The Samoa School Certificate and Samoa Secondary Leaving Certificate (S.S.L.C) examinations have kicked off for Year 12 and Year 13 students across the country.

The examinations commenced Monday with all Year 12 and Year 13 students sitting for their English exams.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Monday morning, Pesega College Principal Siakisone Taleni said 150 of their students are taking the Samoa School Certificate exams while 158 students are taking the S.S.L.C.

"Students have prepared well for their exams, there are times when they have other activities," Mr. Taleni told the Samoa Observer

"But we may have other activities around you know during the year but the priority is exams. The students are involved in a lot of things but this is the first priority in the classroom, their exams.

"Because we know a good result will go a long way."

He said that wherever the students go after the exam, they can always go back to the results for further education at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) or the Brigham Young University (B.Y.U).

"They will always refer back to their S.S.L.C exams. That's why it's very important to try to help students focus and to know where they should put their priority," he said.

Mr. Taleni explained that activities throughout the year help the students by making education enjoyable.

"It has been our goal for every student to pass at least 50 per cent for every subject. At least 50 per cent, they can go higher but at least 50 per cent in every subject," he said.

Mr. Taleni wished all the students and the Samoa School Certificate and S.S.L.C students of Samoa well in their exams for the two weeks.

The Principal of Vaimauga College, Faumuina Tovio Taefu, expressed similar sentiments with Mr. Taleni.

"I would like to see my students, Vaimauga College students, progress to the next level. The next level is the University entrance, UPY. So we would like to see students progress," he told the Samoa Observer on Monday.

"By saying that we are hoping that students pass [Samoa School Certificate] and S.S.L.C."

The examinations are scheduled to conclude on Thursday 18 November 2021.