Spelling is more important than it seems \u2014 it lays a crucial foundation for literacy, communication and broader academic success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easy to dismiss the importance of spelling, but for every such assumption, there is a strong, research-backed counterargument. Why bother learning to spell when autocorrect can do it for you? Spell checkers aren\u2019t always available, and they don\u2019t always catch all errors \u2014 usually only 30 to 80 per cent of misspellings. Does spelling even impact learning in other areas? Yes \u2014 research has shown that the processes underlying learning of spelling, reading and writing are all closely interlinked. But isn\u2019t it only relevant for young children? Absolutely not. Continued, appropriate spelling instruction facilitates vocabulary development, increased confidence in communication, and the perception of professionalism and trustworthiness. For example, it has been reported that 80% of poorly spelled or written job applications are thrown out immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recognition of the subject\u2019s educational and practical value, ICAS Spelling Bee is designed to provide an objective ranking of students\u2019 performance based on the curricula for the relevant year. Spelling is a critical component of literacy, communication and broader academic success. It\u2019s a complex skill involving phonological, orthographical, morphemic and etymological knowledge, and one that is important to master \u2014 and there is no better opportunity to test your knowledge than with ICAS assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than simply a spelling competition, ICAS Spelling Bee papers consist of different types of questions written and reviewed every year by expert educators. Papers are carefully graded to stimulate interest and learning across a wide range of abilities, including gifted and talented students. They assess students\u2019 skills at spelling words in four different contexts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words tested range from simple, frequently used words to less common and technical words with difficult or unusual spelling patterns. These words can be organised under four types of spelling knowledge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ICAS Spelling Bee tests a variety of different kinds of words organised by the four types of spelling knowledge. Within each type, papers will contain some words that are easy to spell for students at the year level, some that are of medium difficulty and some that are quite challenging. Some examples of the range of difficulty of words tested include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note that the ICAS Spelling Bee assessment requires earphones and the Janison Replay application. Click here<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n