This year, more than 12,000 students from Years 5 to 11 are involved in the annual da Vinci Decathlon, across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Schools take turns to host regional, state and international events, with the National Finals coming up at Knox on Saturday 28 June.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
12 August 2026
Staff and visiting guests gathered at Knox on 12 August for a Twilight Networking Event. Bringing leaders together for an evening of connection and conversation, attendees later heard from internationally bestselling author, former state champion boxer and business owner Luke Kennedy.
10 August 2026
Last Saturday’s final rounds in 2026 Winter Sport season marked the conclusion of another outstanding chapter in Knox Sport.
07 August 2026
“Visual Arts deepens our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the world around us,” says Wendy Shearer (Visual Arts Teacher and Head of Department, Senior School). “Through creative practice, students explore ideas, communicate experiences, and develop personal ways of seeing and interpreting the world. Art becomes both a form of expression and a means of connecting across time, place, and culture.
