Geographical Association (GA) local branch (GlosGeog) WorldWise Quiz heat.
It was off to Dean Close School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (https://www.deanclose.org.uk/) this afternoon/evening for our local Geographical Association (GA) branch (GlosGeog) WorldWise Quiz heat. 20 teams of Key Stage 3 and 4 students from seven comprehensive, grammar and independent schools across the county had turned up to battle it out for three places in the next round against either Bristol or Worcester branch scheduled to be held in early 2025. Could Denmark Road High School retain the winners’ shield?
On their arrival in the main hall, teams were challenged to a starter/warm-up activity; 25 anagrams that had to be unscrambled to reveal a country, region, geographical process or feature. Teams worked enthusiastically, with the top marks (22/25) being achieved by team Frank Atlantic from Denmark Road High School.
After formally welcoming and introducing everyone, I handed over to Dr Alan Marvell, Senior Lecturer in Events Management (Business, Computing and Social Sciences) at the University of Gloucestershire, who had kindly agreed to act as Quiz Master, and a fine job he did too! Having someone with such a wealth of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills, as well as fieldwork experience was invaluable. When running through the answers with students, he was able to drip-feed further information, making the exercise an effective revision tool. We managed to work through 4 rounds before a short break, namely volcanoes, country outlines, geography of sport and fieldwork.
On our return, we attempted another 4 rounds, entitled geography from the air, Global South, geography in the news and mixed bag.
Some exceptionally proficient sixth-formers from Dean Close School marked each round and totalled the scores. It was then time to announce the winner and runners up. Congratulations to The Geocloggs from Pate’s Grammar School, who scored a total of 67 and won by a clear 9 points. They were presented with the winning shield to keep and display for the year and wooden medals.
Second and third place went to two teams from Denmark Road High School (Frank Atlantic and JNJ respectively) with only one point difference between them. They were again all awarded wooden medals.
Each participant received a wooden badge, certificate and chocolate bar for their efforts.
Many thanks to Peter and Lisa Gurr at Laser Creative Ltd (https://www.lasercreative.co.uk/) for producing customised awards for us; not only did we wish to promote sustainability, but also provide a unique keepsake for individuals. They met our demands and their customer service was second to none!
Good luck to all three teams when they attend the regional heat. Make sure you give the other branch’s teams a run for their money!
Many thanks, once again, to Sarah Rath, Head of Geography, and colleagues at Dean Close School for hosting the event; the warm welcome received and superb array of refreshments supplied were very much appreciated.
Feedback from participants can be found below:
Huge thanks to you, Emma, for organising it! I wanted to say it in person at the end, but had to rush off with a pupil to get the train. It was a great event – we’d love to do it again next year. (King’s School, Gloucester)
Pupils really enjoyed it and thank you for organising. My boys were buzzing afterwards and enjoyed the healthy competition between the schools. (Marling School)
Thank you so much, our students loved taking part. (Pate’s Grammar School)
Really appreciate the work that you’ve put into the GA Quiz too, our students absolutely loved it and are already keen to do it again next year! (Pates’ Grammar School)
Many thanks for inviting me to the WorldWise Quiz. It was an enjoyable evening and such great students. (Dr Alan Marvell)
A review by students from Pate’s Grammar School can be viewed here: https://www.patesgs.org/world-wise-quiz-victory/.