How can learning English become more engaging? What techniques help master vocabulary efficiently? What key terms should budding musicians know? Experience the highlights of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao's premiere "Cambridge English Music Vocabulary Spelling Bee."

With the global Spelling Bee phenomenon captivating students worldwide, this academic competition attracted avid participation across 36 primary and middle school students. Competitors from all grade levels contended on an equal playing field for spelling excellence. School Deputy Head Mark Stringer, English teacher Naved Pervaiz, and Juilliard alumnus Dr. Zhang Ning served as esteemed judges. Onstage, students dazzled with determination. Offstage, their peers and parents cheered enthusiastically.

To fully accomplish the goal of "learning through competition," the English Faculty selected words based on students' proficiency and vocabulary levels, incorporating guidance from the Music Faculty. The meticulously curated list covered musical lexicon alongside essential academic English. A month prior, teachers led targeted review sessions, guiding students to absorb the language through engaging methods.

The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao's first Vocabulary Spelling Bee 

Commenced with anticipation and delight.

After emcee Teacher Yu Yang declared the rules and etiquette,

The thrilling competition began,

A spirited display of spelling prowess.

The format was spelling words live on stage.

Students across grades sat poised for the contest.

The competition was intense,

Captivating those watching with each round.

Students stepped into the spotlight, focused intently

On precisely comprehending the judges’ enunciation.

As the contest progressed, the remaining pool narrowed,

Spotlight shining on those still in the running.

The words escalated in difficulty, the tension heightened,

Suspense gripping the audience at every turn.

When students mastered incredibly complex or lengthy words,

The crowd responded with awestruck applause.

During challenging moments, Deputy Head Mark Stringer gave encouraging nods. When one disappointed student teared up, others offered comfort, epitomizing camaraderie and grace.

Through intense back-to-back showdowns,

The competition reached its pinnacle.

Just a few final students on stage,

Strategically competing against their peers.

In the quest to become spelling victor, competitors revealed their academic finesse.

Until at last, a champion was crowned.

Congratulations to the winners!

Thank you to all competitors for your outstanding courage and skills,

Together presenting a spectacular, enriching event!

The Winners:

First Place: Max Yicheng (Grade 7)

Second Place: Yan Yu (Grade 6), Fu Wandi (Grade 4)

Third Place: He Ruoning & Jiang Houpu (Grade 5), Ma Yijia (Grade 6)

The Spelling Bee exemplified students’ passion for English mastery and vocabulary growth. It also cultivated resilience in undertaking challenges. This was not only a demonstration of English proficiency, but of poise under pressure. To develop as tomorrow’s virtuoso musicians, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao’s students must be prepared to shine on stage.