St Patrick’s College has proudly hosted regional Victoria’s only Da Vinci Decathlon, welcoming more than 160 students from public and independent schools across the state.
Held in the College’s Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, 1 April, the event showcased exceptional academic talent in a day of spirited competition and collaboration.
The Da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious academic tournament that challenges teams of students across ten disciplines, including engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy.
Inspired by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, the competition pushes students to think creatively, work collaboratively and problem-solve under pressure.
St Patrick’s College fielded teams in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, all of whom represented the College with distinction. Our Year 10 and Year 7 teams will now attend the Melbourne Da Vinci Decathlon at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School on Thursday, 29 May.
Top 3 Placings by Year Level:
Year 7:
1st – Geelong Grammar School
2nd – Ballarat Grammar School
3rd – St Patrick’s College
Year 8:
1st – Bacchus Marsh Grammar – Maddingley
2nd – Ballarat Grammar School
3rd – Bacchus Marsh Grammar – Woodlea
Year 9:
1st – Ballarat Grammar School
2nd – Phoenix P-12 College
3rd – Ballarat High School
Year 10:
1st – St Patrick’s College
2nd – Geelong Grammar School
3rd – Ballarat High School
In addition to their overall performance, St Patrick’s College teams achieved outstanding results across a variety of disciplines:
Year 7:
• 1st – Engineering, Legacy
• 2nd – Mathematics, Creative Producers
• 3rd – Art and Poetry, Science, Ideation, Code Breaking
Year 8:
• 2nd – Code Breaking, Legacy
• 3rd – Art and Poetry, Cartography, Engineering, Science
Year 9:
• 1st – Creative Producers, Code Breaking
• 2nd – Science
• 3rd – Legacy
Year 10:
• 1st – Art and Poetry, Creative Producers, Science
• 2nd – Engineering, English, Ideation, Legacy
• 3rd – Mathematics, Cartography
St Patrick’s College Principal Steven O’Connor praised the spirit and determination of all participants.
“It was inspiring to witness so many talented young students embrace the challenges set before them. The Decathlon is not just about winning—it’s about fostering a love of learning, teamwork, and innovation,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud to have brought this opportunity to regional Victoria and to have hosted such an exciting and engaging competition.”
St Patrick’s College Head of Academic Enrichment and Extension, and event organiser Kathryn Fraser, said the energy was electric as students threw themselves into each challenge with vigour, collaboration and a genuine love of learning.
“Our students approached every challenge with curiosity, creativity, and resilience. There were moments of intense focus—with crinkled brows deep in thought—and others of pure joy when breakthroughs were made,” she said.
“It was a privilege to watch them grow and shine throughout the day.”
Congratulations to all students and schools involved in making the 2025 Da Vinci Decathlon such a resounding success.
For more information about the Da Vinci Decathlon, visit www.davincidecathlon.com.
