About 8th Grade Academic Pentathlon

Academic Pentathlon Information

Academic Pentathlon is an exciting five-event competition for 8th grade students. The program engages students of all achievement levels in a variety challenging academic events. Under the guidance of a coach, teams of students prepare for competition in the subject areas of fine arts (art and music), literature (including essay), math, science, and social science.

Survey results from students who participated in the Academic Pentathlon:

94% reported improved skills in critical thinking
82% reported improved skills in communication
87% reported improved skills in team-work
64% reported improved creativity
77% reported development of stronger character traits

ENGAGEMENT

The program encourages active involvement and collaboration of teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

88% reported that the program helped them to build relationships with their peers.
76% reported that the program helped them become more involved at school.

Each grade level also competes in an exciting SuperQuiz relay, a team event where parents, faculty, and classmates cheer for their teams from the sidelines, championing academics much like the environment of a sporting event. The top scoring teams and individual students are awarded medals and plaques.

PURPOSES OF THE ACADEMIC PENTATHLON

To encourage students to develop a greater respect for knowledge.
To promote wholesome inter-school competition in academic areas of study and interest.
To stimulate intellectual growth and achievement.
To encourage public interest and awareness of outstanding programs in American schools.
To prepare students to possibly continue on to High School Academic Decathlon.

THE TEAM

Each school is to have a team consisting of a minimum of nine members, all of whom are to be students from the eighth grades. The members are to include three students from each of the categories listed below.