GlosGeog‘s first event of Term 4 saw 14 teams from five schools competing in their annual GA WorldWise Quiz, once again hosted by Dean Close School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Would Pate’s Grammar School manage to retain the shield for another year or might it be seized by another school?
Following a formal welcome, introductions and housekeeping, I handed over to Emeritus Professor Peter Vujakovic, who had kindly volunteered to act as Quiz Master. It was great having such an intellectual and experienced geographer at the helm since it meant additional snippets of information could be drip-fed to students at appropriate points, particularly when running through the answers to questions.
Students from Years 8 to 10 formed teams of three to represent their school. All embraced the rounds enthusiastically and with a healthy competitive stance. Five rounds took place before we paused for some delicious refreshments, namely:
Round 1: Mixed bag;
Round 2: Fieldwork;
Round 3: Britain from the air;
Round 4: Sustainability
Roudn 5: Physical geography.
After being suitably revived, students gathered together to tackle three more rounds, including:
Round 6: Unequal world
Round 7: Climate change
Round 8: Hazards
plus two rounds generated by myself and Peter to ensure a local and topical aspect to the quiz:
Round 9: Geography in the news
Round 10: Geographical skills (local area).
Pupils seemed to really enjoy participating. We were impressed by their geographical knowledge, understanding and skills. Hopefully, many continue to study the subject at GCSE and beyond.
Next, it was time for the final scores to be announced, and, boy, was it very close, with just ten points difference between the top six ranked teams! Sir Thomas Rich’s School’s ‘The three wonders of the world’ won by five points, with Marling School’s ‘Marling geographers 1’ and Pate’s Grammar School’s ‘The Three Geograteers’ coming second and third respectively. The winning team was presented with the shield and each participant (along with our dedicated team of markers/runners) was rewarded with a wooden badge and a chocolate treat.
Well done to all involved; pupils, Sixth Form markers/runners and teachers. Our thanks to Dean Close School for hosting so spectacularly again (we have this down to a fine art after a few years now!) and to educators for giving up their precious time to accompany students. Peter and Lisa Gurr at Laser Creative Ltd (https://www.lasercreative.co.uk/) also deserve a mention 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! I know a few schools were unable to take part this academic year due to parent consultation evenings and twilight INSETs; let’s hope that you can be involved next time.
Wishing you all an enjoyable and successful Term 4.
Feedback from participants can be viewed below:
The students had a very enjoyable evening, commenting that they were surprised by the range of geography covered and they hope to be able to compete again. (Sir Thomas Rich’s School)