Extension Programs

Academic Success at Da Vinci Decathlon

On Wednesday 3 May, two teams from Year 7 and 8 students competed in a very challenging academic competition known as the Da Vinci Decathlon. The Decathlon challenged our students to work in teams of eight on high-level challenges across 10 disciplines under strict time pressures: Art & Poetry, Cartography, Code Breaking, Creative Producers, Engineering, English, Legacy, Ideation, Mathematics, and Science.  This year’s theme was ‘Chaos’, which applied to all disciplines. This event was held at Overnewton Anglican Community College and Year 7 and 8 teams from other schools competed in the Decathlon.

Both our Year 7 and 8 teams performed admirably, placing in the top 3 across many of the disciplines:

Year 7:

1st in the Engineering 

2nd in Creative Producers (a short-dramatic presentation) 

3rd in Code Breaking and Ideation (a team problem-solving challenge)

Year 8:

1st in Cartography and Creative Producers 

3rd in Art and Poetry, Ideation and Code Breaking

3rd place overall, behind Mentone Grammar in first place and Ballarat Grammar in second place.

Certificates and badges were awarded to both teams at assembly this week. We congratulate all students on their fantastic achievements and for giving up their time to practice for this event.  Da Vinci relies heavily on team skills: collaboration, initiative, communication, and positive energy and these students lived up to this expectation! Well done on being fine ambassadors for Aitken!

Year 7 Team: Revaan A (7K), Bianca A (7M), Darsh C (7S), Annie D (7K), Amyra J (7S), Namya M (7S), Kiara P (7K), Kevan R (7S)

Year 8 Team: Makayla A (8J), Alyssa C (8G), Hemish D (8J), Joel F  (80), Mia P (8C), Raza K (8G), Yara K (8S), Anushka S (80)

Mrs Mary Ann Di Martino

Head of Faculty – Extension Programs