Winning prizes is fun, but what if students are winning big treats just for going to school? At one school, pupils get the chance to take home rewards such as bikes, televisions and £100 gift vouchers for good attendance. The school in Manchester, England, has a "rewards shop" where pupils can use the merits they earn (points or tokens awarded to pupils) to buy raffle tickets for the chance to win big prizes. Some people say winning prizes takes away from the point of going to school, which is to learn; and that giving big rewards could lead to jealousy between pupils. For example, the school in Manchester once gave out 10 TV sets in 10 days, which means not everyone got one. What do you think? Should there be rewards for going to school?
Yes – it makes school a lot more appealing Giving pupils prizes for good attendance makes them feel valued for making an effort. It could motivate pupils and help them associate school with positivity rather than feeling as though turning up is a chore. When students win prizes they can share them with their family, which could encourage the family to support the child's efforts. Winning a TV for your family or a pizza party for your class is exciting – and students couldn't afford to buy these things with pocket money. For many years, schools have used systems such as "house points" to reward pupils' attendance, behaviour and punctuality. Giving prizes such as televisions is just a more modern way of recognising a pupil's efforts and achievements.
No – going to school is its own reward Getting a good education has its own benefits – it changes your life for the better. You shouldn't need the prospect of winning prizes to make you turn up. Could it become a distraction if pupils are thinking about what they can get for a reward or what prizes their friends have won, instead of concentrating on lessons? Putting in the effort just to be in with the chance of winning something might persuade a student to do the work but it doesn't prepare them for the adult world. Instead, good attendance should be expected of everyone. Besides, there is a chance that offering gifts for good attendance could result in some pupils going to school even when they're sick, when they should stay at home and rest.
