Globeducate Academic Olympics 2024: A Journey of Learning, Collaboration, and Discovery

From 19th to 22nd November, the Globeducate Academic Olympics 2024 brought together 160 students from 25 schools across 10 countries in northern Spain. Hosted by O Castro British International School and Coruña British International School, the event offered students aged 13 to 15 a unique opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities through a series of innovative and hands-on challenges.

This year’s Academic Olympics took inspiration from the Camino de Santiago, a symbol of history, culture, and heritage, making it the perfect backdrop for fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity.

The event began with a spectacular opening ceremony, with the Camino de Santiago as the main theme, the theme chosen by the host schools to carry out the academic tests and challenges that the students had to face.

Organised into 19 teams made up of students from different schools, they walked their own Camino, proudly carrying their team banners, which alluded to key stages of the Camino de Santiago, in a parade that concluded at the school's Sports Pavilion, where the participants received the final instructions and guidelines for the academic competition.

The Challenges

Students engaged in challenges across four key areas: Robotics, Science, Mathematics, and an interactive treasure hunt rooted in art, history, and literature.

Robotics: Innovate, Programme, and Create

Students programmed Beebots, tackled Minecraft missions, and designed Lego bots to recreate the famous Camino de Santiago.

These tasks combined technology and creativity, providing participants with insights into the world of engineering and problem-solving.Science: Explore, Experiment, and Discover

Through hands-on physics, biology, and chemistry experiments, students built structures, classified local flora and fauna, and conducted the Rainbow Challenge to master chemical precision.

Mathematics: Pushing the Limits of the Mind

Teams competed in mental arithmetic competitions and problem-solving quizzes designed to test speed, accuracy, and logical reasoning.

The Great Treasure Hunt – El Camino de Santiago

The grand finale saw students navigate Vigo in an immersive orienteering race. Tasks challenged their creativity and knowledge of art, history, and science as they raced to solve riddles and puzzles.

Miguel Vilches, the event Coordinator, said: "The Academic Olympics is more than just a competition—it’s a journey of growth, collaboration, and discovery. Watching the students flourish and seeing all the hard work behind the scenes come to life fills me with immense pride,” said Miguel Vilches, Coordinator of the Academic Olympics. “Their creativity, resilience, and teamwork are a testament to the transformative power of education and the limitless potential of young minds."

Building Skills for a Better Future

Participants didn’t just compete; they collaborated across cultures, developing skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork.

Dominic Abbott, Head of School at Coruña British International School, reflected on the significance of the event: “It has been a privilege to host such a dynamic event. Seeing students from all over the world collaborate and celebrate learning while forming lifelong connections is what Globeducate is all about.”

Recognising Excellence

The closing ceremony celebrated the students’ achievements in their teams, with names all connected to the local area.

• Gold: Palas de Rei
• Silver: Roncesvalles
• Bronze: Portomarín

Special awards were also presented to individuals who embodied Globeducate values:

• Leadership: Antón Amaro, O Castro British International School
• Positive Attitude: Kimo Illane, Sophie Germain.
• Creativity: Violet Smith, Stonar School

Leopold, Year 10 student at Coruña British International School said: “The event exceeded my expectations. I knew from classmates that had been to other Globeducate events that they are fun and a great experience but even so the AO was so much better than I had imagined it would be and in my opinion too short!”.

Jimena, Year 10 student, said: “It was such a positive experience as we met and made many friends from different countries that I am sure I will keep in contact with and see again in the future. It was a very interactive experience where we acquired new skills and experimented with different and original activities. I would definitely recommend other students to take part in this event if they get the opportunity”. 

Shaping the Future Together

The Globeducate Academic Olympics exemplify the group’s commitment to preparing students for a global future. Through events like these, students form meaningful connections, explore new horizons, and discover their potential in a collaborative, international setting.

Congratulations to all participants and organisers for making the 2024 Academic Olympics an unforgettable journey of learning and discovery!

Jonathan Potier, teacher at International French School (Amsterdam), said: “We did enjoy the organisation, the challenges and the overall feelings of being part of a whole community. It was a very exciting experiences for your students that exceeds our expectations”.