The Wordlist is organised into ten subject groups, and learners have access to this for study. The subject groups and words within each group are chosen because they are relevant, topical, interesting and in some cases fabulous! The ten subject groups include the college curriculum subjects, English, Te Reo Māori, Science and Social Studies. Words are selected to help students better understand the world around them and have included words such as: apartheid, Ramadan, diversity, feminism and prejudice. The Greek and Latin subject groups help show students the direct influence of the classical languages and how even today Latin and Greek roots are the chief source for English words in science and technology. Further to this, this year one of the subject groups, Politics, includes words that will be helpful to students to understand this year’s election. Words in this group include words like referendum and unicameral.

Spelling Bees are a great learning challenge – they expand the student’s vocabulary and give richness of understanding to words they may already use. It is also a fun way for them to gain a love of the English language and its many fascinating words. Many of the words have been chosen because they are relevant to students’ academic journey through secondary school and some are chosen because they are highly amusing or obscure. 

A big acknowledgement to the learners who put in the time and effort to study, we look forward to seeing if you progress forward to the regionals in September! A big mihi also to those who also just took part as part of a fun challenge - we look forward to seeing some of these new words coming through in your language and writing!  

https://spellingbee.co.nz/programmes/spelling-bee-competition