The St. Aloysius R.C. Boys Primary school, representing School District 3, is the winner of the first ever National Primary Schools Science Quiz. The finals were held this morning at the CSA Centre, Sans Souci.
Team mates Keion Embrack, Sabian Alexander (Gideon Alexander, alternate) snatched victory for District 3 in a close three-way clincher involving students of Piaye Combined (District 7) and La Resource Combined (District 5) Schools.
“We had a good coach and we were full of confidence that we would win. We just got a little nervous when we saw we were not leading at break time, but we were determined,” the three said excitedly after receiving certificates of participation and trophies. All are in the same class, Grade 5. The question that sealed the win for the RC Boys related to the tilt of the earth axis and its effects on the weather. When Keion selected (b) of the four part multiple choice and the Quiz Master announced it was the correct choice, students from their school applauded loudly in support.
At the end of the first eight rounds of the 16-rounds, three hour, marathon encounter, District 5 and District 7 led with 40 points each. At the close of the official 16th round of questions, District Five and District 7 were joined by District 3 as the leading questions. Only five points separated each of the first three contenders – District 3 scored an overall 90 points, District 5, 85 points and District 7 with 80 points.
The elimination rounds for the National Primary Schools Science Quiz were held first at the schools district level. The winning schools represented their districts as follows:
· District 1 – Balata Combined School
· District 2 – Canon Laurie Anglican primary School
· District 3 – St. Aloysius R.C. Boys Primary School
· District 4 – Ciceron Combined School
· District 5 – La Resource Combined School
· District 6 – Vieux Fort Primary School
· District 7 – Piaye Combined School, and
· District 8 – Les Etangs Combined School
Curriculum Officer for Science in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Mr. Motiellal Singh, said the quiz overall was a tremendous effort for all concerned and announced that the quiz will be an annual event forming part of the activities leading to the pre-Easter National Quiz Science Fair.. “The interest and motivation showed by the students, teachers, principals and District Education officers were tremendous. There was a high level of competitiveness and reaching to this stage was by no means easy.” He said the purpose of the national quiz is “to create an interest and build a sound foundation for sciences at the primary school level rather than later.” He said in order to sustain this level of interest in science, the Ministry of Education and Culture hopes to push for the formation of science clubs in all primary schools.
