Children from a Moray school will compete in a quiz on Europe at the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, after besting local rivals in a series of continental conundrums yesterday.
Primary six pupils from St Sylvester’s RC school in Elgin proved themselves the most internationally aware during a Euro quiz event involving seven other local primaries.
Now they will go to Holyrood to compete against other regional winners in a televised contest on Monday, May 11.
The function hall at Elgin City’s Borough Briggs ground was bedecked in flags representing each member of the European Union for yesterday’s competition.
The children’s knowledge was tested on all things European, from famous inventors and composers to World War II battles and national foods.
In the final, the St Sylvester’s youngsters defeated last year’s winners Greenward Primary by six points to five.
After collecting their trophy and Euro themed goodie bags, the elated winners spoke of their excitement at the prospect of visiting the capital to compete on a grand scale.
Callum Kirkpatrick, 10, said: “It was quite hard work studying and learning about all the European countries – but I’m looking forward to the final and I think maybe we can win.”
Classmate Megan Lockey, also 10, said: “I’m very excited about going to Edinburgh, and I really enjoyed learning about Europe.
“We all studied different countries as part of a project and I focused on Belgium so was able to get the questions about it right.”
Runners-up included Bishopmill, Applegrove, Lhanbryde, Portknockie and Portgordon primaries.
The contest is organised by the Scottish European Education Trust. Its treasurer James Ivory was impressed with the general knowledge of Moray’s youngsters.
He said: “I think it’s important children realise there’s a wide world out there, and by competing in the quiz they also learn how to work together as a team.
“The enthusiasm and the knowledge of the kids is absolutely great – what they know is astounding.”