School hosts spelling bee
THE spelling bee craze, which originated in America, has arrived in Bridgend after St Clare’s School hosted its first competition.
The top spellers from six primary schools descended onto the senior hall at the Porthcawl school.
Year five and six pupils were buzzing with excitement as they pitted their spelling prowess against each other in front of two judges.
Pupils from Coychurch, Cwmfelin, Maes Yr Haul, Oakleigh House Prep, St Mary’s RC, Trelales and St Clare’s Prep all competed to be the Spelling Bee Champion for 2019.
Emerging victorious, after several rounds of intense spelling, was Maddison Phillips, a year five pupil from Trelales. She was presented with her trophy by Welsh actress and writer Karen Paullada and Professor Roy Thomas from Swansea University.
Maddison held her nerve throughout every stage, during which each competitor had to spell a word in front of the large audience of teachers and pupils and parents.
Afterwards, proud mum Claire said: “Maddi’s al- ways 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 10th birthday so it’s been a very special week for her as she’s also taking part in the Eisteddfod in school tomorrow too”
The atmosphere in the hall was intense but with smooth compering from English teacher, Mrs Burns, both Maddi and eventual runner-up, Keyaan Iqbaal from St Clare’s Prep stayed calm enough to answer every question thrown at them within the time limit.