Eight talented students – four from Year 10 and four from Year 11 – battled it out in the grand final after earlier individual contests. The format mirrored University Challenge: quick-fire starter questions for 10 points, followed by tricky bonus sets worth 5 each.
The questions roamed joyfully across Mathematics, Computing, Art, Video Games, Biology, Physics and eclectic general knowledge. Competitors identified Greek gods, named iconic Andalusian architecture, recognised ancient wonders from pictures, identified classical compositions, and revealed that rapper Doja Cat was born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini.
Held in the Exam Hall in early December, the event was co-hosted by Mr Howarth and Mr Woolacott before the entire Key Stage 4 and staff. The atmosphere crackled with excitement, especially during the classical music round and a special Doctor Who segment where students guessed which villain Mr Hosking once portrayed on television (he kindly confirmed the answers!).
Sample questions included:
- Europe’s largest seaport? (Rotterdam)
- Three-point ball in snooker? (Green)
- The 1929 crisis after “Wall Street”? (Crash)
- Law stating energy cannot be created or destroyed? (Conservation of energy)
Hands flew to buzzers, scores seesawed, and tension built right to the gong.
After 28 breathless minutes, Year 10 clinched a thrilling victory. Huge congratulations to the champions for their composure and razor-sharp knowledge! Year 11 fought valiantly and can be immensely proud.
Well done to all eight finalists – a fantastic advert for KS4 talent.
Mr Howarth
