A National Consultation is set to take place on January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall, focusing on the government’s intention to repeal the ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression, which permits students to advance grades irrespective of their academic performance. This initiative, announced by Fijian Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, aims to gather insights from a variety of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational partners.

Minister Radrodro stressed the significance of this consultation, emphasizing its role in fostering inclusive discussions among diverse groups. He expressed concerns about the existing policy, which has reportedly led to a culture of complacency among students. Alarmingly, recent Year Eight examination results indicated that nearly half of the 19,350 students failed to achieve passing scores, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of the current educational framework.

The consultation aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. One of the primary objectives of repealing Automatic Progression is to ensure that students demonstrate necessary competencies at each academic level before progressing, thereby reinforcing educational standards and enhancing accountability.

Support for this movement has been echoed by prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who argue that allowing students to repeat grades when necessary would better prepare them for future academic challenges. They recognize that not all students learn at the same pace and that providing the option to repeat could enhance academic achievement.

This National Consultation is a constructive opportunity for stakeholders to voice their thoughts and experiences, potentially leading to meaningful reforms that support student engagement and achievement. There is hope that these discussions will lead to policy changes that enhance the quality of education in Fiji, ensuring each student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive academically. The initiative reflects a commitment to adapting educational policies to better meet the needs of learners, paving the way for a brighter future in the education sector.