It may come as a huge shocker to learn that the average high school learner probably has more general knowledge than many adults.
This was shown at the IIE Varsity College National High School Quiz (NHSQ) hosted at the Sandton campus on June 5, where 88 learners represented schools from across Johannesburg in the first round.
ALSO READ: Varsity College Sandton shapes future professionals
Participating learners took part through a smartphone application called Kahoot, where each tackled the 62-question quiz to the best of their capacity. The quicker participants answered the more points they earned.
The questions asked ranged from relatively easy, to mind-bending – like: How many bones are in an average adult’s body? What do you call it when two rivers meet? To win this quiz required true intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to think quickly on the spot.
“I’ve been with Varsity College for the past five years, and we’ve had a quiz every single year since then,” said VC Sandton co-ordinator Anto Kagisho. Kagisho also sits on the question selection committee at the higher learning institution. “It happens across all the eight campuses that we have nationally, and it all happens at the same time.”
Grades 9, 10 and 11 learners’ knowledge on subjects ranging from geography, history, science and nature, sport, entertainment and current affairs was tested during the quiz.
ALSO READ: A festival of culture at Sandton Varsity College
The learners participating on the day hailed from several schools across the Johannesburg region – Lonehill, Sandton, Boksburg, Randpark, and Alberton.
“We had schools that we call feeder schools, so it’s all schools that are in the surrounding area, within the region,” said Kagisho. “If you have a smartphone, and you’re within the grades that are eligible to participate, then you’re in.”
The learners who have made it to the top 10 in the Sandton leg of the quiz will be competing with their counterparts from other campuses in the region on June 19.
“The other campuses from the various coastal campuses are also going to meet up,” said Kagisho. “For the ultimate quiz, winners will be going down to Durban for the finals in July.”
Top ten winners:
10. Josh January
9. Divyesh Naicker
8. Muhammed Roshan
7. Meya Pather
6. Tapiwa Chataika
5. Hadi Khalife
4. Ketania Naidu
3. Tej Kistasamy
2. Sashen Ramlal
1. Aston Jordan
