Inside the da Vinci Decathlon

What is the da Vinci Decathlon’s purpose, history, and direction?

The da Vinci Decathlon was established by Knox in 2002 with the purpose of celebrating the academic strengths of gifted students in a way that mirrors the spirit of the Olympic Decathlon. The competition was designed to engage students across ten disciplines including engineering, art, and ideation.

Since its inception, the da Vinci Decathlon has developed significantly. Its continued success is a testament to the enthusiasm of students, the commitment of educators, and the enduring value of academic enrichment programs that values curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. It strengthens problem-solving and teamwork skills and builds confidence in students’ abilities to approach complex issues with fresh perspectives and offer unique solutions.

The culture of the da Vinci Decathlon promotes mutual respect and admiration among competing teams. As students represent their schools with pride, they not only strive for excellence but also celebrate the achievements of others, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and shared passion for learning.

Looking to the future, the program equips students with the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. It inspires interschool spirit, competition, and sportsmanship by bringing together students from a wide range of schools to engage in collaborative academic challenges.

Why is celebrating academic challenge and excellence so important?

Valuing intellectual talents, effort, and curiosity encourages a growth mindset, where the process of learning is seen as an exciting journey rather than just a means to an end. By acknowledging academic achievement, we inspire students to pursue their passions, think critically, and strive for innovation.

What outcomes do we see from the students with this event?

Essentially, the da Vinci Decathlon fosters the development of well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead, innovate, and collaborate in a rapidly evolving world.

• Leadership: As students guide their teams through challenges, make strategic decisions, and take responsibility for their group’s success, students build confidence in their leadership abilities and gain essential skills for future leadership roles.
• Teamwork: The collaborative nature of the event strengthens teamwork, as students work with peers from varied backgrounds and skillsets, learning to communicate, delegate tasks, and support one another. This fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
• Agility: Additionally, the hands-on nature of the tasks allows students to tackle real-world problems, enhancing their ability to adapt and find creative solutions when faced with challenges.
• Analytical abilities: Finally, the Decathlon promotes critical thinking by encouraging students to analyse situations, evaluate different perspectives, and make informed decisions, skills that are vital both in academics and life.

The da Vinci Decathlon promotes a culture where academic strengths are celebrated just as much as sporting or artistic abilities, helping to build well-rounded individuals and a future generation of thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers.

What does the 2025 State theme of ‘Light’ entail?

Each year, the themes for the Regional, State, and National da Vinci Decathlon competitions are refreshed to inspire new ideas and perspectives. In 2025, the Regional theme is Sustainability, the State theme is Light, and the National theme is Turning Points. For the State competition, Light symbolises the spark of curiosity that fuels students to explore, question, and innovate. Within the da Vinci Decathlon community, it also represents the brilliance of young minds working together and shedding light on ideas. Ultimately, it celebrates insight, inspiration, and the transformative power of learning to illuminate not only individual journeys but also the world around us.

With thanks to Sherry-Ann Bieman, Director of da Vinci Decathlon and Executive Assistant to Deputy Headmaster Academics 7-12.