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Illustration of Consultation to determine repeal of a ‘no repeat policy’

Consultation Set to Redefine Education Standards: What’s at Stake?

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A National Consultation is set to take place on January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall, where various stakeholders will gather to discuss the potential repeal of the controversial ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression. This policy has allowed students to advance to the next grade regardless of their academic performance, prompting significant concerns among educators and policymakers regarding its implications on student motivation and academic outcomes.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of this consultation, describing it as a vital opportunity for a diverse group that includes parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational partners to share insights and experiences. Radrodro noted that by engaging multiple voices in this discussion, the intention is to arrive at equitable policy outcomes and ensure that any potential reforms consider all perspectives.

The need for this consultation arises from alarming performance data from recent Year Eight examinations, which revealed that nearly half of the 19,350 registered students did not achieve passing scores. This figure has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of the Automatic Progression system and its impact on student motivation, with concerns that it fosters complacency among students who may feel unmotivated to exert effort, given their guaranteed promotion regardless of their performance.

This consultation aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. One of the primary objectives of repealing the No Repeat Policy is to ensure that students master the necessary competencies at each educational level before advancing, thus reinforcing educational standards and accountability.

Support for the initiative has also been echoed by prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who advocates for a more rigorous educational system that accommodates various learning paces and allows for grade repetition when necessary. This reflects a growing recognition of the diverse learning needs of students.

The upcoming National Consultation is viewed as a constructive opportunity for meaningful dialogue about educational reform in Fiji, with the hope that discussions will lead to impactful policy changes. The collective insights gathered from stakeholders could facilitate the development of a more robust educational framework that enhances student engagement and ultimately improves academic outcomes across the country.

In summary, this initiative marks a crucial step toward reevaluating educational practices in Fiji. The commitment by the government to adapt educational policies to better meet the diverse needs of learners suggests a positive outlook for the future of the nation’s education system, paving the way for all students to achieve their full potential academically and personally.

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