2024 Academic Olympics: A Celebration of Critical Thinking, Creativity and Teamwork Abounds

The Academic Olympics kicked off on Wednesday 19 November 2024 with plenty of enthusiasm, teamwork and healthy competition. at O’Castro British International School with the first challenge: Robotics!

Students tackled exciting tasks, including programming Beebots, Minecraft creations, and Lego Bots challenges.

Over the three days, RIS students worked extremely hard, demonstrating commitment and camaraderie. Our students took part in four different teams: Burgos, León, Astorga and Logroño.

On the second day, students immersed themselves in the wonders of Science through hands-on activities that brought Physics, Biology and Chemistry to life! They applied engineering skills to construct towers and bridges, explored the diverse flora and fauna of Galicia and conducted exciting experiments to uncover the chemistry behind colorful reactions—creating their very own ‘rainbows in the lab’.

In the evening, students enjoyed the dazzling lights of Vigo with their host families—a well-deserved moment of relaxation after a day full of challenges.

On Day three, the competition took the group to the prestigious Mar de Vigo Auditorium, where students tackled the Maths Challenge in a setting designed to spark creativity and push their intellectual boundaries. The Mayor of Vigo opened the day’s events.

The final day of the Academic Olympics wrapped with students completing all their challenges. The afternoon began with a boat trip along the Ría de Vigo, followed by an exploration of the city’s history and culture through the Great Vigo Treasure Hunt. The long-awaited results were announced during the amazing closing ceremony.

Although our students did not win a medal, they are returning with something even more valuable: a journey filled with positive challenge, collaboration and lasting friendships with peers from across the globe. These experiences will stay with them and help shape their future. We cannot wait for the next adventure!