Last Friday marked a significant milestone at Aspire International School as our primary students participated in the school's first-ever Spelling Bee Competition. The atmosphere was electric, with students and teachers alike buzzing with excitement. The event commenced with English spellings and concluded with Portuguese, reflecting our commitment to bilingual excellence.
The term "spelling bee" has an interesting history. The word "bee" in this context refers to a gathering or contest, a usage dating back to the 18th century. The earliest known example in print is "spinning bee" from 1769. Spelling competitions became particularly popular in the United States, with the first national spelling bee organised by the National Education Association in 1908. This rich tradition has now found its place at Aspire International School.
The Spelling Bee featured students from various primary grades, each eager to showcase their linguistic prowess. The event was structured in rounds, beginning with simpler words and progressing to more challenging ones. Students had the opportunity to ask for word definitions and usage in sentences, enhancing their understanding and ensuring clarity.
Our top spellers—Zelia, Heitor, Timur, Emelina, Hendrix, Francesco, Mazzy, Alejandro, Alex,—demonstrated exceptional skill and composure under pressure. Their achievements were celebrated with certificates and a small sweet treat, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
While spelling bees are an excellent way to promote language skills, we recognise the importance of nurturing various talents. In the future, Aspire International School plans to host events that showcase a wide range of student strengths, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine.
We invite parents and community members to relive the excitement of our inaugural Spelling Bee by viewing photos of the event. These images capture the enthusiasm and joy of our students as they embraced this new challenge.
At Aspire International School, we are committed to creating memorable experiences that enrich our students' educational journey. The success of our first Spelling Bee is a testament to the vibrant and supportive community we continue to build.
For more information on the history of spelling bees, you can visit the Scripps National Spelling Bee page.
Authors: Daniela André & Mark McLoughlin
