WestMAC’s wording whizzes: Young Ipswich brainiacs share secret to ICAS success

He’s finished Year 7 mathematics three years early and is already a dictionary wizard – meet the Ipswich student who recently won his third state spelling bee. TAKE OUR SPELLING BEE

William Peters, spelling superstar from West Moreton Anglican College. Picture: Supplied

There’s not many people that could say they are smarter than this fifth grader as the Ipswich student and dictionary wizard shares the secret to success after another state spelling bee title.

West Moreton Anglican College (WestMAC) student William Peters has been named Queensland’s International Competitions and Assessments for Schools spelling bee champion of 2022.

The achievement marks the nine-year-old’s third consecutive ICAS state spelling bee win.

“I’m happy to have won another medal,” William said.

“‘Yay’, that’s what I’m feeling right now.”

William Peters, spelling superstar from West Moreton Anglican College. Picture: Supplied

William said his first piece of advice for ICAS success was to “just take your time and check your answers”.

Spelling isn’t William’s only academic strength — he is also in the Queensland’s top one per cent of mathematics students.

He completed Year 7 mathematics while still in Year 4 and was awarded a high distinction in the ICAS mathematics competition.

Head of junior school Kirsten Mullan said William wasn’t been surprised to find out that he had aced the competition.

“There was only one word he was uncertain about spelling and he went home and checked the dictionary, realised he had spelt it correctly and was confident he had scored 100 per cent on the test,” she said.

William’s mother Anne said her son had flourished at WestMAC’s Enrichment Programs for Gifted and Talented students.

“The teachers have taken time to connect with him and to understand him as a person and a learner,” she said.

“William has thrived this year and we are so grateful.”

WestMAC alumni Felix Meier also excelled, bagging the Writing ICAS medal just before graduating with an impressive 95.90 ATAR score last year.

WestMAC's Felix Meier receiving ICAS medal from WestMAC Principal Mr Geoff McLay. Picture: Supplied

“It’s really special to be a Queensland winner especially in my final year of school,’’ Felix said.

“I love writing and winning the medal has given me confidence.’’

Felix recently accepted an early offer to study Engineering and IT at the Queensland University of Technology.

Principal Geoff McLay said the school was “proud and thrilled” by William and Felix’s achievements.

He said the school emphasised a confidence-building and strength-based learning approach to develop the intellect and capabilities of each student’s skills and talents.

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