The results of this year’s Fiji Year Eight Examination have raised significant concerns, as nearly half of the students who participated did not pass. Out of more than 19,300 registered students, the pass rate stood at just 69%, which is a slight increase of only two percent compared to 2023. This situation means that over 6,000 students may advance to year nine without meeting the necessary academic standards.
The general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, expressed that the results are “close to pathetic,” emphasizing the urgent need for all education stakeholders to reevaluate their strategies. He called upon teachers, ministry officials, and parents to collectively reflect and take action to enhance educational outcomes for the upcoming year.
Manumanunitoga pointed out the critical lack of parental involvement in their children’s education, urging parents not to treat this aspect of their children’s lives lightly. This highlights the importance of support systems within the family that can significantly influence academic performance.
The discussion also turned to the controversial no-repeat policy implemented by the previous administration. Manumanunitoga criticized this policy for pushing students through the system without adequately preparing them for future challenges, even citing instances of students entering university unable to read.
In addition to these issues, the alarming dropout rates from 2019 to 2023 revealed that 5,726 students left before completing year 10, while another 4,589 did not finish primary school. These figures reflect deeper systemic problems within the educational framework.
The constant shifts in curriculum over the past decade have been identified as another major contributing factor to the confusion experienced by teachers and students alike. Manumanunitoga noted that multiple reforms have led to significant inconsistency, which hampers effective teaching and learning.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also criticized the no-repeat policy and indicated plans to revisit it, recognizing the necessity for a more coherent curriculum to tackle the ongoing issues reflected in students’ exam performances.
While the situation appears critical, it also presents an opportunity for the education system to reform. With collective action from teachers, parents, and government officials, there is hope for improvements that could lead to better educational outcomes for students in the future.
Overall, addressing these issues could not only enhance the current educational landscape but also pave the way for long-term benefits for students and the broader society.
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