The No Repeat Policy, instituted by the FijiFirst government in 2014, has been declared a significant contributor to the declining academic standards in Fiji’s secondary schools. Paula Manumanunitoga, president of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA), has raised serious concerns about the automatic promotion of students, regardless of their academic performance, which has resulted in a troubling number of non-readers at the Year 12 level.

In a statement, Manumanunitoga emphasized the necessity for a new system that mandates students to repeat a grade if they fail to achieve satisfactory results. He expressed the FTA’s full support for the Education Minister’s initiative to abolish the policy, underscoring the organization’s long-standing critique of this automatic promotion practice.

The FTA’s stance is rooted in the observation that the No Repeat Policy has led to reduced parental engagement in their children’s education. Parents have become complacent, aware that their children will advance to the next grade regardless of performance. This shift in accountability has contributed to rising dropout rates in primary schools, which recently reached approximately 4,589 students.

To address these pressing issues, the FTA is advocating for tighter monitoring of student performance from Years 1 to 8, whereby foundational skills, especially in reading, need to be acquired before students transition to secondary education. They also advocate for linking teacher evaluations to their students’ academic performances, aiming to bolster accountability within the educational framework.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to reassess the No Repeat Policy in light of examination results indicating students are inadequately prepared for academic challenges. The convergence of voices from educational leaders and stakeholders presents a hopeful narrative for the future of Fiji’s educational system.

In summary, the FTA’s push to abolish the No Repeat Policy highlights a critical moment for educational reform in Fiji. With a renewed focus on accountability, improved parental involvement, and foundational skills, these changes could pave the way for enhanced academic success and a brighter future for students in Fiji. This movement reflects a collective desire for systemic improvement and a commitment to fostering an educational environment where all students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.