Top NSMQ Winning Strategies from 10 Leading Schools in Ghana

    By
    Ellis Ferdinand
    -
    Koforidua Senior High Technical School Dominates to Secure Semi-final Spot in 2024 NSMQ
    Koforidua Senior High Technical School Dominates to Secure Semi-final Spot in 2024 NSMQ

    Ferdinand | EducationGhana | July 02 | Top NSMQ Winning Strategies from 10 Leading Schools in Ghana

    Discover the powerful preparation tactics used by Ghana’s top NSMQ schools, including Presec-Legon, Wesley Girls, and KETASCO. Learn how they train, practice, and win at Ghana’s most prestigious academic contest.

    🏆 What Makes a Winning NSMQ School?

    The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) is more than a contest—it’s a national STEM championship. While hundreds of schools participate, only a few consistently dominate. Their secret? A mix of structure, strategy, and smart coaching.

    Here are the top 10 NSMQ schools in Ghana and their verified winning strategies that helped them shine on the national stage.

    1. Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (Presec-Legon)

    NSMQ Titles: 8 (Record Holder)
    Region: Greater Accra

    Winning Formula:

    • Full-time NSMQ Club from SHS1
    • Weekly mini-contests with alumni as quiz masters
    • Buzzing and mental math drills
    • Strategic division of labor among team members (physics lead, bio lead, etc.)
    • Night revision routines

    2. Prempeh College

    NSMQ Titles: 5
    Region: Ashanti Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Partnership with old boys for early coaching
    • Emphasis on past question analysis
    • Intensive use of flashcards and science kits
    • Internal league matches among forms
    • Strong emphasis on Physics and Chemistry fundamentals
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    3. Wesley Girls’ High School

    NSMQ Titles: Finalists and semi-finalists
    Region: Central Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Weekly interdisciplinary STEM discussions
    • Mental resilience training for pressure situations
    • Specialised sessions with university science lecturers
    • Structured library-based revision system
    • Focus on female STEM empowerment programs

    4. Keta Senior High Technical School (KETASCO)

    NSMQ Titles: Finalist in 2021
    Region: Volta Region

    Winning Formula:

    • High-speed buzz training
    • Use of Cambridge science questions to increase difficulty tolerance
    • Peer teaching and problem-solving teams
    • Regular mock sessions with neighboring schools
    • Coaching by former contestants

    5. Opoku Ware School (OWASS)

    NSMQ Titles: 2
    Region: Ashanti Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Real-time simulations of NSMQ environment
    • “Error drills” – practicing and correcting common past blunders
    • Strategic early selection of core quiz team from Form 1
    • Use of NSMQ board games and custom-built app

    6. Adisadel College

    NSMQ Titles: 1 (plus multiple finals)
    Region: Central Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Collaborative cross-form quiz mentorship
    • High discipline in contest rehearsals
    • Open book sessions to reinforce conceptual learning
    • Monthly “speed science” challenges

    7. St. Peter’s SHS (PERSCO)

    NSMQ Titles: 3
    Region: Eastern Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Emphasis on mathematics problem solving
    • Use of science lab for practical visualisation
    • 6AM and 10PM revision culture
    • Problem of the Day challenges

    8. Accra Academy

    NSMQ Titles: Finalists
    Region: Greater Accra

    Winning Formula:

    • Creation of NSMQ digital question bank
    • Special electives on logic and reasoning
    • Alumni-funded weekend camp sessions
    • Peer-to-peer buzzer tournaments

    9. Pope John SHS (POJOSS)

    NSMQ Titles: Finalist and consistent quarter-finalist
    Region: Eastern Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Timed “pressure zones” to simulate contest heat
    • Deep dives into WAEC examiner reports
    • ICT-enhanced training: online quizzes & videos
    • Mastery of definitions and formulas

    10. St. Augustine’s College

    NSMQ Titles: 2
    Region: Central Region

    Winning Formula:

    • Integration of NSMQ topics in formal classes
    • Bi-weekly assessment tests modeled after NSMQ
    • Personalised study timetables
    • Study groups based on subject strengths

    🎯 Common Traits Across All Top NSMQ Schools

    1.Early selection & grooming Builds confidence and team bonding

    2. Regular mock competitions Improves speed and accuracy

    3. Support from alumni Provides mentorship and funding

    4. Access to labs and tech Enhances concept application

    5. Review of past questions Highlights patterns and traps Strong team coordination Ensures consistent performance

    🧠 Bonus Strategy: Psychological Edge

    Most top schools now invest in:

    • Stress management training
    • Team-bonding exercises
    • Visualisation techniques to build confidence

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