Picture this: students across different schools, all excitedly competing in an intense chess quiz, their eyes fixed on the leaderboards that change in real-time, reflecting their answers and performance. This was the Chess Wizards Quiz, an incredible opportunity for students to test their knowledge, experience new technology, and feel the thrill of competition.
At Hippocampus, we strive to offer learning experiences that go beyond textbooks. Our Chess Wizards Quiz, held in honor of International Chess Day, was a brilliant combination of fun, learning, and technology. Using the game-based platform Kahoot, we brought chess to life for our students in a way they had never experienced before.
How It Worked: Two Stages of Competition
The quiz was conducted in two stages. In Stage 1, students competed within their own schools, creating a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. The top performers from each school then moved on to Stage 2, where they competed against students from other Hippocampus schools. This exposed them to a more competitive environment, allowing them to set higher standards and push themselves further.
A Big Thanks to Our Teachers and Staff
Behind the scenes, our teachers and staff played a crucial role. They learned the technical ins and outs of Kahoot and worked tirelessly to ensure that students were well-prepared for the quiz. From organizing video conferences to projecting live leaderboards, their coordination was nothing short of amazing. As Roopashree, R&D Program Manager at Hippocampus, put it: “It’s so much fun to see kids excited to show their talent in a unique chess game conducted by the team. We should also participate in such activities.”
The Real-Time Thrill
What made the quiz so exciting was the use of Kahoot’s real-time technology. Students played the game individually, but all were connected to the same platform, competing with each other in real time. The live leaderboards, projected in classrooms and accompanied by commentary from the Hippocampus team, kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The leaderboard changes reflected every student’s progress, and the rising and falling scores created waves of excitement.
As Pooja Ramchandani, Hippocampus School Correspondent, observed, “They all had fun. There was a lot of excitement and shouts, especially by the end of it when they won.”
Rewards and Recognition
The quiz wasn’t just about fun—it was a competition, and the winners took home cash prizes, adding to the excitement. In each grade category, the top three performers were awarded for their hard work and knowledge:
Seniors (Grade 8 – 10)
- Abhishek – 1st Prize: Rs. 1500/- (Class 10, Sri Siddaroodha Public School)
- Tejas C. – 2nd Prize: Rs. 750/- (Class 9, Vidya Vaibhav Hippocampus Public School)
- Laalithya C.S. – 3rd Prize: Rs. 350/- (Class 8, Malnad Hippocampus School)
Juniors (Grade 5 – 7)
- Rakshit Patil – 1st Prize: Rs. 1500/- (Class 6, Sri Siddaroodha Public School)
- Dimple – 2nd Prize: Rs. 750/- (Class 6, SSVM Hippocampus School)
- Srusti – 3rd Prize: Rs. 350/- (Class 7, SSVM Hippocampus School)
A Futuristic Learning Experience
The Chess Wizards Quiz wasn’t just about testing students’ chess knowledge. It showcased how we at Hippocampus continue to bring cutting-edge, international-standard education to our students. The use of Kahoot—with its engaging visuals, real-time interactivity, and competitive leaderboard—was an innovative way to connect students through technology and learning.
By participating in this quiz, students not only showcased their talents but also had the chance to engage with advanced technology. The laughter, excitement, and joy that filled the classrooms were a testament to how learning can be both effective and enjoyable.
As we continue to blend technology with education, we are proud of what our students, teachers, and staff accomplished with the Chess Wizards Quiz. This event was an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to many more such exciting learning opportunities!
