Al Ghazali College (AGC) in Erasmia, had the honour of hosting the prestigious World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) event, which brought together scholars to share a platform to engage in various issues. Last Sunday, May 12 and Monday, May 13 saw the gathering of brilliant scholars, with AGC, hosting the regional round for the first time in Pretoria since the inception of the WSC.
Principal Suleman Khan, detailed to the Laudium Sun, “The WSC was founded by David Berdichevsky in 2007. The very first regional round took place at the Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies, a private school in Korea and was soon followed by its first global round, bringing together students from Korea, Singapore and the United States. Today, the World Scholar’s Cup reaches thousands of students in dozens of countries. The idea of the tournament is to create something unique in comparison to the usual academic competitions and conferences. It strives to celebrate the joy of learning and rewards not only the team who came first, but also the team who came last. Undoubtedly, this year’s regional rounds have achieved these objectives and a lot more. The plethora of students, who stemmed from Glen High School, Crawford College, Thornridge Secondary, Accudeo College Thornview, Curro Roodeplaat High School, Amity International and the host school, Al Ghazali College, certainly had an enriching and enlightening experience. Comprising of four academic areas- debating, collaborative writing, a multiple choice exam and the exciting scholar’s bowl- the tournament kicked off on Sunday with riveting debating rounds between the various participating schools. Thereafter, students merged their creativity during the collaborative writing activity. Through their stellar writing skills, the students left the organisers of the WSC awestruck. The day’s event was concluded on Sunday with a stimulating and thought- provoking multiple choice exam which learners completed individually,” enthused Principal Khan.
Principal Khan continued, “The event resumed on Monday with the much anticipated Scholar’s Bowl. During this round, all participants were seated in Al Ghazali’s main hall where various questions were posed to them. Learners were allowed to interact with one another and had 15 seconds to choose the correct answer- certainly one of the highlights of the event. After midday, students represented their schools in mixed teams for a final debate which showcased their extraordinary talents and repertoire of public speaking. The occasion came to a close with an exciting talent show, which gave learners an opportunity to express their individuality and hidden abilities. Participants left the audience in stitches with their wit and talent.”
“Lastly, and assuredly the most exciting part of the competition, the awards ceremony took place on Monday afternoon. Every single learner received trophies and medals for their various accolades. Participants were honoured for each of the conducted activities which ensured that every learner was recognised. Al Ghazali College would like to congratulate all the participating schools- each participant has outdone themselves in tasks beyond their comfort zones. “The students of Al Ghazali College honoured their school by achieving eighteen gold medals and nineteen silver medals. The two junior teams achieved 4th and 3rd place in the junior round. All the AGC teams have qualified for the Global round of the 2019 World Scholar’s Cup. The school is tremendously proud of our fifteen astounding students who have bravely participated in this prestigious competition, i.e. Imaad Noormohamed, Faizah Akbar, Mariam Jacobs, Nooreen Vashi, Zahraa Mohamed, Zahraa Aswad, Tasmiyah Osman Essa, Ilhaam Tar Mahomed, Zaahid Kaprie, M. Riza Kalla, Kariman Kaprie, Maleeqah Karrim, Maryam Essa, Taskeen Suliman and Zoya Faisal.”
“The Pretoria regional round of the WSC was, unquestionably, a resounding success thanks to its innovative organisers, the staff of AGC and of course, the willing and confident participants. It provided the learners with an opportunity to showcase their skills and capabilities and further enriched their growth and development in their academic journey,” concluded the Al-Ghazali Principal.