Concerns have been raised regarding the performance of students in the recent Fiji Year Eight Examination, with almost half failing to meet the required standards. The Ministry of Education reported a pass rate of only 69 percent, which is a slight increase of two percent from the previous year. This means that over 6,000 students may advance to Year Nine even though they did not pass the exam.
Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, expressed disappointment at the results, describing them as “close to pathetic.” He urged all education stakeholders to reevaluate current practices and develop strategies for improvement. Manumanunitoga highlighted the lack of parental involvement as a significant factor and emphasized the importance of parents engaging meaningfully with their children’s education.
The controversial no-repeat policy, introduced by the former government, has come under scrutiny, with Manumanunitoga advocating for its removal. He attributed the policy to the advancement of students who are not prepared for the challenges ahead, stating, “We have children who can’t read going to university. It must go.”
Ministry data also revealed that between 2019 and 2023, over 5,700 students dropped out before completing Year Ten, along with nearly 4,600 who left school before finishing primary education.
Curriculum stability has also been called into question, with Manumanunitoga noting that frequent changes in curriculum over the past decade have caused confusion among educators. He mentioned that there have been at least three different curriculums implemented by various ministers, leading to challenges in effective teaching.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has echoed the criticism of the no-repeat policy and stated that there is a need to review and improve the curriculum to better support students in achieving favorable exam results.
While the situation appears daunting, there is hope for positive change as education leaders and the government are recognizing the issues and expressing a willingness to address them. By collaborating effectively and engaging parents, it is possible to foster an environment where students can thrive academically and ultimately succeed in their educational journeys.
In summary, urgent reforms are needed in the Fijian education system, particularly regarding curriculum stability, parental involvement, and policies that govern student promotion.
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