By Nobuhle L. Ngema
IIE Varsity College, an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), is excited to announce the return of its National High Schools’ Quiz, now in its ninth year. The quiz is open to Grade 11 learners nationwide and offers students, teachers and their schools the chance to win a share of R100,000 in cash and prizes.
The quiz challenges students on a wide range of topics, including geography, history, science and nature, sport, entertainment and current affairs. Participants will need to know everything from world capitals and key historical events to physics, chemistry, politics, economics and technological advancements.
More than just a general knowledge test, the quiz is designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking and make learning fun. It provides a platform for the brightest young minds across South Africa to showcase their knowledge and engage with peers.
Cindy Christian, Dean Humanities at The IIE’s Varsity College, says, “The National High School Quiz not only enhances learners’ general knowledge but also equips them with vital skills, such as critical analysis and abstract thinking. These competencies are essential for success in tertiary education and future careers, providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning.”
Along with encouraging soon to be high school graduates to engage in friendly and educational competition, the annual quiz helps build essential competencies for future job markets, with skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and active learning identified as crucial development areas for the current generation in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025.
“The primary aim of the event is to encourage high school learners to broaden their horizons by engaging with diverse sources of information, which in turn fosters a culture of continuous learning,” says Christian.
National High School Quiz details
The quiz, which consists of three rounds, will be run digitally in each venue via the Kahoot App, and participants will need a smartphone or a tablet to answer the questions that will be made visible on a large screen.
- First round: Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at all eight IIE Varsity College campuses. The top ten learners from each campus will progress to regional finals.
- Regional finals: Held at IIE Varsity College in Gauteng (Midrand), KZN (Durban North), Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town. The top eight learners will qualify for the National Grand Finale.
- National Grand Finale:Saturday, 13 September 2025, at IIE Varsity College in Cape Town.
Educators are encouraged to champion this initiative by nominating their students for participation. Entries officially open on 11 February and close on 31 July 2025.
For more information and to register, please visit https://www.varsitycollege.co.za/national-high-schools-quiz
