Pupils cast spell as word skills are tested

WINNER . . . St Hilda's pupil Samirah Talukdar

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OLDHAM was a hive of learning and competition as youngsters from 10 schools competed in a spelling bee to see who would be crowned the town's best speller.

The final of the West Oldham Spelling Bee, organised and funded by the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro, took place in the council chamber on May 26 and was watched by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan.

The competition sees youngsters stand in front of an audience and spell out loud a word given to them by a judge.

If they are able to spell it correctly, they move forward to the next round in the competition, which continues until there is only one top speller left.

Being put on the spot in front of others to gauge your spelling skills is a tough test for anyone.

And at the end of a tense competition it was 11-year-old St Hilda's pupil Samirah Talukdar who came out on top, taking home the Spelling Bee shield.

Frank Bolger, of Rotary Club Oldham Metro, said: "Having attended several school finals I am amazed at the commitment and level of achievement that the children have shown.

"But perhaps more amazing is the enthusiasm and excitement that the competition has generated.

Regardless

"It is particularly encouraging that whilst only KS2 take part in the finals, all children in KS1 and KS2 have taken part in the individual school competitions.

"And that is regardless of their ability level, making it truly all-inclusive.

"I am sure this innovative new competition is providing a welcome boost to the children's spelling abilities and has been an exciting and worthwhile event for our Rotary club to support.

"Our congratulations and thanks go to the hard-working teachers and staff at all the schools."

The top spellers from St Patrick's RC Primary, St Thomas CE Primary, Medlock Valley School, Broadfield Primary, Holy Rosary RC, St Hilda's RC Primary, Alt Academy, St Martin's CE Primary, St Hugh's CE Primary and Werneth Primary competed in the event.

Prizes were donated by book company Madeleine Lindley.