The da Vinci Decathlon
The da Vinci Decathlon
The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge students with a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity. Students compete in teams of eight across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy.
This year, St Aloysius College (SAC) enthusiastically entered two teams. The Year 5-6 team, guided by Ms Graney and Ms Cronin, showcased their abilities, while the Year 9 team, under the guidance of Mr Cotton and Ms Schonberger, brought their own unique strengths. Prior to the competition, both teams diligently met to enhance their teamwork skills and become well-versed in the different categories of the competition.
Ms Viviana Graney
Primary Coordinator (Teaching & Learning)
Mr Tom Cotton
Digital Technologies Coordinator
With a total of 24 competing teams in the Year 5/6 division, the St Aloysius team demonstrated their competitiveness across all disciplines, leaving a remarkable impression.
YEAR 5 & 6 PLACINGS
- Engineering: 2nd place
- Art and Poetry: 3rd place
- Maths: 3rd place
- Ideation: 3rd place
- Cartography: 4th
- Overall: 4th
YEAR 5 & 6 Students Reflected together:
What was the most challenging aspect of the day?
“Collaborating and finding solutions in a short time frame.”
Which area did you feel most confident in and why?
“Engineering because we enjoyed making the model and doing something creative and hands on.”
What was the benefit in working as a team?
“You’re not alone, you can share ideas and you can talk through difficult questions. Sometimes others in the group were able to look at something with fresh eyes and see the solution straight away.”
The Year 9 team competed strongly against the other schools and achieved some great results. The girls worked hard as a team and had a great time.
Year 9 Placings
- Ideation: 4th
- Art and Poetry: 2nd
- English: 1st
YEAR 9 Students Reflected:
What was the best part about the day?
“Getting to compete with other schools and answer questions and be exposed to knowledge I normally wouldn’t be exposed to.” Olivia McLeod 9KS
“Working with my teammates and being able to compete in some intense tests of knowledge was a great challenge.” Alice Kearins 9KS
