Kuala Kangsar – One hundred and thirty thousand (130,000) students from 817 primary schools in Perak flexed their mental muscles to break the Malaysian Book of Records for the biggest participation in a single spelling event.
The “Perak Spelling Day” was jointly organised by Knowledge Discovery magazine and the Perak State Education Department with CHAMPS, the leading brand for children’s multivitamins as the main sponsor.
The students’ effort this year dashed Pahang’s hopes of retaining their record of having the highest number of participants in a single spelling event. Last year, the first “Spelling Day” in the country was organised in Pahang, involving more than 53,000 students from all 527 primary schools in the state who spelled their way into the Malaysia Book of Records.
In the competition, the Standard Four to Six students from all over Perak participated in a written spelling competition held simultaneously at all schools. Teachers dictated the word while the students wrote down their answers. A clue sheet containing the words’ definition and sample sentences excluding the required word was provided to the teachers. The top three contestants with the highest number of correct answers from each class then proceeded to the interclass level. Subsequently, the top three best ‘spellers’ from the interclass level will represent their schools at the district level competition to be held at a later date.
The spelling competition was held to enhance spelling skills and strengthen the vocabulary of primary school students to develop correct English usage amongst the students.
According to CCM Bhd Group Managing Director, Dato’ Dr Mohd Hashim Tajudin, spelling competitions offer a platform for students to compete amidst a positive, friendly and sporting rivalry.
“Children who are good at spelling tend to read and write more effectively enabling them to acquire a higher level of competency in comprehension and achieve excellent academic results.
“In addition to that, students can experience the benefits of spelling competitions beyond mastering the English language. Standing in front of the crowd can be intimidating but it will promote the students’ self-esteem and confidence as they compete,” said Dato’ Dr Mohd Hashim.
“Our CHAMPS multivitamins are specially formulated with essential nutrients to assist the growing minds and bodies of young Malaysians. We are pleased to be associated with such an initiative that promotes children’s mental development and overall well being,” Dato’ Dr Mohd Hashim added.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Education, Ministry of Education, Datuk Dr Haji Mohd Puad bin Zarkashi commended all parties for making the “Perak Spelling Day” a success and called on other states to emulate Perak in organising such a competition in the future.
Ten districts in Perak participated in the “Perak Spelling Day” which involved teachers attending training sessions conducted by Knowledge Discovery magazine and the Perak State Education Department on how to manage the competition at their schools. All participating schools and students were recognised in the Malaysian Book of Records. The ”Perak Spelling Day” is part of the third “Knowledge Discovery National Spelling Competition” jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Discovery magazine with CHAMPS as the main sponsor. The “Knowledge Discovery National Spelling Competition 2009” grand final will be held from October 13 to 14 this year in Ipoh, Perak.
CCM, Malaysia’s largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, is listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia and is a key player in the fertilizers, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries.
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