Earlier this academic year, Merchiston pupils Tim, Tom, Tyll and Charlie won a Scottish Round of the Bank of England Target 2.0 Challenge. Over one thousand students in Scotland competed in the competition where they had to consider many conflicting indicators in order to set monetary policy to meet the inflation target. This week, these boys were in Manchester for the North West, Northern Ireland and Scotland finals, at which they won to qualify for the National Final in London at the end of term. 284 schools originally entered the competition but the Merchiston pupils have progressed to the final 6.
The boys excelled not just in the quality of their arguments, but also in their engaging manner and willingness to think differently to other teams. This achievement supersedes the Schools’ previous personal best of reaching the Manchester stage.
After their success in the Scottish round, the boys had another practice run for the Sixth Form and this was followed by a supper in the School for the team and selected guests, one of whom was the Chairman of the Governors. The grilling he gave the boys has already entered folklore!
The Headmaster, Andrew Hunter, commented, “I am delighted for the boys who have worked really hard on their presentation. Much of this success is attributable to the inspirational influence of William Clayton, Head of Economics. At the same time, I am acutely aware that I am surrounded by many inspirational members of staff and the boys are fortunate to have these role models in their lives here.”
The boys are looking forward to the National Final later this term.