Blossom Primary gears up for RWS Newspaper Quiz and Spelling Bee

Teachers and pupils from Blossom Primary School are eagerly preparing for the upcoming Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS) Newspaper Quiz and Spelling Bee, set to take place next month.

The competition, launched on Tuesday, August 5, brings together 28 schools from across the Cape Flats. 

In partnership with Athlone News, it aims to improve literacy by encouraging pupils to read regularly, expand their vocabulary, and develop strong general knowledge skills. The event will be held at the Dulcie September Civic Centre in Athlone on Thursday, September 11 at 4.30pm, with the value of the top prize to be revealed closer to the day.

Blossom Primary in Kewtown will be taking part for the first time this year, they told Athlone News on Thursday, August 14.

Teacher Ziyaad Adams said the launch event was an eye-opener. “The organisers showed us fun ways to approach the competition, and we even received free books. Part of our preparation is getting pupils to read the Athlone News every week, so they can familiarise themselves with the words, facts, and information in certain articles. The categories avoid crime stories and focus more on general articles, sports, and properties, which is a more positive approach,” he said.

Teacher Yasmine Mohamed said she was “very excited” to see how her pupils would perform, while teacher Keenan Hefke admitted that, although they had a late start in preparing, they were committed to drilling their teams to be ready.

Grade 7 pupil Umar Jones, 12, said he was eager to meet new people and take part in the competition, while his classmate Ashkiah Holly looked forward to testing her general knowledge. 

Fellow Grade 7 pupil Morgan Dixon, 13, said this would be her first time competing and she was excited to represent her school. Reading is her passion, and she is keen to see what pupils from other schools bring to the challenge.

With the countdown underway, Blossom Primary pupils are determined to represent their school and community proudly when they step onto the stage next month, said Mr Adams.