Montessori International College students have achieved outstanding success at the 2026 Da Vinci Decathlon, demonstrating the power of perseverance, collaboration and curiosity on one of the region’s most exciting academic stages.
The Da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious full-day team challenge that brings students together to compete across ten disciplines, including Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Creative Producers, Art & Poetry, English, Cartography, Legacy and Ideation. Designed to challenge both intellect and teamwork, the event encourages students to think critically, creatively and collaboratively.
This year, MIC was proudly represented by two exceptional teams: the 7&8 Land and Community Team and the 9&10 Local Integrated Projects Team. Both groups embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, achieving remarkable results.
The 7&8 Land and Community Team secured an impressive 2nd Place in the Science challenge, showcasing their knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Meanwhile, the 9 & 10 Local Integrated Projects Team delivered an extraordinary performance, earning:
• 1st Place in Science
• 1st Place in Engineering
• 2nd Place in Mathematics
• Community Spirit Award for outstanding teamwork and kindness
What makes this achievement even more inspiring is that the 9 & 10 team competed one team member down, with more than half the students participating at Year 9 level while competing in the Year 10 division. Despite this, they approached every challenge with positivity, resilience and a willingness to give their all. Their incredible energy and cooperation were widely recognised, with event organisers and Sunshine Coast Grammar student volunteers praising their teamwork and spirit throughout the day.
Preparation for the competition began well before event day. Throughout Term 1, participating students gathered weekly to strengthen their improvisation skills, practise code breaking ciphers, refine creative writing, explore new art techniques and tackle practice papers. They also explored this year’s regional theme of time, ensuring they were ready to embrace every aspect of the challenge.
For the students, the experience was about far more than awards. It was an opportunity to learn, grow and collaborate in a dynamic environment.
“Being in that environment with everyone throwing ideas around and working together is a great experience,” shared Maisy Payne.
Michelle Macdonald reflected, “I find it fun to learn new things and Da Vinci is a great catalyst for that.”
Peaches Brettell added, “Everyone was really nice and gave us lots of compliments for being kind and said we deserved to win.”
These reflections capture what makes Montessori International College’s approach so powerful. Fostering not only academic excellence, but also confidence, kindness and a genuine love of learning.
We are incredibly proud of every student who represented MIC at the 2026 Da Vinci Decathlon. Their achievements are a testament to the strength of teamwork, the value of preparation and the spirit of a Montessori education. Congratulations to both teams on this remarkable accomplishment.
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