee – Years 5 to 8
- General Knowledge Quiz – Years 9, 10 and 11
- Maths Round – Years 5 to 8 and Year 10
Each year group had a role to play. Whether it was spelling unfamiliar words in front of peers or working under time pressures to solve complex problems, students embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and focus.
Leading the Way
This year’s event marked the first Triathlon for Anahat Singh, in her role as 2026 Academic Captain. She took on a key leadership role, helping write quiz content, running sessions, and offering support across both days. Her calm, confident presence and attention to detail helped make the event a smooth and successful one.
“The highlight for me was seeing the girls collaborate.” Anahat said. “Seeing them step out of their comfort zones and cooperate with peers they might not usually speak to was inspiring. In trying to find solutions they developed important skills. The teams problem-solving to build and solve problems they hadn’t come across before did bring some challenges, but seeing how effectively they worked together to overcome them, was truly the best part.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Triathlon is a celebration of how students think, collaborate and respond to challenges. Across all three rounds, they demonstrated the kind of curiosity, confidence and critical thinking that extends far beyond textbooks.
It is also a rare opportunity for students from different year levels to team up, share ideas and learn from each other in a setting that feels both inclusive and fun.
A Celebration of Academic Spirit
The Academic Triathlon is a highlight of the McAuley Shield events, not just because of the competition, but because of the culture it fosters. It is a space where students proudly represent their Houses, support one another, and showcase a different kind of strength.
While results are still on the way, what stood out most was the energy, effort and unity shown by all involved. That is something worth celebrating, with or without a trophy.
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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.
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