Spelling Bee Buzz at ADU

On Tuesday, March 22nd 2011, Abu Dhabi University hosted its first ever Spelling Bee in the ADU Campus Auditorium in Abu Dhabi. Grade 5 and 6 students from 16 schools participated in the event. 

The schools that took part were: Islamia English School, Abu Dhabi International School, Al Yasmina School, International Academic School, Al Worood School, Al Rawafed School, British International School, Al Nahda National School (Girls), Al Nahda National School (Boys), Canadian International School, Rosary School, Cambridge High School, Emirates National School (AD Campus), Emirates National School (MBZ Campus), Emirates National School (Al Ain Campus), and British School Khubairat. Parents, teachers and staff from the participating schools were in the audience. 

The main purpose for the event was essentially academic – to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn new concepts, and develop correct English usage which will help them read and write more effectively and score higher on standardized tests and college prep tests.  Students were also able to learn word etymology and country of origin, the meanings of prefixes and suffixes, and spelling rules. Many of the participating schools are planning to introduce this activity at their schools and get their students prepared for ADU’s Spelling Bee that will be held annually. 

The event was kicked-off with a welcome speech by Dr James Mackin, the Provost of ADU. The panel of judges consisted out of 3 instructors from ADU’s English Language Institute – Mr Johan Hartzenberg, Ms Helen Michael and Mr. Samuel Mostefai. 1^st place went to Mohammed Farhan Islam (Islamia English School). He received a gold medal and the school got a trophy. 2^nd place went to Haneen Amir (Al Nahda National School (girls). She received a silver medal. 3^rd place went Abir Dabbour (Canadian International School), for which she received a bronze medal. All participants were given certificates for their participation. 

The event was concluded with a lunch reception for participants, their parents and the attending school staff.