2023 Pentathlon
Every year, students in the 5th grade at Waldorf Schools across the country start getting ready for the Pentathlon. As a part of their curriculum, these students study Ancient Greek civilization, covering topics such as government, history, culture, and mythology. The Pentathlon is a sports event that is based on the games played in Ancient Greece. Similar to every other aspect of the Waldorf curriculum, the Pentathlon is created to connect the students' learning and growth, making it more relevant, and encouraging their enthusiasm for their studies.
Tamarack students training for the discus
Fifth graders from Tamarack and eight other Midwest Waldorf schools gathered at Camp Whitcomb-Mason in Hartland, Wisconsin for this epic, three-day event. The students were divided into city-states and competed in five different activities: discus, javelin, long jump, wrestling, and running. The final event was a relay race where all participants worked together to compete against other city-states.
Despite its appearance as a typical sporting event, the Pentathlon is more than just a competition. The emphasis is placed on building new friendships, teamwork, and sportsmanship. All participants receive medals, but only those who perform the best and show beauty in their form and presentation receive laurels.
The Pentathlon is often seen as a rite of passage for students as they transition from lower to upper grades. For this particular group of students, it was their first school event where they spent nights away from their parents. Although there were many unknowns, each child returned home feeling a little older, with a sense of accomplishment, and of course, exhausted from the experience.
Tamarack received laurels for the following:
Aslan (Truth, in the long jump - the longest long jump at 11.5ft.)
La'Maya, Vivian, and Luna (Beauty, javelin)
Debonne and Oscar (Beauty, discus)
Luca (Beauty, long jump)
Below are some reflections from the students:
“The thing I loved most about the Pentathlon was meeting new people! The staff and teachers were really nice and fun. ”
“Overall, I really did enjoy the Pentathlon. Some of my favorite parts were definitely the javelin, long jump, running, and whenever we had free time. It was really fun to explore a new place with my friends.”
“The Pentathlon was really fun! I met new people and had the best 3 days of my life. I learned new games and learned things about other people. ”
“My favorite thing about the Pentathlon was being out in nature for 3 days straight, I also liked getting to met new people. In the future, I would like to be a judge at the Pentathlon”
“The Pentathlon was a good thing. I’m glad I made it! The last day was incredible. I think just being cheered on and watching and trying to do your best brought out the best in all of us.”