Page 15 - Beyond_the_Classroom

Stephanie Prendergast & Quentin West

1978 Superkids

To be a “Superkid” you not an exciting and enjoyable day.
only have to be physically fit but mentally fit as Saturday was a free day for all but when
well. Sunday dawned the nerves really set in. Sunday and
High Schools all over New Zealand were Monday were the Studio days.
contacted an asked to nominate two students aged Each group of four would be filmed
between 13 and 16 who were thought to be all- separately with all contestants being tested on their
rounders - good at everything. concentration ability (two-minute puzzles), general
397 schools were contacted. Out of these 142 knowledge and, perhaps the hardest of all, their
replied. The total amount of students therefore originality. This consisted of one minute to present
nominated was 265. Out of these 32 were chosen - their thoughts on a pre-arranged subject.
16 boys and 16 girls. On Sunday morning the contestants were
An essay of 150 words were written by all shown a “mock” programme where four students
nominees, and it was mainly on this that the 32 were brought in and did everything that we were
“superkids” were chosen. Stephanie Prendergast, going to have to do.
along with Quentin West, were lucky enough to be The idea of this was because the competitors
successful nominees. were going to be filmed and mistakes could not be
What would it entail? What would they have afforded. Therefore if they knew the general
to do? They had no idea. So it was two very procedure they would not be as likely to make such
nervous “superkids” who boarded the bus on big fools of themselves!
Thursday 6th July bound for Auckland. In actual fact the filming was not as bad as
They were met at the bus terminal and were expected. Once seated and ready to go, initial
taken to the Hotel Continental, their home for the nerves seemed to settle.
next five days. That night they were supplied with a As the programme progressed they actual
buffet dinner, met the officials and various enjoyed ourselves, even though Stephanie only
personalities associated with the programme and answered one general knowledge question. When
were given a general outline of what was to her turn came to present her originality part she
happen. wasn’t worried and said she didn’t feel the slightest
Following breakfast the next morning (meal twinge of nervousness.
vouchers were provided for all meals) Stephanie The Superkids and all the people involved
and Quentin, along with other competitors, were with producing the programme were rated highly
driven in a double-decker bus to Cornwall Park. by the Ngaruawahia High School participants.
This was the outside location for various activities. Everyone was fantastic, including the Floor
These activities consisted of an obstacle Manager Angus, Cameramen, Technicians - even
course for stamina and for co-ordination. This the ladies who provided morning and afternoon tea
varied from balancing books on your head to riding (and lunch) on the set. They really did a great job.
a bicycle as slowly as possible. Both Stephanie and Quentin really enjoyed
Although the wet weather caused the obstacle themselves in participating in ”Superkids”.
course to become very slippery, all competitors had

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