On March 22nd, whilst almost the entire school had already headed home for the Easter holidays, Emanuel ‘A’ and Emanuel ‘B’ were competing in Cross Regional Heat 3 of the National Reading Championship Quiz. This was an intense, highly competitive competition, which went to a sudden death question, with Emanuel ‘A’ defeating Hershel Grammar School, after the teams tied on 64 (out of 80) points.
Emanuel was victorious after answering this question correctly (Hershel Grammar School failed to submit an answer):
QUESTION: This “In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf” is the first line to which book?
ANSWER: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Both Emanuel teams were outstanding, with Emanuel ‘B’ finishing a superb sixth, defeating the ‘A’ teams of many other schools. Emanuel ‘A’ progress to the National Final, which takes place in a prestigious central London venue on June 5th. This will be our second successive year in the National Final, and after finishing second last year will be looking to put in another strong performance. The ‘A’ team has already started practicing and is bolstered by other members of the Lit Quiz Club, who are helping them train. Tosca (Year 9) is our captain and has the team motivated to succeed!
Cross Regional Heat 3 was incredibly exciting, with charismatic host Mr Dilly asking themed questions on subjects as varied as children’s laureates, picture rounds, blurbs, brainteasers, and a book film round to close the competition.
Emanuel ‘A’ were Tosca (Year 9), Tom (Year 9), Beatrice (Year 8) and Cecilia (Year 7).
Emanuel ‘B’ were Joseph (Year 7), Francesca (Year 7), Arturo (Year 7) and Ray (Year 6).
Having been to the Grand Final last year, I guarantee that the ‘A’ team will have an amazing day. The competitors are treated like VIPs, many top authors will be present, and they will be presented with their trophy for winning the heat. We will be bringing Mishka (Year 8) along as our reserve, Mishka always gets involved in our quiz events, but sadly missed the competition due to absence.
The top ten (of thirty from across the UK) in the heat were:
Emanuel ‘A’ 65
Hershel Grammar School 64
Chestnut Grove Academy ‘A’ 62
Arden Team ‘B’ 59
Claydon High School ‘B’ 59
Emanuel ‘B’ 58
The Gatwick School ‘B’ 54
Chestnut Grove Academy ‘B’ 53
Bishop Luffa School 52
Colegrave Primary School 52
Well done to both quiz teams for keeping up Emanuel’s great tradition for exceling in book quiz competitions.
Mr Jones, Senior Librarian
