The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has raised significant concerns about the impact of the No Repeat Policy, established in 2014 by the FijiFirst government, on the educational standards in secondary schools across Fiji. FTA president Paula Manumanunitoga states that the policy, which allows for the automatic promotion of students regardless of their academic performance, has resulted in many students reaching Year 12 without essential reading skills.

In light of these developments, Manumanunitoga is urging the Ministry of Education to abolish this policy and implement a mandatory grade repetition system for students who fail to meet academic standards. He emphasized the vital need for foundational skills, particularly in reading, to be acquired by Year 8 before students transition to secondary education. The FTA has noted a concerning decrease in parental involvement, with many parents becoming complacent, knowing their children will advance automatically.

Statistics reveal a worrying increase in primary school dropout rates, which have reached approximately 4,589 students. Manumanunitoga believes that reinstating a system where students must repeat a grade if they do not achieve satisfactory results could help combat this trend and enhance accountability in education.

The FTA also recommends that teacher evaluations be linked to their students’ academic performances, fostering a culture of accountability that could drive improvements in both teaching and learning outcomes. This call for reform has been echoed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who agrees on the necessity to reevaluate the No Repeat Policy in light of recent examinations showing that many students are inadequately prepared for further academic challenges.

The FTA’s advocacy for the repeal of the No Repeat Policy reflects a growing recognition of the need for reform within Fiji’s educational system. The ongoing discussions signal a hopeful movement towards improving educational standards, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for their future endeavors, and nurturing a supportive framework that engages parents and educators alike.

In summary, the FTA’s push to repeal the No Repeat Policy could potentially restore accountability in the education system, foster better academic outcomes, and secure a brighter educational future for all students in Fiji, ultimately leading to enhanced literacy and numeracy standards across the region.