Strong spelling underpins effective reading and writing, helping young people communicate clearly and confidently. Recognising its importance in literacy development, Northern Education Trust continues to invest in initiatives that strengthen students’ language skills and build long-term academic confidence.
One such initiative is the annual NET Spelling Bee, a trust-wide competition for Year 7 students. This year, pupils from academies across the North East and North West took part in a series of challenging rounds, culminating in a final held at the NET Staff College on 13 June 2024.
A competition of increasing difficulty
The contest was structured across three progressive rounds, each designed to stretch students’ spelling ability:
- One Bee words were drawn from the primary curriculum, reinforcing prior learning in phonics, spelling patterns and word structures.
- Two Bee words focused on subject-specific vocabulary linked to the Year 7 curriculum, ensuring relevance to classroom learning.
- Three Bee words presented the toughest challenge, featuring advanced “Words of the Champions” inspired by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, including terms such as bachelorette, whimsical and annihilate.
A closely fought final
The final round saw teams from Thorp Academy, Hetton Academy, Buile Hill Academy and Denton Academy compete in front of an audience of fellow students. Although participants represented their academies, spelling attempts were made individually, with students eliminated following an incorrect answer.
After a tense and closely contested finale, the competition came down to Thorp Academy and Hetton Academy. Thorp ultimately emerged victorious, securing the Spelling Bee trophy for their team and school.
Building confidence through literacy
Bethany Howieson, Trust Lead for Literacy and Oracy, said the event reflects the trust’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for all learners. She highlighted the Spelling Bee as an engaging way to build confidence, deepen vocabulary knowledge and encourage students to see literacy as both challenging and rewarding.