The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has raised significant alarm over the No Repeat Policy, put in place by the FijiFirst government in 2014, which it sees as a fundamental cause of declining educational standards in secondary schools. FTA president Paula Manumanunitoga stressed that automatic promotion of students, regardless of their academic performance, has resulted in an alarming rise in non-readers, even among students as old as Year 12.

Manumanunitoga passionately advocates for the abolishment of this policy, urging the Ministry of Education to implement a mandatory system whereby students must repeat grades if they fail to meet satisfactory standards. He articulated the FTA’s long-standing disapproval of the policy, indicating that it has led to decreased parental involvement in monitoring academic progress, as parents become complacent, reassured by the understanding that their children will still progress to the next grade.

Additionally, the automatic promotion system has contributed to a rise in primary school dropout rates, recently reported to be around 4,589 students. The FTA warns that this lack of accountability in student performance has bred complacency among students. To combat these issues, they are calling for an evaluation system for teachers based on the academic outcomes of their students, which would enhance accountability within schools and encourage a greater focus on academic excellence.

Moreover, the sentiments shared by Manumanunitoga resonate with wider discussions around educational reform, finding support from other leaders, such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who acknowledges the need to reassess the No Repeat Policy. This momentum suggests a hopeful shift towards enhancing accountability and performance in the education sector, prioritizing foundational skills, especially reading, to ensure that students are better prepared for challenges ahead.

In conclusion, the FTA’s advocacy for changing the No Repeat Policy marks a significant potential turning point for Fiji’s educational system. With an emphasis on restoring accountability and improving student support, there is optimism that these reforms can pave the way for enhanced academic standards and a brighter future for students across the country.