Schools go Head to Head in Lincoln’s own University Challenge

In which country was the designer Oscar de la Renta born? Who is considered the father of international law? Which international river flows through Angola, Namibia and Botswana?

These were just some of the questions put to students in the grand final of this year’s University of Lincoln University Challenge on Friday 30th September 2016.

St Ivo School tested their general knowledge against 13 other teams on the day to emerge triumphant and claim the £1,000 first prize. More than 40 quiz teams from UK sixth form schools and colleges across the region competed in regional heats in an attempt to secure a place in the final, which took place in the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre on the University’s main Brayford Pool Campus.

With an impressive score of 245, St Ivo School were ultimately crowned champions followed by The Tiffin Girls’ School and Skegness Grammar School in joint second place. As well as claiming the £1,000 team prize, each of the winning team members walked away with a £50 individual prize and an official University of Lincoln hoodie. Ross Meagher (19), winning team captain, said: “We really didn’t expect to win, but all the hard work and revision has really paid off and we couldn’t be happier.”

Head of Year 13 at St Ivo School, Vicky Rix, said: “This is a fantastic result for our sixth formers and it is a testament to all the independent preparation the team has done. It’s been a great event to be involved in and we really enjoyed our time in Lincoln.”

Now in its third consecutive year, the quiz competition is rolled out to schools and colleges across the UK by the University’s Education Liaison team. Emma Jubbs, Head of Undergraduate Recruitment at the University of Lincoln, said: “Lincoln’s University Challenge always proves popular and this year was no different. With almost 180 students and 44 institutions taking part, the competition has been a great success, with all the grand finalists putting on an impressive display of general knowledge.”

Answers to the quiz questions in the introduction: The designer Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic. Hugo Grotius is considered the father of international law. The Okavango riverflows through Angola, Namibia and Botswana.

Ends