Nundah State School Champions Literacy with Annual Spelling Bee

Nundah State School is abuzz with excitement as the 2024 edition of the nationwide Spelling Bee competition is well underway. The school, recognised for its comprehensive academic programs and proactive approach to student development, participates in this educational event for the fourth consecutive year.



The school community, including teachers and parents, supports the event enthusiastically, recognising its benefits in enhancing student literacy and engagement.

Principal Rachel Korst expressed great enthusiasm about the school’s continued involvement in the Spelling Bee. 

“Our school has a strong tradition of fostering academic excellence and personal growth. The Spelling Bee is a perfect match for our educational goals, providing both a challenging and enjoyable environment for our students to thrive in literacy,” Ms. Korst explained.

“We believe in equipping our students with the skills they need to succeed not just in school, but in life. The Spelling Bee serves as an exciting platform for students to showcase their spelling skills and compete in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere,” Ms Korst added.

Assistant Principal James Herbert, who coordinates the Spelling Bee preparations, shared insights into the training process.

“We start by encouraging a love of reading. From there, we explore the nuances of the English language through various activities that involve puzzle-solving and word-building exercises. It’s about developing a comprehensive literacy foundation,” Mr Herbert said.

The school also emphasises the development of “the knowing gift,” one of 10 educational gifts that the curriculum incorporates. This specific gift focuses on empowering students with knowledge and critical thinking skills, which are vital in academic and everyday contexts. 

“Integrating these gifts helps our students become well-rounded individuals. The Spelling Bee is another opportunity for them to apply their learning in a practical, rewarding way,” Mr Herbert explained.

With a record number of participants and the support of the entire school community, Nundah State School looks forward to another successful year at the Spelling Bee.

The school is known for its explicit teaching methods, tailored to diverse student needs. This approach has been integral in helping students reach and exceed grade-level expectations in reading, writing, and spelling. 

Nundah State School has incorporated spelling and vocabulary activities into its daily curriculum, engaging students with interactive spelling games and word-origin studies. These activities are designed to make learning fun and to instill a deeper understanding of language.

Nundah State School
Photo Credit: AnikaWells/Facebook


About The Bee: Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee 2024

  • Eligibility: Open to students in Years 3-8 across Australia.
  • Competition Timeline:
    • School Round: 22 July to 23 August.
    • State/Territory Finals: 2 September to 6 September.
    • National Finals: 11 September to 12 September.
  • Competition Levels:
    • Green Level: Years 3-4
    • Orange Level: Years 5-6
    • Red Level: Years 7-8
  • Format: Competitors receive 30 randomly selected words and have 25 seconds per word to type their answers.
  • Advancement: Students with the highest accuracy and speed progress to the finals.
  • Prizes:
    • National Champion of each age group receives:
      • A trip to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister.
      • An iPad.
      • A HarperCollins book pack.
      • A $1,000 voucher for their school.
  • Website for More Information: spelling-bee.com.au

Published 13-Aug-2024