CHAMPIONSHIP
FORMAT
A COMPREHENSIVE 22-WEEK TOURNAMENT SHOWCASING THE BRIGHTEST MINDS ACROSS SIERRA LEONE
45
SCHOOLS
4
REGIONS
22
WEEKS
1
CHAMPION
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
WESTERN AREA
VENUE: Freetown
SCHOOLS: 20
TEAMS ADVANCE: 8
SOUTHERN AREA
VENUE: Bo
SCHOOLS: 15
TEAMS ADVANCE: 4
EASTERN AREA
VENUE: Kenema
SCHOOLS: 10
TEAMS ADVANCE: 2
NORTHERN AREA
VENUE: Makeni
SCHOOLS: 10
TEAMS ADVANCE: 2
COMPETITION ROUNDS
Five rounds testing knowledge, speed, and problem-solving.
FUNDAMENTALS
Each school answers direct questions from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
TIME: 30s/10s
POINTS (C/B/W): 3 / +1 / -1
SPEED RACE
All schools compete simultaneously with quick-response factual and applied questions.
TIME: 45s/30s
POINTS (C/B/W): 3 / 0
BUZZER ROUND
Contestants buzz in to answer True/False or short objective questions.
TIME: 20s/5s
POINTS (C/B/W): +2 / -1
RIDDLES
Teams solve sequential riddles/clues about scientific terms, processes, concepts.
TIME: ~45s / clue
POINTS (C/B/W): 5 -> 2
PROBLEM OF THE DAY
Complex, multi-step problems crossing Physics, Math, Chemistry, etc.
TIME: 4 MINS
POINTS (C/B/W): 10 / 0
AUDIO-VISUALS ROUND
Teams take 30 secs to answer 10 questions. Time won’t be added if they choose to take longer.
TIME: 30s/10s
POINTS (C/B/W): 3/+1/-1
EXPERIMENT OR DEMONSTRATION
Teams take 10 minutes to demonstrate or explain an experiment’s principle.
TIME: 10 MINS
POINTS (C/B/W): 10/5/-5
BUILD A PRODUCT
Students select a problem from their school surroundings to solve, providing designs, handbook and a model. They get to pitch for a prize
TIME: 7 MINS
POINTS (C/B/W): 100/+30/-30
TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE
PRELIMINARIES
45 schools compete regionally in a points-based system.
KNOCKOUTS
Top 16 teams face off in a single-elimination bracket.
FINALE
The final two teams battle to be crowned National Champion.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AND INSPIRING CONTINUED ACHIEVEMENT
TEAM AWARDS
NATIONAL CHAMPION
The ultimate prize, crowning the country's top academic team with national recognition.
NATIONAL RUNNER-UP
Recognition for exceptional performance at the national level.
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
Recognizes the best team from each region, celebrating consistency and competitive spirit.
REGIONAL RUNNERS-UP
Second best teams from each of the four regions.
SEMI-FINALISTS
Rewarding excellence among the top 2 schools with medals of recognition.
ROUND WINNERS
Awards given to teams that excel in specific rounds, named after sponsoring organizations.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
MOST OUTSTANDING CONTESTANT
The contestant with the highest overall performance throughout the competition.
CRITICAL THINKING AWARD
For the contestant demonstrating exceptional problem-solving and analytical reasoning.
BEST SCIENCE STUDENT
Given to the contestant with the strongest performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
BEST MATHEMATICS STUDENT
Awarded to the contestant excelling in mathematical problem-solving.
BEST FEMALE CONTESTANT
Honors the top-performing female participant, encouraging gender inclusivity in STEM.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP)
The contestant who consistently contributes the highest points to their team's success.
SPECIAL AWARDS
DISCIPLINE & TEAM SPIRIT
Recognizes teamwork, leadership, and exemplary behavior inside and outside the competition.
BEST COACH AWARD
Recognizes the dedication and impact of the most outstanding team coach.
STEM AMBASSADOR AWARD
Celebrates a school that demonstrates innovation, outreach, and advocacy for STEM education beyond the quiz.