Local pupils face off in spelling bee
A REGIONAL spelling bee, bringing together some of the brightest pupils from nine local schools, took place at Masiza Primary School in Kimberley this week.
This is the second time that the region has hosted a spelling bee, however, this year’s event included Afrikaans, Setswana and isiXhosa in addition to English, making it a more inclusive competition.
The top shortlisted 27 “spellers” from across the Kimberley, Riverton, Ritchie and Barkly West areas, participated in the event, which is funded as part of Droogfontein Solar Power’s literacy programme.
First prize went to Keotshepile Pilane, from Masiza Primary, who took the title home with the winning word “laundromat”.
Second place was awarded to Pulane Maume from Kim Kgolo Primary.
A spelling bee is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell a broad selection of words, usually with a varying degree of difficulty. These competitions are recognised as offering a range of benefits, from higher confidence to better vocabulary.
Participants are now also provided with Nal’ibali reading materials to help them prepare for the event.
“Spelling bees actually test reading, not memory, so pupils should therefore prepare for these types of events by increasing their reading and understanding of how words are constructed and how letter sounds work together,” explained Hlengiwe Radebe, economic development director of Droogfontein Solar Power.
Each participant was awarded with a medal and a cash prize, with the first place prize winner taking home a trophy, medal and a cash prize.
This event forms part of Droogfontein Solar Power’s ongoing literacy programme that supports the Department of Education’s literacy objectives.
Participating schools included: Beacon Primary, Barkly Wes Primêre Skool, Barkly West Primary, Kim Kgolo Primary, Kgabang Primary, Boitshoko Primary, Masiza Primary, Waterworks Primary and Lucretia Primary.
De Aar Solar Power has announced that it will also be funding a spelling bee, scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 10 at the offices of the Department of Education in De Aar.