A National Consultation is scheduled for January 16, 2025, at the Suva Grammar High School Hall, aiming to facilitate discussions on the government’s proposal to repeal the ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression. This policy has allowed students to advance through grades without regard to their academic performance, leading to significant concerns amongst educators and policymakers about its implications on student motivation and learning outcomes.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of this initiative, which provides a platform for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational organizations, to share their insights. The Minister noted that gathering a wide range of perspectives is essential for achieving equitable policy outcomes and ensuring that every voice is heard.

The consultation comes in light of alarming data revealing that nearly half of Year Eight students—out of 19,350 registered candidates—failed to achieve passing scores in their recent exams. This statistic underscores the urgency to reconsider the Automatic Progression system, as it has fostered a culture of complacency, where students may not feel the need to exert effort for academic success.

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims for inclusive and equitable quality education by 2030, the primary objective of repealing the No Repeat Policy is to ensure that students meet necessary competencies at each educational level before advancing. This reform is seen as critical to reinforcing academic standards and accountability within the educational framework.

Significantly, this initiative has attracted support from influential political figures, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who advocates for a more rigorous education system that allows for repetition where necessary, thus accommodating the varying paces at which students learn.

The forthcoming National Consultation is viewed as a hopeful opportunity for fostering meaningful dialogue about educational reform in Fiji. Through collaborative discussions, stakeholders can contribute to developing policies that better support student achievement and engagement, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of education and create pathways for students to reach their full potential.

In summary, this consultation reflects an important commitment to engage in constructive dialogue on educational practices in Fiji, paving the way for potential reforms that aspire to provide every student with the necessary tools and opportunities for academic success. The proactive stance taken by the government offers an optimistic outlook for the future of Fiji’s education system.