Run along the lines of University Challenge (with teams of four, starters for ten, bonus questions and even an electronic buzzer system – the boys’ favourite thing perhaps!), this yearly event was always keenly followed and supported by both boys and parents. Following Mr Hammond’s retirement (the previous Second Master), the competition lay dormant for a couple of years, but as of Wednesday this week, it was back!

Boys gathered eagerly in the Octagon at 1630 on Wednesday, waiting to see whether Mr Duncan turned out to be more Jeremy Paxman or Amol Rajan (Mr Hammond having been firmly of the Bamber Gascoigne mould). I will let the boys decide on that one, but what is clear is that all had fun, and an incredible level of general knowledge was shown.  Particular fun was had with the Pilgrims’ based rounds, and the ever popular, “Which Pilgrims’ boy…..”

Over the course of this term, each Set will play off against all the others in a round-robin format, with the strongest two sets progressing to a final which will be held in front of the school on the last day of term. On Wednesday the first three matches (of ten) were completed, with two strong victories for early pacesetters the Monks, but with a strong victory also for the Saxons.  However, it is early days and there is much time to make up ground for a charge to the final.

The next round of matches are planned to take place on Wednesday 31 January; parents of participants are warmly welcomed to attend, and those at a loose end would be welcome too!

Alistair Duncan
Second Master