Last week the Senior Hall at St Clare’s School, Porthcawl was buzzing with excitement for their first Spelling Bee. The six primary schools who had accepted the challenge were Coychurch, Cwmfelin, Maes Yr Haul, Oakleigh House Prep, St Mary’s RC, Trelales and of course St Clare’s Prep.
Competition was fierce, with each schools’ top Year 5 or Year 6 spellers all competing to be the Spelling Bee Champion. Pupils were required to spell a word in front of a panel of two judges, as well as a large audience of teachers, pupils and parents. The atmosphere in the hall was intense but thanks to English Teacher, Mrs Burns’ smooth compering, the last 2 pupils managed to stay calm throughout the competition, and they were able to answer every question thrown at them within the time limit.
Despite the tremendous pressure of the final round, Maddison Phillips, a Year 5 pupil from Trelales managed to overcome all the obstacles of the competition to succeed as the Spelling Bee Champion. In second place was Keyaan Iqbaal from St Clare’s Prep.
Proud mum, Claire said, “Maddi’s always loved reading since a young age. She spends most of her time going to dance classes but in her spare time loves to read. It’s her tenth birthday so it’s been a very special week for her as she’s also taking part in the Eisteddford in school tomorrow too”
The Spelling Bee judges were actress and writer, Karen Paullada, and Prof Roy Thomas from Swansea University.
We can’t wait for next year’s Spelling Bee and hope that even more primary schools will want to compete.
Maddison Phillips wins St Clare’s Spelling Bee
