VLT Spelling Bee

On Wednesday 22nd January, 2025, RHS hosted the sixth annual VLT Spelling Bee, which was attended by students from each of the Vanguard Learning Trust schools.

Led by Ms Rickards, E201 was filled up with audience members from all of the Trust schools - including several Ruislip High School Year 7 tutor groups - ‘buzzing’ to see their peers take to the stage.

Each team of four took turns to spell increasingly difficult words out loud, a feat of not only academic prowess, but also admirable confidence. Every participant excelled, achieving points for their teams and even spelling words such as ‘gargantuan’, ‘tortoise’ and ‘distraught’. The rapid-fire round increased the tension even further, with a two minute timer ticking away, as the students scrambled to fit in as many correct spells as possible. Even Ms Rickards was struggling to keep up with the pace of the eager 10-year-old spellers!

It was anyone’s game for most of the competition, but Oak Farm started to creep ahead in the final round. However, they were pipped at the post by Vyners, who put forward a worthy team of winners. Their victory was well deserved, and was helped along by star-speller Lisa, taking home the crown of ‘Best Speller in the Trust’, as well as 10 points for the Vyners’ team. Two incredible Sixth Form volunteers assisted the organisers with the scoring, and general running of the event, and definitely deserve a shout out for their efforts. Dr Lecky, CEO of the Vanguard Learning Trust, and Mr Davies, Headteacher, who were both present at the awards ceremony, conveyed their pride for all the students involved.

Overall, the afternoon was a huge success, offering all the schools of the trust a fantastic opportunity to learn, collaborate with others and develop their confidence.