51 schools ready to take on preliminary round of ST’s What’s The News? current affairs quiz

More than 6,000 students from 51 secondary schools, junior colleges and the Institute of Technical Education are ready to take on What’s The News?, The Straits Times’ quiz competition.

The first session of the preliminary round, which will be held virtually, kicks off on April 15. Four more sessions will be held between then and April 25.

The students, aged 15 to 19, will test their knowledge of the who, what, where, when, why and how of the news by taking a 30-question quiz online within 30 minutes. Scores will be tabulated based on accuracy as well as the amount of time taken to complete the questions. Schools were invited to send as many participants as they liked, with a minimum of 40 entrants.

What’s The News? is organised by The Straits Times as part of its 180th anniversary outreach, and is supported by the Ministry of Education. The Central Narcotics Bureau is a partner.

Stand-up comedian and host Rishi Budhrani will amp up the excitement at five schools as part of the preliminary round, hosting sessions which aim to get students thinking about current affairs and talking about contemporary issues.

At the end of this first round, 16 schools with the top scores will meet in the semi-final in May, which will involve arena-style team games with a current affairs twist. Each school will have to send six participants who are prepared to put their wits, strength and strategy to the test. 

The four teams that emerge on top will duke it out at a game show final round in May. At stake: $4,000 for the winning school and bragging rights.

The second, third and fourth teams will take home $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively.

As part of What’s The News?, a travelling exhibition that explores themes like fake news and media literacy will visit schools and public spaces from April to June.

Learn more at

straitstimes.com/st180