Child Genius reality show searches for smartest child in Britain

Thomas from Leeds is blitzing the competition in reality show Child Genius. Source: Supplied

CAN you spell dehydroepiandrosterone? OK maybe just pronounce it then?

If you can’t, you’re definitely not alone, but you probably wouldn’t make the cut for Child Genius. The hit reality show produced by the UK’s Channel Four is entering the final stages with contestants aged between eight and 12-years-old vying for the crown of smartest child in Britain.

Among them is Thomas, a 12-year-old from Leeds with an IQ in the top 0.1 per cent of the population. His IQ is even higher than world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, and he is currently dominating the competition.

His mum Deborah entered him as a chance to find out how bright her son really is and he’s blitzed rounds on maths, general knowledge and anagrams — even exhausting the questions at times — and is and referred to by other children “like a machine” for his incredible intellect that sees him answering problems before they’re even posed in some cases.

“It is a bit awkward at times, when Thomas has done so well in a round that perhaps the majority of children found difficult,” said Deborah as Thomas sprints up and down the garden doing shuttle runs while spelling words like hexamethylene.

“I’ve worked out that Thomas need to do two things at once because it livens things up for him. He’s not the type of child who will sit and read a dictionary for example but he appreciates for the competition that there are perhaps a few 20 letter words that he could do with learning.”

“Thomas does everything at 100 miles an hour and it’s really quite exhausting.”

Thomas and his mother Deborah. Source: Supplied

The reality show, now in it’s third year, began with a group of 20 children that has been whittled down as they go through stages on camera that provides captivating viewing and much debate on the nature-versus-nurture components of what makes a true genius.

Other entrants include Holly, an 11-year-old who can recite pi to 122 decimal places and is a voracious reader but has struggled with a crippling lack of confidence. There is also David, 11, who thinks winning is his “destiny” and whose parents use Chinese medicine techniques like cupping to give their son the edge, and Giovanni, 12, driven by super-competitive father Mattheo who once participated in the Chemistry Olympics and is determined to push his son to success.

“You need to push them to the limit, with their body and with their brains,” said Mattheo on the show. “If there is something in Giovanni, it will be developed, I will make sure of it.”

Cue rolling eyes from his wife Susan who admits her husband can come across as a “big-headed child” while trying to get the best out of their son.

The hopefuls. Child Genius class of 2015 includes from left Jasamrit, David, Justin, Tyrell, Ieysaa, Daisy, Mika, Harrison, Julian, Raushan, Lewis, Neha, Beth, Jack, Giovanni, Sasha, Thomas, Holly, Ethan and Kale. Source: Supplied

Series producer Anna Strickland said they had hundreds of applicants from all over the UK for the show they were determined be open to children from all walks of life.

“We contacted schools, academic clubs, libraries, museums — the call went out nationwide. One competitor even heard about it from their optician,” she said.

Filming follows families as they live together throughout the competition, which is designed and conducted by British Mensa and overseen by independent adjudicators. Children are screened beforehand to ensure they know what they’re getting into and are “robust enough” to handle it.

“Firstly there’s an online test and application process, then there’s various chats with members of the production team. They do a non-verbal reasoning paper, various intelligence tests. They speak to child psychologists to get a sense of their abilities, and there are numerous chats with the production team. It’s very important that they know exactly what the process entails, that everyone is happy to take part and has a clear understanding of the competition and the series.”

David’s parents immigrated from China to improve their son’s access to education. Source: Supplied

Holly’s mother was unimpressed when she was forced out of the competition after mispronouncing a word. Source:Supplied

Giovanni with his parents Mattheo and Susan. Mattheo said there is no point to life without competition. Source:Supplied

Ms Strickland said kids love the chance to take pride in their intelligence and make genuine friendships. While some suffer crushing disappointments, she said it’s a good reminder that life is not all “flowers and applause” as one mother put it.

“Being intelligent is seen in a really positive light here. Knowledge is something that should be applauded, not something to be ashamed of. It’s something we should celebrate. So it’s great for the children to be in an environment where that is the case, and to be among other children who are similar to them.”

For viewers, watching the parents is half the fun and the show has sparked a wave of reaction on social media.

To all you utterly odd parents - I've a challenge for you. 11 letter word. Starting with V. To live through ones children. #childgenius

— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) July 14, 2015

There's something very sad about #childgenius on Channel 4. There's a lot to be said for letting children be children.

— Matt Walker (@MattofWalker) July 14, 2015

Not all those child geniuses want to be there! Seems like most of the parents of the kids are living vicariously ? #childgenius

— Kate Robbins (@KateRobbins) July 14, 2015

I love watching #VicariousParents Wait, what? It's called #ChildGenius ? Oh, my bad, I just thought…

— The Real Ian M (@TheRealIanM) July 14, 2015

Thomas is a tiny nerd Yorkshire legend #childgenius

— Daniel Smith (@CuppaBrew) July 14, 2015

Wow. Thomas on #ChildGenius is out of this world. I need some of his brainpower!

— Sarah Robertson (@sarah_robbo) July 14, 2015

If you’re wondering if you might have a touch of the gift, British Mensa’s Gifted Child Consultant Lyn Kendall, who is gifted herself, said children often exhibit a series of traits including having an unusual memory, passing intellectual milestones and reading early, have an awareness of world affairs and ask lots of questions. They can also be musical, talkative and intolerant of other children, preferring to spend time on their own.

As for whether a genius is born or made, Ms Strickland said she thinks it’s a combination of both.

“Sometimes you think “Oh, it’s a naturally gifted child,” and then you think “Maybe they just work hard.” But I think even with nature, it has to be nurtured, in a way. What’s nice is seeing children that are excited by learning, and seeing intelligence as something positive, to be proud of. Where that comes from, who knows?”

Share this

TeDz