I've always hated certificates - you know, the end of term recognition of hard work.
Dd1 got 2 worker of the week certificates during her 7 years at primary and not once got an end of term award. She's bright. She got 100% in two of her year 6 SATS exams and the others were all 17 and above out of 20 yet she commented as she left primary "even that wasn't enough - what did she have to do to get a certificate?"
Now she's at secondary and oh my goodness she's flying. They absolutely take time to recognise her effort and ability. Personal emails home from her tutor and subject teachers, certificates with clear criteria so all dc can access them and know what they have to do rather than a teacher picking a favourite, treats at the end of term for all dc who've not received a demerit with a smaller treat for those with less than 5 demerits to acknowledge dc can make a mistakes and it's not the end of the world but 5+ is more than a mistake.
It's proved to me that certificates really can work when done properly but sadly my experience of primary is they go to the dc who manages not to punch anyone that week and that's a big achievement so consistently good dc get overlooked.
Does anyone have a primary that does awards well?