SPARTA Primary School of Region Two has emerged as the champion of the fourth edition of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Standards in Academia Quiz Competition, outperforming schools from across the country in a closely contested final that tested pupils’ knowledge of standards, measurements and quality assurance.
The competition culminated on May 29 at the GNBS Head Office at Exhibition Centre, Sophia, where Sparta Primary secured first place with 36 points, edging out Georgetown’s St. Agnes Primary by a single point. Cropper Primary of Region Six placed third with 28 points, while Watooka Day Primary of Region Ten finished fourth with 12 points.
The biennial competition, which seeks to foster awareness and understanding of the role of standards and metrology among primary school pupils, featured 16 schools from Regions Two, Four, Six and Ten. Grade Five students competed in several rounds of questions covering the importance of standards, reliable measurements, the International System of Units (SI Units), and the functions and services provided by the GNBS.
For their victory, Sparta Primary received the championship trophy, a $50,000 school supplies voucher, and the grand prize – an educational tour of the Essequibo River, including a visit to Fort Zeelandia, for two teachers and two pupils. St. Agnes Primary received the runner-up trophy and a $25,000 voucher for school supplies, while all finalist schools were presented with tokens of appreciation.
A standout performer in the competition was Sparta Primary pupil Maanav Mahabir, who amassed 20 points to earn the title of Best Performing Pupil. He was awarded a laptop for his achievement.
“I revised the booklet every day. I feel excited because I have always wanted a laptop,” Mahabir said following the presentation ceremony.
Teacher Moneta Jacobus of Sparta Primary praised the initiative, noting that it provided pupils with valuable exposure to concepts directly linked to their academic studies.
“In terms of the Mathematics syllabus, especially with the SI Units and so on, it is very beneficial for the pupils. They did not take a long time to grasp the concepts,” she said.
Jacobus described the school’s victory as an emotional moment, recalling that she was moved to tears when Sparta was announced as the winner.
“It is a joy and honour to be with both of them, and it was a tough competition. I would like to say thanks to the GNBS for giving us the opportunity to participate in the competition,” she added.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Executive Director of the GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, congratulated the participating schools and emphasised the importance of introducing young learners to standards and measurement systems.
“From the food we eat, the time we use to plan our daily activities, the products we use, the services we receive, and even the safety measures that protect us, standards influence every aspect of our lives,” Bassoo said.
He noted that exposing children to these concepts helps cultivate a generation that values quality, accountability, safety and informed decision-making.
Assistant Chief Education Officer (Primary), Rabindra Singh, also commended the competition, highlighting its strong alignment with the national curriculum.
He explained that the Mathematics components, particularly measurement-related topics, directly support the content taught from Grades Four to Six and reinforce concepts tested in national examinations. He further noted that the spelling and grammar elements complement English Language instruction.
Singh encouraged other agencies to develop similar educational programmes to help strengthen pupils’ academic preparedness.
“I would be more grateful if more agencies could come in and have competitions like these prior to our national Grade Five and Six exams, since it would help to boost the children’s preparedness for the exams,” he said.
The Standards in Academia Quiz Competition forms part of the GNBS’ broader public education programme aimed at increasing awareness of standards, quality assurance and metrology among young people. The initiative seeks to demonstrate the relevance of these principles to everyday life while encouraging critical thinking and academic excellence among pupils.
Other schools that participated in this year’s competition included Hampton Court Primary, Queenstown Primary, Fisher Primary, North Georgetown Primary, Winfer Gardens Primary, F.E. Pollard Primary, Eversham Primary, Corriverton Primary, Skeldon Primary, Wismar Hill Primary, Christianburg Primary and St. Aidan’s Primary.