HeronBridge College knows its books and has definitely earned its bragging ‘writes’!
On 29 November, the school’s team competed in and won the final round of the High School Book Quiz: Bragging Writes competition hosted by the Skoobs Theatre of Books in Montecasino. The HeronBridge team racked up a total of 54 points in the six categories on the night, beating runners-up Reddam House Helderfontein team’s 43 points to take home the final prize. Beginning in February, five local schools competed in a total of six rounds that lead up to the final.
Other schools which participated during the year were Steyn City School, Fourways High School and Brescia House. HeronBridge won the first quiz round in February, while Reddam House Helderfontein won the second round in March.
“HeronBridge College and Reddam House Helderfontein have certainly been the strongest teams throughout the competition, so it is no surprise that they are in the finals. It is gratifying to see that these kids are so passionate about reading and knowledgeable about books,” said Kristen Rolston, the store manager who organised this year’s quiz.
“I would like to thank the teachers and students of the participating schools who have shown such enthusiasm, enjoyment and commitment to the quiz.
“Tonight’s quiz follows the same format as the previous six rounds, but I would like to think the questions are just a little bit harder as befits a final.”
This round saw the two teams answering questions as a group in six categories with themes like ‘classic and contemporary books’, ‘the wizarding world’ and ‘general knowledge’.
Although actress Natasha Sutherland had acted as quizmaster for the Bragging Writes quiz for most of the year, a family commitment meant she could not be there for the final. Instead, Skoobs’ resident quizmaster Gill Lindsell wore the quizmaster hat for the evening. “The secret to being a good quizmaster is to have fun and to have interesting questions,” Lindsell said. “It’s been wonderful to see the teams, and I’d say diversity in a team is the best way to be successful.”
At the halfway mark of the final, HeronBridge was in the lead with 26 points to Reddam’s 23-and-a-half points, and pushed that lead right up to the end when they took home the winning prize hamper full of goodies sponsored by Penguin Random House, Jonathan Ball Publishers, Disney South Africa, Solarpop Games, Movies@ Monte, Texan Wing Bar, The Teatro and SG Distributors.
Rolston is very proud that the quiz was a success, and hopes to bring it back again soon. “I would love to hold the quiz again next year and to have the winning school defend their title. We have also been approached by a homeschooling organisation who would like to take part next year.
“Should any school like to contact me about competing for ultimate ‘bragging writes’ in 2020, please can they email [me].”
Details: If you want to get your school involved in 2020, please send an email to Kirsten Rolston events@skoobs.co.za
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