What was school life like in Western Samoa in the 1980's to 1990?

Answer 1

I was educated on the island of Savaii, Samoa in the late 1970's to early 1980's at a Catholic School. School was from 8 a.m to 1 p.m in the afternoon (no fans/air condition). Teachers were either volunteers/ nuns or priests and all from overseas countries e.g., N.Z, U.S.A, England, India. There were little resources and 5 core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Samoan & Social Studies) were taught. Rote learning was common and text books were outdated very few up to date resources. There was little homework just lots of blackboard work to copy and memorise for tests. No computers just typewriters (girls only classes) luckily I was allowed to take on bookkeeping which was a boys only subject. No experiments were done in the Science lab and students were hardly allowed to use the Library. Uniforms kept simple, girls wore short sleeve shirts and skirts and the boys wore short sleeve shirts with an ie lavalava (wrap around skirt). Classes were ranked from form 3, form 4, lower fifth form (students sat national exams), upper fifth form (students sat School Certificate) and form 6 (students sat University Entrance exams). Daily recital of the rosary was a must as was attending Mass for special Catholic events. In general I think schools in Samoa differ depending on where it is located and whether its a private or state operated school. Hope this info helps!