Newcastle University is a step away from entering the semi-finals of the BBC Two show, University Challenge. Leading the 2017/18 team is Jonathan Noble from Newcastle, who has recently graduated with a PCG in Mathematics.
Jonathan will be joined by three other Newcastle representatives: Adam Lowery from Sunderland, studying a PHD in chemistry; Molly Nielsen from London, who is in her fifth year of studying medicine; and Jack Reynard, from Leeds, a third-year medicine student.
The four each secured their places in the team back in November 2016 and have been brushing up on their facts ever since in preparation for the Challenge.
Having triumphed against Sheffield Hallam University in the first round last September, the team were off to a flying start.
Their success continued into 2018 with a win against Southampton University, which secured them with a place in the quarter-finals.
Luther’s Bar was jam-packed with students wanting to show their support as the first round of the quarter-finals was aired. Showing support and smiles through-out, the team came together to bag their highest point-score yet this series- an impressive 225-130 win.
To reach the semi-finals for the first time, Newcastle will have to win 2/3 matches. The team is hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals on the 26th of February, beating the University’s record
The quarter-finals run on a format of ‘double elimination’. To reach the semi-finals for the first time, Newcastle will have to win 2/3 matches.
Those who followed the team’s journey will remember that they were eliminated at this stage, after suffering a disappointing defeat against St. John’s College and Liverpool.
Hoping to beat last year’s record, the team is “excited yet apprehensive” for the second round.
The UK is famous for its love of quizzes, from daytime TV Quiz Shows to the countless pub-quizzes that take place across the country.
What’s special about University Challenge is that it allows a whole institution to engage in the quiz culture, while celebrating some of the UK’s brightest minds. Contestant Jack Reynard told The Courier, “There’s nothing I like more than learning new stuff, that’s why I personally love university challenge”.
The show’s celebration of learning and knowledge is what Newcastle is all about, making it a fantastic event for the University to be part of.
The team is hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals on the 26th of February, beating the University’s record.
In preparation for the next round, the four Newcastle representatives have been building team spirit through pub-trips and practising questions out of books.
