Abu Dhabi University organizes 3rd Annual Spelling Bee

Abu Dhabi University recently organized the 3^rd Annual Spelling Bee, during which more than 150 Grade 5 students representing 21 schools in Abu Dhabi competed for the first three positions and the gold, silver and bronze medals. Aimed at enhancing school students’ spelling and reading skills, the annual competition also helps participants boost their vocabulary, strengthen their understanding of the English language and enables them to score higher on any future standardized tests.

Dr. James Mackin Provost of Abu Dhabi University explained that since its inception, the Annual Spelling Bee has received overwhelming response from schools and students who wish to compete to enhance their spelling skills. “The Spelling Bee competition was composed of three rounds, 150 students participated in the first round, out of 50 students qualified for the second round, and then 12 for the third and final round. On the final round, the 12 finalists were each given 30 seconds to spell the words given to them, and the student with the most amount of words spelt correctly from a fixed set of words won the spelling bee”, pointed out Dr. Mackin.

“The Spelling Bee gives students the opportunity to further develop their vocabulary in an educational, interactive and fun method. It also introduces them to word etymology, and the correct usage of certain words. Spelling Bees -are also a great way to improve the student’s English language composition and speaking skills and will contribute to their academic advancement throughout the various stages of their education”, concluded Dr. Mackin.

The schools that took part in the 3^rd Annual Spelling Bee at Abu Dhabi University are: International Academic School, Al Nahda National School, Rosary Private School, Horizon Private School, Abu Dhabi Indian School, Private International English School, Al Salam English Private School, Merryland International School, International Community School, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Arab Pakistan Private, The Model Private School, Glenelg School, Abu Dhabi Australian School, Al Ittehad National Private School, Emirates National Private School, Islamia English School, Sunrise English School, Al Dhafra Private School, Rawafed Private School and Indian Islahi Islamic School.

Ajith Chadrashekar of the Abu Dhabi Indian School won the gold medal, while Vykhari Sreekumar from Abu Dhabi Indian School received the silver medal, and Natasha Naorem from Abu Dhabi Indian School won the bronze medal.