Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa are calling for a reassessment of the contentious ‘no repeat policy’ in schools in light of alarming Year Eight exam results. Recent data indicates that nearly 50% of Year Eight students did not pass their exams this year, with only 69% achieving success—an improvement of a mere two percent from the previous year. This means over 6,000 students may advance to Year Nine without having fully grasped essential academic skills.
During an interview, Prime Minister Rabuka criticized the policy, suggesting that it could be causing schools to focus on securing government funding rather than fostering genuine educational improvement. He raised concerns about whether schools have prioritized financial gain over academic performance, calling for a thorough evaluation of the educational system. Rabuka also highlighted the role of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) in monitoring teacher effectiveness and confronting these issues.
Ro Teimumu Kepa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that students should be allowed the opportunity to repeat grades when needed. She argued that not every student progresses through the education system at the same speed and that failing a year should not equate to failure in life. Instead, Kepa described it as a second chance for students to solidify their understanding of the material, which can lead to greater success in the future.
Both leaders concurred on the necessity of reviewing the ‘no repeat policy’ to better equip students for future academic and life challenges. This proactive approach stands to create a more supportive educational environment that accommodates different learning paces and sets a stronger foundation for all students.
In conclusion, the discussion surrounding the ‘no repeat policy’ reflects a significant recognition of the need for an educational approach that not only prioritizes academic success but also nurtures the potential of every individual student. This could pave the way for a more inclusive and effective educational system in Fiji.
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