In the Netherlands, a unique and joyous tradition marks the celebration of passing exams at various educational levels. When a child successfully passes their secondary, higher, or university exams, it’s a time for celebration. Proud families raise the national flag and ceremoniously hang a school backpack from it, symbolizing the hard work and dedication that led to this achievement.
Dutch School Exams
During the months of May to July, in many Dutch streets some households are decorated with red, white, and blue national flags along with school bags. This signals that a member of the household has successfully passed their exams. This visual celebration serves as a testament to the student’s effort and accomplishment.
The Moment of Truth
Every year, over 200,000 high school students eagerly await the moment they can say, “I passed!” after receiving the results of their final exams. On a designated Wednesday in June, schools across the country call students with their exam results. The process starts with calls to those who have unfortunately failed, followed by those who have resits, and finally, the calls to students who have passed. This coordinated effort includes students from various secondary school courses: VMBO, HAVO, and VWO, as well as vocational VMBO courses.
Educational Pathways
- VMBO: Preparatory secondary vocational education. Graduates typically continue to MBO (Secondary Vocational Education).
- HAVO: Higher general education. Graduates can proceed to MBO or HBO (Higher Vocational Education).
- VWO: Preparatory scientific education. Graduates often advance to HBO or university.
A Time for Celebration
For graduates, the announcement day is a festive occasion filled with joy and relief, shared with friends and family. Traditionally, proud parents display the flag with the school bag to honor their child’s achievement. After four, five, or six years of rigorous high school education, receiving a diploma is a significant milestone, celebrated with enthusiasm and pride.
The tradition extends beyond secondary education; the flag and school bag are also displayed for the successful completion of further education courses and the acquisition of official state diplomas. Whether it’s at the VMBO, HAVO, VWO, MBO, HBO, or university level, this celebration is a heartfelt expression of pride and accomplishment.In fact, for obtaining a diploma at every level, the flag is flown with a school bag.
History of the flag and schoolbag tradition
At first, only schools hung out the flag, after exams. The tradition that parents hanging out a flag started after the Second World War. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, this tradition was only for higher education students and University graduates. It was so special that when proud parents hung out the flag with a schoolbag it was mentioned in the newspaper.
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