IF you asked most nine year olds what is the name of the book they have read and enjoyed the most many would list names such as Harry Potter or maybe even a Marvel super hero classic.
I doubt WestMAC student, William Peters, would have had the time or the inclination to read those books, his most thumbed novel is actually not a story instead it is a book of just words and meanings.
It’s a dictionary that William loves and reads regularly in his quest to know how to spell words and at the same time expand his knowledge.
His retention is amazing and it has recently seen him stamped as a spelling bee champion of Queensland for the third consecutive year.
William competes in the ICAS Spelling Bee which is a school-based competition that students from Australia and international schools sit annually.
This year he came away from the competition confident he had scored 100 per cent, although he was concerned that he might have got one word incorrect.
A quick check of his favourite book soon revealed he had indeed got it spot on ensuring that he had the title once more in his keeping.
William is not just brilliant with words he is also exceptionally talented in mathematics, and last year studied Year 7 mathematics while a Year 4 student.
When he recently sat the ICAS Mathematics exam his maths prowess saw him awarded a High Distinction placing him in Queensland’s top one percent of students.
Head of WestMAC Junior School Kirsten Mullan said participating in ICAS assessments aligned with the Junior School philosophy.
“As part of WestMAC’s nurturing and innovative schooling experience, we recognise each student’s individual learning needs, led by our team of experienced and dedicated teachers,” Ms Mullan said.
William’s mother Anne praised WestMAC’s tailored approach to teaching her gifted son, who is part of the college’s Enrichment Programs for Gifted and Talented students.
“The past two years at WestMAC has been great for William, the teachers have taken time to connect with him and to understand him as a person and a learner,” she said.
“The WestMAC teaching team have consistently put into practice what we’ve talked about in meetings.
William has thrived this year and we are so grateful,” she said.
