Year 7 Spelling Bee 2017 The calibre of spelling talent at Neston High School must be

extraordinary if this week’s year 7 spelling bee is anything to

go by. With students performing to such a high standard that

harder words had to be added to the final round, Miss Pearson

and Mr Meehan were very impressed.

Year 7 students had already competed in spelling bee

competitions within their English lessons across the school two

weeks before our final. Then the top three spellers from the

classroom heats lined up outside the library on Friday 17th

November to represent their classes in the final. The spelling

class champions were welcomed into a transformed library by

the Library Council who were judging the proceedings.

Our teams were all invited to begin the competition at the front. The first round challenged

students to unscramble science anagrams. After lots of quick thinking and paddles shown to

the judges we moved through the anagrams. In the second round our teams were asked to

the front for subject word spellings.

Each team could select a subject. Then

Mr Meehan would ask the group to

spell a word used in that subject. Our

teams were incredible. We moved

them into the more intense double

points round. For the first time our

students had to spell alone at the front

to try and earn double points for their

subject spellings. Whilst our teams watched a short spelling bee top tips video our judges

revealed that there was a tie for the teams in the running for the group final.

Miss Pearson invited all of our teams to the front and revealed the groups that were through

and the groups that would need to go head to head for their space in the final. ‘We had three

groups competing for that final space and the

standard was incredible’ said Miss Pearson. After

a valiant effort by all teams the top three groups

emerged and the students moved forward to the

group finals.

The set champions in the final were 7y2, 7r6 and

7r1. After each student in each group had to solo

spell the groups were told their results. In first

place was 7r1, in second place was 7r6 and in

third place was 7y2. Certificates were handed out

before the individual final began.

Spelling Bee Winner- Jack Stokes

Round One- Anagrams

Library Council Judges scoring our spellers

From 7r1 the team now had to go

head to head for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place.

Jack Stokes, Grace Prytherch and

Daisy Marsh (all incredible spellers) to

the front to begin the final. The

finalists were each asked to spell three

words. Daisy after a valiant effort was

placed as 3rd. Daisy received her

trophy and certificate before Max and

Grace went head to head for 1st place.

Here our top two really demonstrated their incredible spelling talents. Nine rounds had

passed and both students were spelling perfectly, Miss Pearson had to add extra words from

the National Spelling Bee books to try and challenge the students and finally a winner

emerged. In round ten after a glorious run Grace was named as 2nd and Jack with a perfect

run became our Neston High School Spelling Bee Champion of 2017. Jack and Grace both

received their certificates and trophies to awe and applause from their competitors. Jack told

us ‘I’m delighted to have won but my competitors were all great’.

Other student comments from the big day:

‘It was so intense being a judge’ Madison Yates (judge)

‘I found being a judge really exciting and intense. Some of the

words were really challenging and I was thoroughly impressed’

Neve Preston (judge)

‘An intense final, the winner definitely deserved the trophy.’

Ada Maddock

‘Acting as a photographer was full of pressure as I needed to

show the winner’s glory. Everyone did so well’ Nyssa

(photographer)

‘Our school is full of talented spellers’ Niamh Huxley

(judge)

‘The Spelling Bee Finalists were amazing. I enjoyed

doing the double points round by myself.’ Izzy

Mitchell

‘I really enjoyed competing in the spelling bee. Jack

definitely deserved to win.’ Zack Pearson

‘It was scary and it made my stomach turn upside

down and the head to head for 1st place was intense

but I knew he could do it.’ Alfie Mullins

‘It was exhilarating to watch’ Libby Nielson

Round Two- subject words

One of our class champion teams

Third place- Daisy Marsh

‘‘I loved competing and watching others compete too.’ Sam Bevan

‘The Spelling Bee finalist were amazing. I enjoyed solving the anagrams’ Freya

H.

‘It was challenging but very good and exciting to watch’ Georgia Williams

‘A heart-racing experience’ Ethan Davies

‘Today was incredible’ Sam Wilding

Staff Comments:

‘Fantastic range of spellers today! The standard was so high we had to resort

to the spelling book!’ Mr Meehan

‘Today has showcased the incredible spelling talent we have here at Neston High School. I

would like to say congratulations to Jack, Grace and Daisy for wonderful efforts and

determination. A huge well done must go to all of our competitors today for the standard of

spellings was very impressive. As well I would like to say thank you to our Library Council for

hosting today’s event.’ Miss Pearson

Winner’s Interview:

Q: Congratulations on winning the year 7 spelling bee. How did

it feel to win?

A: It was a humbling experience. At first, I wasn’t sure that I won,

I had doubt but when I was told that it was correct, I was shocked.

I felt my heart skip a heartbeat. I was ecstatic.

Q: How did you prepare?

A: I just do extensive reading

Q: What will you be doing to celebrate your win?

A: Nothing much, maybe just celebrate a bit with friends and

family.

Q: Were you nervous on the day of the final?

Double points round

A: Yes but I’m pretty sure that everyone was nervous so if you’re nervous about anything just

remember that the majority of people will be as nervous as you are.

Q: Did you think you could win the competition at the start?

A: Not at all. There were obviously good spellers in the room. I wouldn’t have minded coming last

because everyone was great.

Q: Do you have any tips for students aiming to improve their spelling?

A: Read a lot and try to learn strange and common English words.

Q: Where are you going to keep that huge trophy for the year?

A: On my wooden bookshelf.

Q: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself please?

A: I’m bilingual (I can speak fluent Chinese and English).

Q: What is your favourite word?

A: It is ‘egregious’ because it’s got two meanings. The first one is: outstandingly bad. The second

meaning is: remarkably good.