Prizegiving

Just as there is a celebration at the end of each school year in America, every school in Samoa also marks the end of the school year with a celebration called prizegiving. Prizegiving is exactly what it sounds like. Students at the top of each class is given prizes.

Now, when you think of prizes, you probably think books, pencils, school supplies, maybe a trophy or a coloring book. Well, this is not the case. Prizes in Samoa are more for the family than for the child. Prizes include things like tea kettles, cups, plates, and trays. Really makes you want to get first in your class, right? Especially if you're 6 years old! (That's sarcasm in case you didn't pick up on that).

But wait, how do you decide who gets the prizes?? In each class, students are ranked from 1st to last in their class based mostly on mid-year and end-year exams. The students who were ranked 1st through 5th in each class at my school got prizes. First prize was a tea kettle and set of a dozen mugs. Second prize was a dozen plates and six metal mugs. Third prize was a tray and a dozen mugs. Fourth prize was a tray and six glasses. Fifth prize was a large bowl and six glasses. Finally, each teacher could give out special prizes for most improved or best behavior. These students got a tray and set of glasses.

I decided to give out prizes to my most improved students, but I didn't want to go the traditional route and give out plates and cups. Instead, each of my students got a book, pencil, stickers, bookmark, eraser, and certificate. I think the kids enjoyed that a little more than a new set of cups (although I could be wrong).

After all the classes had given out their prizes, there were also top prizes for year 8 students. In the primary schools in Samoa, year 8 is the last year before they go to college (high school). They gave trophies to the top student for each subject as well as for students who won in a spelling bee or at culture day for a speech.

Also in year 8, they give a prize to the top student overall in the school. In America, we call this a valedictorian, in Samoa (and apparently Australia and New Zealand) they call it the dux. I'll let that soak in for a minute.... So this year, there was a lot of gossip and debate at the school over who the dux would be. The dux is supposed to be the top scorer on the national exams according to MESC (Ministry of Education Sports and Culture). The girl who earned this was a student who transferred to our school this year and was repeating year 8. Because of this, however, several teachers thought she shouldn't be the dux. After all, she hadn't been at the school since year 1! (I know, I don't agree with it either.) They ended up naming the girl who technically earned 2nd place the dux because she had been at the school since year 1.

Prizegiving was quite the Samoan experience. It was a long day, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm sitting in a hall with all the teachers in our lovely, matching outfits. Afterwards, I spent time with some of my teachers at the school chatting and drinking. It was a nice integrating experience.