Annie Kennedy Atchison, Rosa Miller and Hugh Gibson from 9L qualified for the semi-final of the NZ Spelling Bee, that was held in Dunedin in August.

Students had to sit a written test of 100 words and gain 77 out of 100 to qualify for the semi-finals. Over 80 schools competed in this year's Spelling Bee, with only 250 students making the cut for this next stage, which was held at various venues around New Zealand. The final was held in Wellington in October. Although unable to compete this year, last year's national Spelling Bee champion George Sabonadiere (10L) offered to help coach Annie, Rosa and Hugh for the competition.