The Wenban Shield is an annual spelling competition held between Forbes’ primary schools.

Students from Forbes North Primary School, Forbes Primary School and St Laurences Primary School take part in the competition and teams of three with one reserve represent their school.

Questions are thought up by independent panelists and students go into the competition without a chance to examine the words they will be required to spell.

The Forbes North team comprised Cameron Herbert, Katie Gunn, Emily Mulligan and Jess Smith.

Each team was given 150 words to spell and the Forbes North team finished the day with 105 correct out of 150.

Some of the curly words thrown at the students included paediatrician, abattoir, manoeuvre and masquerade to name a few.

The students of Forbes North began practicing for the competition in their lunch hour around two weeks ago and the win was the second consecutive time Forbes North have claimed the Shield.

“Which is fantastic for us,” said Forbes North Principal Phil Thurston.

“And it indicates our increasing focus on the teaching of spelling.”

The competition was held last Wednesday at St Laurences Primary School.