Spelling Bee 2024

The CityKidz Spelling Bee has become a cherished tradition. Parents joined the captivated audience of classmates and staff, watching the sheer brilliance and nerve-wracking tension of word warriors facing off against each other.

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as contestants lined up before a panel of judges and spelt a given word. For the past weeks, fifty-five learners, from Grade 1 to Grade 7, encouraged by parents and teachers, have been immersed in dictionaries and word lists. These learners have not merely memorised words; they have practised to understand the meaning of words, language patterns, use logic and learned to be poised under pressure.

But Spelling Bees are like choppy seas filled with hungry sharks. A single error means elimination, adding to the high stakes and intense pressure. The thrill of the Spelling Bee competition lies in its unpredictability. Even the most prepared spellers can falter under the spotlight, while others may rise to the occasion, amazing everyone with their composure and knowledge.

Today, the tension grew with each correct word, the audience clapping enthusiastically, especially at the surprising sight of Grade 1 learner, Bongeka Nhliyizo, who seemed to have nerves of steel. To gasps of delight, she was spelling words like bureaucracy. CityKidz Spelling Bee 2024 culminated in not one, but two dramatic showdowns between the final contestants. Limile Ndlela (Grade 2) and Jodan Pieterse (Grade 3), went to a nail-biting finish.

The Head Judge, Mrs Reynolds, made the final decision that both learners deserved a certificate. Bongeka Nhliyizo also received her medal. Congratulations to Limile and Jodan. All children will receive their certificates in assembly next term. The Intersen Phase was equally exciting. Silence fell in the hall as speller after speller was eliminated. You could hear a pin drop as the final spellers reached the increasingly challenging rounds. Under intense scrutiny, these spellers remained calm and focused, a valuable skill which will prepare these young individuals for future challenges.

The second exhilarating showdown of the day ended with Phalo Maqukhanya (Grade 6) in 3rd place, Nooryn Omar (Grade 4) in 2nd place and Chisom Amakor (Grade 7) in 1st place.

Congratulations to you all. The benefits of participating in spelling bees extend far beyond the competition stage. It was heartening to see the contestants support and congratulate one another. Today all the contestants have grown in confidence, public speaking skills and the ability to perform under pressure. We witnessed the incredible potential of young minds and the beauty of words.