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Church Teachers’ College: Mandeville wins TCJ inaugural quiz challenge

Published:Thursday | March 28, 2024 | 12:06 AM
The Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica Challenge Quiz champions, Church Teachers’ College: Mandeville.
The Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica Challenge Quiz champions, Church Teachers’ College: Mandeville.

The inaugural Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica (TCJ) Quiz Challenge recently ended with an exciting display of intellectual prowess, leaving participants and audience captivated by the knowledge and skill on display. The competition commenced with a bang on February 5.

The journey to victory began with a riveting knockout round, setting the stage for the academic gladiators from various teacher-training institutions to showcase their depth of knowledge. The semi-finals, held on February 13, narrowed down the contenders, leaving only two colleges to vie for the coveted title.

The grand finale took place at Shortwood Teachers’ College on February 19, where the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement. The clash of intellects reached its zenith as two formidable teams – Church Teachers’ College: Mandeville and Shortwood Teachers’ College – battled for the championship.

Church Teachers’ College emerged as the champions, defeating Shortwood Teachers’ College, and securing their place at the pinnacle of the quiz challenge. The victors displayed not only an impressive command of academic subjects, but also showcased teamwork, strategy, and quick-thinking throughout the competition. Shortwood Teachers’ College, though not clinching the top spot, proved to be worthy adversaries, claiming the second position with grace and sportsmanship. The journey to the finals was an arduous one, marked by tenacity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

FIERCE BATTLE FOR THIRD PLACE

The battle for third place was equally fierce, with G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport clashing with Bethlehem Moravian College. In a healthy contested match, G.C. Foster College emerged triumphant, securing the third spot on the podium.

The audience was captivated during a pre-arranged master’s match, as the principals and vice-principals of tertiary institutions were unexpectedly summoned to engage in competition. This event held the students in suspense, with the vice-principals securing a 27-23 victory.

The quiz challenge was sponsored by TIP Friendly Society and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. Moderators were Dr Janette Williams, director of communication at Shortwood, while quiz masters were Anicia Bennett from St Joseph’s and Omar Isaacs of Church Teachers’ College.

Conceptualised by quiz committee members of Church Teachers’ College, the quiz challenge is the largest and most intensely competitive tournament among the eight participating institutions which offer teacher training across the island – namely, Bethlehem Moravian College; Church Teachers’ College; College of Agriculture, Science and Education; G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sport; The Moneague College; Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College; Shortwood Teachers’ College; and St Joseph’s Teachers’ College. This partnership is grounded in the principle that through collaboration, the institutions are better able to serve the education system.