Inverkip primary school in Inverclyde were the well-deserved winners of the final of the Scottish European Educational Trust's Euroquiz 2007 held at City Chambers, Edinburgh on 15 June 2007 and sponsored by Standard Life. The winners' certificates were signed by Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, who attended the Edinburgh heat of the quiz.
16 local authorities took part in the competition (see below) with heats in the local areas and the final at the City Chambers in Edinburgh. Questions covered history, geography, sport, the European Union, and general knowledge. Craig Knight, Rachel McClure, India Dodge and Amie Forbes from Inverkip Primary beat off stiff competition from Mary Erskine/Stewart's Melville in a very tense final round to win the Standard Life trophy.
The Euroquiz was introduced by Gerry Wilson, Chairman of the Scottish European Educational Trust, Neil Mitchison from the European Commission welcomed the pupils and John Edward from the European Parliament was the quizmaster. John said: "The pupils worked really hard in their preparations for the Euroquiz and I was extremely impressed at the very high level of knowledge shown by them. In particular, their knowledge of the European Union was truly outstanding"
In advance of the final Irene Oldfather MSP lodged the following motion in the Scottish Parliament "The Scottish Parliament congratulates all the pupils taking part in the final of the primary school Euroquiz 2007….; acknowledges the high standard of knowledge displayed by pupils in the previous heats, including North Ayrhsire, notes that teams from 15 local authorities ….. will compete for the Standard Life Trophy; and commends the Scottish European Educational Trust for promoting education about Europe and the European Union in Scottish schools"
The aim of the competition is to increase knowledge of Europe and the European Union in an enjoyable and interesting way. Morag Paul, the Inverkip school teacher said: "The Euroquiz was a well organised event, giving our pupils the chance to interact with children from all over the country in a friendly and encouraging environment, letting them meet with adults who are in the European workplace, and challenging them to research and learn about Europe. I honestly believe that this experience will be valuable in their journey to becoming responsible citizens, effective contributers, successful learners and confident individuals"
The Scottish European Educational Trust would like to thank Standard Life for sponsoring this competition. It is anticipated that the competition will be run again in the academic year 2007/8.
The Scottish European Educational Trust runs other events for schools, colleges and universities, including a Scotland-wide Speaking competition for S3 pupils with the winners visiting the European Commission and the European Parliament in Brussels. For further information contact Barbara MacLeod, National Organiser, SEET, 12B Cumberland Street SE Lane, Edinburgh EH5 6RU tel 0131 557 9886 email seet@euromove.org.uk
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
ARGYLL AND BUTE - Cardross Primary School
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY - Newington Primary School
EAST LOTHIAN - Campie Primary School
EAST RENFREWSHIRE - Our Lady of the Missions Primary School
EDINBURGH - Mary Erskine/Stewart's Melville Junior School runners-up)
FIFE - Balmerino Primary School
GLASGOW - St. Joachim's Primary School
INVERCLYDE - Inverkip Primary School (winners)
NORTH LANARKSHIRE - Our Lady and St Francis Primary School
MORAY - Craigellachie Primary School
NORTH AYRSHIRE - West Kilbride Primary School
RENFREWSHIRE - St James's Primary School
SOUTH AYRSHIRE - St. Patrick's Primary School
SOUTH LANARKSHIRE - St Kenneth's Primary School
WESTERN ISLES - Iochdar Primary School