Da Vinci Decathlon Explained for Competitive Students

Updated: 19.05.2025

Read time: 3 min read

What Is the Da Vinci Decathlon?

In this competition, teams of eight students compete in multidisciplinary academic challenges across ten disciplines, including engineering, mathematics, art, and science; teams register, prepare for a range of tasks, and are judged on teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.

Where Is the Da Vinci Decathlon Held?

The Decathlon is held in person at regional and national venues, primarily in Australia, with some international participation. Teams compete face-to-face in schools or designated venues. The main competition is held at Knox Grammar School where it originated.

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About the Da Vinci Decathlon: Celebrating Academic Excellence and Creative Problem-Solving

The Da Vinci Decathlon is an annual academic competition founded in 2002 by Knox Grammar School, an independent school in Sydney, Australia. Inspired by the interdisciplinary genius of Leonardo da Vinci, the competition aims to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students by engaging them in ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy.

Initially conceived as an extension of the school’s gifted and talented program, the Da Vinci Decathlon has grown into a national and international event, with regional competitions held across Australia and the prestigious national final hosted at Knox Grammar School in Sydney. The competition emphasizes higher-order thinking skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, reflecting the spirit of an Olympic decathlon.

In 2024, the Da Vinci Decathlon expanded its reach globally, with the International Da Vinci Decathlon held at Trinity College, Oxford, United Kingdom. This expansion underscores the competition’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and creative problem-solving among students worldwide.

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Key Details

Subjects: Ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art/poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, legacy

How to Enter: Form a team of eight, register through your school, and compete in multidisciplinary challenges at regional/national events.

Age Range: School students (typically ages 11–16)

Competition Format: Teams of eight compete in ten disciplines; tasks include short-answer, problem-solving, and creative challenges.

Recognition: Trophies, medals, and certificates for top teams.

Sample Task: Decode a cipher, write a poem, and solve a complex engineering problem-all in one round.

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Our Tips for Succeeding in the Da Vinci Decathlon

Work closely with your team to divide the ten disciplines according to each member’s strengths. Practice sample tasks and focus on creative problem-solving and higher-order thinking. Stay organized and communicate clearly during the competition. Encourage each other and maintain a positive team spirit. Flexibility, teamwork, and lateral thinking are crucial for success.

FAQs

How Hard is it to Stand Out in the Da Vinci Decathlon?

It is competitive primarily in Australia and select countries, with teams judged on multidisciplinary academic performance and creativity.

How Does the the Decathlon Impact College Applications?

It positively impacts applications by showcasing multidisciplinary skills, creativity, and teamwork, especially if you achieve high placements or leadership roles.