For children attending schools in smaller towns, graduation ceremonies may be different. I'll share how my child spent their last day at this primary school and what the graduation was like.
There might not be a traditional graduation ceremony here; instead, they have a 'Leaver Assembly,' where the entire school and Year 6 parents come together to review their years of learning. Each student gets a chance to share, and they sing together. Although there are no elaborate performances or graduation certificates awarded, their heartfelt sharing about their time at the school deeply moves everyone present. As they are about to depart and go their separate ways, both teachers and parents become emotional, shedding tears, as it's difficult to part ways after six years of learning and playing together.
Even if some students joined the school midway, like our child, and only spent a year together, they still feel a sense of sadness and cry. This is different from Hong Kong, where the focus is not just on chasing academic scores but on joyful learning every day and building friendly relationships with classmates. Quality matters here, and the learning experience is more holistic.
In the morning, there's the Leaver Assembly, which is emotional, and parents bring plenty of tissues. Then, just before finishing, there's a special ritual or tradition at this school called the 'Year 6 Water fight.' The principal and teachers join in, and everyone has a lot of fun, joyfully ending their primary school journey. They are called 'Leavers,' but they are merely leaving primary school and will become Year 7 students in secondary school, so their learning continues seamlessly until they graduate from secondary school.
The past year of British primary school life has been enriching for my child. Although the time was short, it was fulfilling. They gained not just academic achievements but also unforgettable life experiences, made good friends, and received help from teachers – much more than just focusing on grades. Some might say we are running away from academics by leaving, and that might be true. The pressure was too much for us to handle. However, looking back, and after comparing, leaving was our choice, as it led to a joyful learning experience.
Everyone has the right to choose, and it's essential to choose what makes you happy in this short life!
