Maitland students prove they are the bee’s knees at NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee

Maitland students, Marley Hodgson and Kynan Levey, joined dozens of the State’s top primary school spellers in a competition last Friday, as they went head-to-head, hoping to be crowned best speller at the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee finals.

Students had spelled their way into this year’s finals, held at Q Theatre in Penrith, with words such as ‘fascinate’, ‘anemometer’, ‘allegory’ and ‘sovereign’.

The State final was contested by 30 students in Years 3 and 4 (junior) and 30 students in Years 5 and 6 (senior).

Along the way, Marley and Kynan beat a combined 1,800 students in a series of regional heats before reaching the finals of the 2024 Premier’s Spelling Bee. Marley is in Year 4 at Thornton Public School and Kynan in Year 5 at Rutherford Public School.

2024 Spelling Bee’s enrolment has increased by almost 10 per cent on last year with nearly two-thirds of NSW public primary schools competing.

Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns

“Reading, writing and spelling are foundational skills for young learners, and this spelling bee gives some of our brightest students a chance to show their spelling skills while having a bit of fun.

“Students who are good spellers are often avid readers, and if we can get our children reading more through initiatives such as the Premier’s Reading Challenge, that’s an excellent outcome.”

Quotes attributable Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car

“The Spelling Bee shows just how inclusive our public education system is – any student, regardless of where they live, can compete for a chance to become the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee champion.

“I am proud of all the students who took part this year, who have no doubt found themselves a lifelong passion for all things learning, books and words.”

Quotes attributable to Jenny Aitchison MP

“Congratulations to Marley and Kynan who represented Maitland at the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee.”

“Being able to spell is the foundation of great writing and reading. These are all vital life-long skills, which will serve them well throughout their life.

It’s great these two Maitland students have achieved such great results in the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee. I know their families, schools and the wider Maitland community are all very proud of them.

MEDIA CONTACT: Peree Watson 041116704