Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? (Australian game show)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | September 26, 2007 |
| Founder | Roving Enterprises |
| Headquarters | Forest Hill, Victoria , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Rove McManus (host) |
| Products | Television quiz show |
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? is an Australian quiz program created by Roving Enterprises, which debuted on Network Ten on 26 September 2007. The show was hosted by television presenter Rove McManus, with filming commencing on 11 September 2007 at Global Television Studios located in Forest Hill, Victoria.
During his tenure on Rove, McManus examined the American version of the show. The 2007 edition featured children currently in Year 5 (typically aged 10 or 11), chosen from a competitive selection process.
The format centers on one contestant who answers ten questions plus a final bonus query, all derived from primary school textbooks spanning grades one through five. Each correct response raises the prize money, culminating in a top award of A$500,000. Contestants are supported by one of five fifth-grade "classmate" students. If the contestant either answers incorrectly or opts to quit, they must say, "My name is [contestant's name] and I am not smarter than a fifth grader."
The second season premiered in late 2008, introducing five new student participants as the original group had advanced to grade six. This season also incorporated celebrity guests competing for charity alongside regular contestants.
On 10 November 2008, confirmation came for a third season, which began airing on 27 July 2009. The 2009 series marked the conclusion of the Australian version of the show.
Current board
| 1st Subject | 2nd Subject |
|---|---|
| $500,000 Question | $500,000 Subject |
| 5th Grade World History | 5th Grade Maths |
| 4th Grade Physical Science | 5th Grade Vocab |
| 4th Grade Social Studies | 4th Grade Art |
| 3rd Grade Music | 3rd Grade Spelling |
| 1st Grade Literature | 2nd Grade Foreign Languages |
Former board
| 1st Subject | 2nd Subject |
|---|---|
| Half Million Dollar Question | Half Million Dollar Subject |
| 5th Grade Math | 5th Grade Australian History |
| 4th Grade World Geography | 4th Grade Earth Science |
| 3rd Grade Cultural Studies | 3rd Grade Astronomy |
| 2nd Grade Grammar | 2nd Grade Physical Education |
| 1st Grade Measurements | 1st Grade Health |
Rules
Contestants face eleven questions drawn from curricula spanning grades one through five, choosing from ten subjects corresponding to these grade levels. Since 2008, the question distribution has included one each from first and second grades, two from third grade, and three each from fourth and fifth grades. Correct answers increase the prize amount incrementally; after five and seven correct responses, contestants secure minimum guaranteed sums of $25,000 and $30,000 respectively. Successfully answering all ten leads to a $500,000 bonus question based on fifth-grade material.
Each episode features five fifth-grade students acting as "classmates." Contestants select one to assist with up to two consecutive questions before switching to another. Assistance options include:
- Peek: Reviewing a classmate’s answer before deciding whether to use it.
- Copy: Accepting a classmate’s answer without prior viewing.
- Save: Automatically correcting the contestant’s first incorrect response if the classmate’s answer is accurate.
No prior discussion with classmates is permitted before responding. After all helps are used, contestants continue unaided. Incorrect answers without a save result in elimination and loss of winnings or reversion to the last guaranteed amount if applicable. Contestants may opt to withdraw at any point before attempting the $500,000 question, keeping their current earnings.
For the final question, only its subject is disclosed prior to deciding whether to proceed. If attempted, no withdrawal or assistance is allowed; an incorrect answer reduces winnings to the guaranteed minimum.
Contestants who lose or choose to quit declare "I am not smarter than a 5th grader," whereas those who win the $500,000 proclaim "I am smarter than a fifth grader."
The highest prize attained was A$250,000 by Shelly McClean during the first season finale—she opted to stop before facing the $500,000 question—and this amount was matched by others in later seasons. Fifth-grade classmates receive A$10,000 each, held in trust until they turn eighteen.
No adult contestant has claimed the $500,000 prize; four have reached that question but withdrew with $250,000. Notably, Dr. Chris Brown donated his winnings to Assistance Dogs Australia; he was shown the final question but chose not to answer it correctly.
Season 1
- Sam
- Darcy
- Moya
- Max
- Callum
- Sarah
Season 2
- Sean
- Isobel
- Jesse
- Sara
- Summer
- Daniel
Season 3
- Maddie
- Dylan
- Liam
- Oliver (Olly)
- Lily
The third season marked the conclusion of the series.