DA VINCI DECATHLON WRAP UP

As reported in previous weeks, our Year 7-10 teams recently competed in an ‘academic decathlon’, the da Vinci Decathlon, at The University of Western Australia. At the time of reporting we only knew the 1st-3rd places in the categories, but this week we received the overall placings. The key to doing well is consistency and scoring points in almost all events. This means selecting a well-balanced team.

I should point out that this annual event attracts mostly independent schools, many of the larger Catholic Schools and a few state secondary schools such as Shenton College, Bob Hawke College and Willetton Senior High School. I mention this to help put into perspective the enormity of our students' achievements as these schools have lead the state in their academic achievement. 

It is with great pride that I announce the year level overall results:

• Year 7s placed 6th (out of 28 schools)
• Year 8s placed 4th (out of 28 schools)
• Year 9s placed equal 3rd (out of 25 schools)
• Year 10s placed 4th (out of 25 schools) 

Mrs Pauline Galloway and I are so proud of all 32 students in achieving these amazing and ‘consistent’ results against the toughest competitors in WA. I believe great results reflect a fine balance between high expectations and having an ‘I CAN’ attitude: nothing worth achieving is ever achieved without a lot of hard work and dedication to excellence.

Mrs Tanya Atherton

Head of Gifted and Talented