School Awards

[sheknowsyouknow]

I'm sure I'm not the first to write about this topic.
My dd has worked so hard this year and tried to come out of her shell. We are very proud of her.

Today the annual award letters are handed out at school and once again it's the same kids who have won. Not my kid once again.

While I'm pleased for those who will be getting one, I'm perplexed in a large High School that it's mainly the same confident loud kids and I wonder why?

Why can't they do something in Schools a bit more long sighted like bolster each person with praise on the good that they've done?

It feels like they keep reminding the same ones every year - 'you're the best' and don't really care how that must feel for the other students.

Just one award would be nice one day. Not that it's the end of the world but I think it would do my dd good when they see their friends celebrating every time!

Our school does not do awards. What kind of school is it? Have u given them this feedback?

It's an academy. I haven't and don't want to look like a sour parent as I'm really not. Im just confused at their way of thinking

Well if nobody tells them, nothing will change.

True. But do schools ever change how they do things?

Er, yes.

I've been there done that before with a school and they just treated me like I was meddling. Kind of puts you off trying.

To be honest, it means that 99% of students simply think the awards have no value.

Both my DC's schools have merits systems, which is fine because they are rewarded on the spot for good work/behaviour/achievement, with the awards accumulating over the year.

The end of year awards are nonsense. In DS's school, one child wins pretty much every award, every year. My DS is fine, as he likes the child, but there is no recognition for anyone else, even those who come 2nd out of 200 pupils.

But awards for being the best mathematician or sportsperson or musician or artist etc are meaningless unless they are awarded to those children who are actually the best in some actual measurable way. That said, in most schools here's generally a few effort or improvement awards too.

Ultimately, if your child isn't "the best" then she doesn't deserve to win the award.

Schemes where each child gets a turn at an award are pointless, everyone knows they mean nothing.

That's why I don't like them.

Do you think awards are a good thing?

We do achievement and effort prizes at my school so the ones who've tried hard have a chance as well as the academic ones.

Yes, same here. Effort and achievement certificates.

Funny how all year they are told they are all valued the same, treated the same, all have something to give, blah but then award ‘the best’

So basically a load of bollocks all year

Mollysshadow same although it's the same kids for effort as well. Seems a very lazy way to try and assert kids. I think it ultimately puts some off!

GreenTulips absolutely. It really makes little sense.

If I'm honest, I think a lot of awards to kids they just gel with the most.

There's one award per category (Sometimes two, boy and girl). There's usually multiple students who could have them.

I was asked about an award one year. One subject award. In my class alone there were easily 17 students who could deserve it because it was more than just the top score.

I'm not a fan of end of awards in many respects because the vast majority of students do the right thing, work hard, make progress, are polite, are lovely to teach etc.

LolaSmiles Yes!! That's exactly my feelings on it too. It's what leads me to the think it must be the ones they like the most. Because she n my dd's case, she's doing very well along I'm sure with other kids. Why pick one out?

I try to nominate those who I think are less likely to pick up an award elsewhere, but even then that's hard as there's so many.

My last few schools have a system where once a student has an award they are frozen out and can't be nominated by any other subject. I like that system. We also tend to have some enrichment based awards too.

If awards are limited to the truly exceptional then it's going to be the same very talented 12 students in the year (who are often really lovely, polite, rounded students). If it ends up coming down to broad areas then it can end up being arbitrary but with a greater range. If awards go to everyone then it devalues the award.

I'm not sure on the solution as yet, and do like the idea of rewarding students and celebrating them, but have an issue with the awards most of the time.

LolaSmiles thank you for clearing that up from your perspective. Very helpful.
I think if I were the one deciding on this issue at a School I'd be wanting to build every single child up for the big wide world. Not teach them "you can't always win" - I probably wouldn't do awards, instead I'd give a more in depth report and really work on everyone's self confidence.
In this day and age comparing one against another seems very unhealthy and giving the wrong message.
That's just my opinion!

Our school goes to great lengths to ensure it’s not the same 4 kids everytime. Asking departments to think is someone else plus awards for effort and attainment

still18atheart Wish ours did!

In DS's school they seem to do the opposite - for the little ones at least . Give them to the shy/quiet/ weaker or naughty ones! The good kids who try really hard seem to have to reach a much higher bar.

JellyCat ... again, makes no sense! It certainly won't to the children

YANBU. I would provide feedback to the school. The purpose of awards should be to encourage everyone to strive for better. If a child has made huge efforts and improved I do think it should be recognised.