Trent College: Year 5 STEM Spelling Bee 2024
Year 5 pupils from 8 local primary schools and The Elms, Junior School to Trent College, were invited to take part in a STEM Spelling Bee.
There was an initial round, held in individual primary schools, and then a final held at Trent College, where the top 3 spellers from each school competed against those from other primary schools.
Each pupil had a list of 40 words in Round 1 to learn and then correctly spell from a random selection, the most they could in 1 minute. This was repeated in the final with an additional 40 words, so 80 in total to learn and spell.
The pupils joined us for lunch and then spent the afternoon, taking part in science activities and exploring the library, while waiting for their turn to compete. There was a presentation at the end and the top 3 spellers received 1st, 2nd and 3rd trophies and book prizes, with the best overall school winning a trophy.
Aims
The aim of the competition was to raise the profile of scientific vocabulary through competitive spelling and was based upon the format used in foreign language spelling bees. Pupils were given lists of words to learn, exposing them to new vocabulary beyond that they would meet in the usual school curriculum.
The identified need was to raise the profile of STEM studies, and associated aspirations to study further for young people in our community. Literacy is a key factor in an individual’s success in science exams and during a pupil’s journey learning science they encounter a huge number and variety of new words. These words may not be commonly used outside of science classrooms and so pupils may get fewer opportunities to practise accurate spelling of science words.
The critical factor for success were that as many primary schools in our local community took part as possible, and were then represented at the inter-school final at Trent College.
The beneficiaries of the partnership directly being the Year 5 pupils who took part and learnt all the STEM-related words.
Background
The partnership was established by the Head of Chemistry, Dr Wakerley, at Trent College. This was based on a model used for Year 7 pupils that was historically run by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Following hosting a Year 7 final at Trent College, on behalf of the Royal Society of Cambridge, we identified the opportunity to adapt the Year 7 STEM Spelling Bee for younger pupils.
The Year 5 STEM Spelling Bee was established in 2022.
Resources
The key resources for the competition are the STEM words and competition rules - all which are posted to participating primary schools.
Participation certificates are posted to all pupils that take part.
The spelling bee finalists are given lunch in our main dining room, and then spend the afternoon in the library, where additional refreshments are provided.
The library and Careers Centre is used from 12.30pm to 3.30pm - two rooms being necessary to ensure that the testing of spelling is done privately.
The Head of Chemistry was involved all afternoon, plus 3 non-teaching staff - 2 to assist with the testing and time-keeping, and 1 to supervise the other pupils in the library.
There were science activities provided in the library for the children to complete.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the Spelling Bee had a trophy and 2 STEM books each for a prize, and the overall winning school had a trophy. School prizes of pens and book marks were awarded to pupils taking part in the library activities. All pupils received a finalist certificate.
Everything was provided free of charge, with no financial contribution from visiting schools.
Impact
Over 250 Year 5 pupils in our local community learnt 40 STEM words and competed to win the STEM Spelling Bee.
The top 27 joined us at Trent College and learnt 80 words in order to compete in the final.
"Thanks so much for a wonderful time. The girls had a fabulous time and have retained the cup from Heymann which is fantastic. The event was brilliant as always." Year 5 teacher, Heymann Primary School
"The children loved this afternoon and were so excited when they arrived back at Harrington - fantastic! Thank you so much for organising this event and including us." Year 5 teacher, Harrington Junior School
"The children absolutely loved it and it was lovely to see nearly all of them get involved. It was great to get all the certificates for those that took part. The competition has generated a real interest in STEM." Year 5 teacher, English Martyrs Catholic Voluntary Academy
Pupil Involvement
2 competing schools were independent and involved 72 Year 5 (aged 9-10) pupils.
7 competing schools were from the state sector and involved 195 Year 5 (aged 9-10) pupils.
Both boys and girls took part.
27 pupils were invited to the final representing the top 3 spellers from each school - 20 girls and 7 boys.
Frequency
This is an annual event that will occur once a year in the summer term.
