Test your vocabulary, pronunciation, and composure under pressure
About the competition
An individual test of language mastery
The KIDCS Spelling Bee is an individual competition that challenges students to spell progressively harder words under live competition conditions. Competitors stand at the microphone, hear the word pronounced by the official pronouncer, request a definition or use-in-sentence if needed, and then spell the word aloud — one letter at a time.
The competition follows a strict elimination format. A single misspelling ends a competitor's round. Words grow harder with each stage, testing not just vocabulary but composure, pronunciation awareness, and language instinct under pressure.
The KIDCS word list draws from academic English, scientific vocabulary, and words with East African and Swahili linguistic roots, ensuring the competition reflects both global standards and regional context.
Round Structure
Stage 1
Preliminary Round
All registered competitors take part. Each student spells a sequence of words drawn from the KIDCS word list for their age category. Students who misspell a word are eliminated from the round.
Stage 2
Quarter-Final
The top spellers from the Preliminary Round advance. Word difficulty increases and the pace of elimination accelerates. Students are required to use each word in a sentence before spelling.
Stage 3
Semi-Final
Only the strongest spellers remain. Words are drawn from advanced categories including scientific terminology, borrowed words, and Swahili-derived English vocabulary.
Stage 4
Final
The championship round, held on the main stage in front of the full audience and broadcast panel. The last speller standing is crowned KIDCS Spelling Bee Champion.
Competition Rules
Spelling a word
After the pronouncer says the word, the competitor may ask for the definition, a use in a sentence, the language of origin, or alternate pronunciations. They must begin spelling within 30 seconds. Once started, the spelling may not be restarted.
Elimination
A competitor is eliminated the moment they misspell a word. In the Final round, if only two spellers remain and one misspells, the other speller must correctly spell the same word to win. If they also misspell, both continue to the next word.
Word lists
Words are drawn from the official KIDCS word list, published 60 days before the competition. Words from outside the list may also be used in the Final at the pronouncer's discretion.
Judging
A panel of two judges monitors each spelling. Decisions on correct or incorrect spellings are final. The pronouncer's ruling on pronunciation is also final.
Edition V · 2026
Enter the Spelling Bee
Register your student for the KIDCS Spelling Bee. Open to secondary school students across Tanzania. Places are limited — apply early.
