On Wednesday 4th December, a team of Year 8 pupils from Keswick School travelled down to London for the National Final of the Kids’ Lit Quiz, having won the North West regional heat in November.
The Kid’s Lit Quiz is an annual literature competition for children aged 10 to 13. Since it began in 1991 the quiz has spread across the world, with national competitions being held in New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, the USA, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Keswick’s team consisted of William Harrison from Threlkeld, Niamh McMullin from Eaglesfield, and Bertie Cook and Adrian Megan, both from Greysouthen. It was an early start for everyone in order to travel down to the City of London School where the final was held.
The atmosphere was tense as teams had to buzz in to give their answers and any incorrect answers meant a point was deducted from their score and they were frozen out from answering again for that question. The questions were extremely challenging but Keswick School went into the lead after the third round.
With two more rounds to follow, and two other schools breathing down their necks with very close scores, Keswick held their nerve and became the UK champions. The team will now be making their way to New Zealand in July 2020 to represent the UK at the World Final.
“We were all in shock when they were announced as the winners,” said school librarian and English teacher, Mrs Helen Robinson. “We’re amazed but delighted, of course. It’s lovely to see reading as a team event and this team were brilliant. Every one of them played their part and the whole school is incredibly proud of them.”
Comments from the team members:
“I can’t believe this is actually happening. When you get over the shock, you realise it’s real” said Niamh.
“I’m still trying to get over the shock of winning; I didn’t expect it.” Said Adrian, and William agreed, “I don’t think this is really happening……… we are going to New Zealand!”
Bertie summed up the experience perfectly: “There are seriously no words imaginable to describe or convey how I felt when we won. It was truly one of the best moments of my life.”
The school will now be fundraising to meet the significant cost of the trip and would welcome sponsorship from any local businesses or donations from individuals who would like to support us in our aim to be the best readers in the world!
