The IIE’s Varsity National High Schools Quiz winners gearing up for the regional round

The top 10 learners, from a starting group of 36, who participated in the first round of The IIE’s Varsity National High Schools Quiz in early September are through to the regional round.

The learners, who represented 15 high schools in the Midrand, were quizzed on geography, history, science and nature, sport, entertainment, and current affairs.

The top 10 learners included Pinnacle College Kyalami Grade 11 learner Gomolemo Mathibe, who secured first place, followed by Finn Kokot from Grade 11 Radford House High School in second.

Mahlohonolo Dhlamini from Grade 10 at Fourways High School claimed third, with Rea Machogo from Grade 11 at Midstream College coming in fourth. Rik Koki from Grade 11 at Reddam House Helderfontein secured fifth place.

Moving down the list, Rilay Kingsley-Wilkins from Radford House High School in Grade 10 secured sixth place, while Lonwabo Makhubu from Grade 11 St Francis College came in seventh.

Folashade Olugbosi from Grade 9 at Pinnacle College Kyalami secured eighth, with Seth Mouton from Grade 11 at Curro Waterfall coming in ninth. Finally, Stacey Norrie from Grade 11 at Royal Schools Alberton secured the 10th position.

Gomolemo, who emerged as the winner, said he decided to participate in the quiz as he thought it would be a fun experience with his friends and schoolmates.

Although he found the questions challenging, he managed to stay calm until the quiz started.

“I was calm right until we logged on for the quiz, and then all my common sense went out the window. I don’t think the questions were too hard, but the wide variety definitely made some of the questions very challenging,” explained Gomolemo.

This annual quiz is a great opportunity for learners to challenge themselves on current affairs, while schools can showcase their talent.

Gomolemo added that it does not matter how much you prepare for the quiz, as he was sweating every time he saw Finn get more points on the board.

“He did amazing coming in second, and I can’t wait to beat him again. I am very excited about the regional. I feel like I am unstoppable now and am aiming for the crown.”

During the Gauteng regional round, which will be held at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton on September 20, the top 30 learners who competed at The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall, Pretoria, and Sandton will compete for a spot in the final round.

The top two learners from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Cape Town will then meet at the national finals, which will take place on October 14 at The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall Campus.