How Girls Are Competing and Winning in the NSMQ: Stories, Strategies & Breakthroughs

    By
    Ellis Ferdinand
    -
    2023 NSMQ: Wesley WAEC wassce Girls How Girls Are Competing and Winning in the NSMQ: Stories, Strategies & BreakthroughsSHS silenced 'Noisy' St Peter's SHS to enter One-eight Stage

    Ferdinand | EducationGhana | July 03 | How Girls Are Competing and Winning in the NSMQ: Stories, Strategies & Breakthroughs

     Explore how all-female schools and mixed teams are breaking barriers and excelling in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ). See key strategies, success stories, and the future of girls in STEM in Ghana.

     

    🌟 The Rise of Girls in the NSMQ

    Once dominated by boys’ schools, the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has seen an inspiring shift in recent years. Girls from top all-female and mixed schools are not only participating but thriving—breaking glass ceilings in Ghana’s most prestigious academic competition.

    👑 Notable Achievements by Girls in NSMQ

    1. Wesley Girls’ High School – Cape Coast

    • Record: Reached finals in 2020; consistent semi-finalist

    • Why it matters: They shattered stereotypes and proved all-girls schools can match the giants.

    • NSMQ Strategy: Morning math drills, buzz speed tests, and weekend logic sessions with alumni support.

     

    2. St. Louis SHS – Kumasi

    • Highlight: One of the first all-female schools to reach quarter-finals multiple times.

    • Strengths: Physics and Chemistry; well-equipped labs and competitive STEM clubs.

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    3. OLA Girls SHS – Ho

    • Region: Volta Region

    • Achievement: Emerging powerhouse, known for strong biology and environmental science rounds.

    • Special Edge: Preps through T-TEL digital training and real-time simulations.

     

    4. Aburi Girls’ SHS

    • Notable Moment: Historic face-off with Presec in 2022 round of 16.

    • Focus: Concept mastery through problem-solving teams and visual lab learning.

     

    5. Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS

    • Region: Ashanti Region

    • STEM Edge: Robotics and math competitions feeding into NSMQ training.

    💪 Mixed Schools: Girls Leading the Way

    Girls in mixed schools are often co-leaders or captains of their NSMQ teams.

    Example: Keta SHTS (KETASCO)

    • 2021 NSMQ Finalist

    • Team Member: Brilliant female quizzer played a central role in reaching finals.

    • Key Strategy: Mixed-team gender balance, strong science faculty mentorship.

    🔍 What’s Fueling This Momentum?

    FactorImpact on Girls’ NSMQ Success
    STEM InitiativesExposure to robotics, coding, & science fairs
    T-TEL Digital LiteracyUse of tablets and apps to enhance study
    Mentorship by AlumniBuilds confidence & academic grit
    Leadership RolesQuiz captains and science prefects gain visibility
    Supportive School CulturesEncourages assertiveness & voice in team roles

    🎯 What Girls Do Differently in NSMQ Prep

    • Collaborative Learning: Girls tend to study in groups and use peer teaching.

    • Conceptual Depth: Focus on understanding before speed.

    • Emotional Intelligence: Handle pressure and setbacks with resilience.

    • Visual Learning Aids: Infographics, flashcards, and diagrams used more frequently.

    🚀 What Needs to Improve

    While progress is notable, systemic barriers remain:

    • Limited science lab equipment in some girls’ schools

    • Fewer girls-only institutions represented at NSMQ nationals

    • Societal perceptions around girls and STEM

    But with support from organizations like Ghana Education Service, T-TEL, CAMFED, and STEM for Girls Ghana, more girls are being trained and equipped early.

    🔮 The Future: Girls in NSMQ Finals?

    It’s not a question of if, but when. The data shows:

    • More girls are entering STEM tracks from JHS

    • Digital resources and competitions are opening doors

    • All-female teams are narrowing the performance gap

    📺 Related Reads on EducationGhana.org

     

    👉 Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights on Ghana’s education system: educationghana.org/subscribe 📩 For partnerships and research support, contact: Ellisferdinand@ymail.com or Education.ghana@yahoo.com 

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