Spelling Bee
The Challenger Round
Tagline: 50 contenders. 3 intense rounds. Only 15 will rise.
The Challenger Round marks a pivotal stage in the VOLKS Spelling Bee journey. It is the ultimate test of skill, presence, and preparation — where the Top 50 qualifiers from the written test compete across three challenging rounds, each designed to assess a different aspect of language mastery.
Round 1 – Power Read
Round 2 – Skill Challenge (based on category)
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Category 1: Image Quest – Identify 10 pictures and spell the corresponding words.
Categories 2 to 5: Phono Focus – Decode 10 phonetic transcriptions and spell the correct words.
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Category 1: Image Quest – Identify 10 pictures and spell the corresponding words.
Round 3 – Spell Zone
Rounds - Spelling Bee
Round - 1
Tagline: Where clarity meets confidence!
In the Power Read Round, participants showcase their reading fluency, pronunciation accuracy, and expression. This round is designed to assess how confidently and clearly a student can read aloud, bringing the written word to life. It’s not just about speed — it’s about power, presence, and pronunciation!
In the Power Read Round, contestants are tested on their ability to pronounce words with accuracy and clarity. A total of 10 words will be displayed one after the other. For each word, the participant must read aloud confidently and pronounce it correctly.
Scoring:
Each correct pronunciation earns 1 mark, making this round worth a total of 10 marks.
This round celebrates fluency, builds confidence, and helps young spellers own the stage with their voice!
Round - 2
Tagline: See it. Spell it. Score it!
Description:
In the Image Quest round, contestants will be shown 10 pictures, one at a time. For each picture, they must:
1. Identify what is shown
2. Spell the word correctly
Scoring:
• 1 mark for correct identification
• 1 mark for correct spelling
That’s a total of 2 marks per image, making the round worth 20 marks in total.
This exciting round helps build visual recognition, enhances spelling accuracy, and encourages quick recall in a playful, picture-driven format!
Tagline: Focus on the sound. Find the word. Spell it right.
Description:
In the PhonoFocus round, contestants are given phonetic transcriptions of 10 words. Using their knowledge of phonics and pronunciation, they must:
1. Identify the correct word
2. Spell it accurately
Scoring:
• 1 mark for correct word identification
• 1 mark for correct spelling
Total: 20 marks
This round sharpens listening, decoding, and spelling abilities — making it a true test of auditory word power!
Round - 3
Tagline: Step into the zone. Speak with precision. Spell to survive.
Description:
In the SpellZone round, each contestant will be given a set of 5 words to spell aloud. To qualify, they must correctly spell all the 5.
Elimination Rule:
Based on performance in this round, the number of contestants will be reduced to 15. These top scorers will move on to the Grand Finale – The Champion’s Round — the final and most thrilling stage of the competition.
The Grand Finale – The Champion’s Round
Tagline: Where the best spell it out for the crown.
The journey of words reaches its peak in The Grand Finale – The Champion’s Round. This final stage brings together the Top 15 contestants, who have proven their skill, focus, and resilience through every phase of the competition.
Introduction & Orientation
• Contestants are welcomed and briefed about the final round structure.
• Contestant numbers are assigned or called alphabetically.
• Judges, pronouncers, and timekeepers are introduced to all participants.
Round Progression
- Each contestant is given 3 words to spell.
- To qualify for the next round, they must spell at least 2 out of 3 words correctly.
- Qualified contestants move forward one by one.
- Each contestant is given 1 word per round.
- The format becomes elimination-based, with any misspelling leading to knockout.
- Starting from Round 6 or 7, contestants may receive words that are not part of the official preparatory wordlists.
- This is to identify true mastery under pressure and elevate competition fairness.
- All participants and guardians are expected to acknowledge this format as part of the official rules.
Important Notice
The competition committee reserves the right to include unlisted words in the final rounds to maintain integrity, fairness, and the challenge level of the championship. This system ensures that the most deserving speller is crowned the Champion.
Spelling Rules & Guidelines
Correct Spelling Procedure
- 1. Repeat the word clearly before starting.
- 2. Spell the word slowly and clearly, one letter at a time.
- 3. Say the word again after spelling (recommended, not mandatory).
Example: “Journey. J-O-U-R-N-E-Y. Journey.”
Asking for Clarification
Contestants may ask for:
- Repetition of the word
- Definition of the word
- Origin or language of derivation
- Use in a sentence
- Part of speech (noun, verb, etc.)
- Alternate pronunciation (if avl)
Note: Contestants may not receive hints about the spelling or root meanings that directly give away the answer.
Spelling Rules & Guidelines
TIME LIMIT
- Usually, each contestant is allowed up to 1.5 minutes:
- 30 seconds to ask questions
- 60 seconds to spell the word
- The timer starts after the pronouncer first says the word.
- A bell or signal may warn the contestant at the 90-second mark.
ELIMINATION RULES
- A contestant is eliminated if:
- They misspell the word.
- They do not start within the allotted time.
- They correct themselves after saying the incorrect spelling.
- The competition continues until one finalist remains, who is declared the champion.
FINAL ROUNDS & WINNER
- When two contestants remain:
- If one misspells a word, the other must spell that same word correctly and then one additional word to win.
- If both misspell, the round continues until a winner emerges.
JUDGES & DECISION MAKING
- Judges monitor accuracy and clarity.
- The judges’ decision is final.
- In case of disputes, the head judge may confer with the panel before a final ruling.
Conduct & Preparation Tips
CONDUCT & DRESS CODE
- Dress Code:
- All contestants must wear the official T-Shirt provided by the organizers.
- Students should pair the T-Shirt with blue or black jeans and neat, closed-toe shoes (preferably school shoes or sneakers).
- Overall appearance should be tidy and presentable.
- Conduct:
- Maintain discipline and silence in backstage and waiting areas.
- Exhibit respectful behaviour towards fellow contestants, judges, volunteers, and event staff.
- Refrain from any disruptive or inappropriate conduct throughout the event.
PREPARATION TIPS FOR STUDENTS
- Practice with a list of grade-appropriate words.
- Learn pronunciation rules and common patterns.
- Practice spelling aloud and use a mock mic/stage setup.
- Understand word origins (roots, prefixes, suffixes).