A National Consultation is set to take place on January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall, where stakeholders will gather to discuss the government’s proposal to repeal the ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression. This policy currently allows students to advance to the next grade regardless of their academic performance, which has raised significant concerns among educators and policymakers.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of this consultation, stating it will provide a platform for a diverse group of voices—including parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational partners—to share their insights and experiences. This approach aims to ensure that all perspectives are heard, contributing to more equitable policy outcomes.

This initiative has gained traction due to alarming statistics from recent Year Eight examinations, revealing that nearly half of the 19,350 registered students failed to achieve passing scores. This undeniable trend indicates a growing culture of complacency, where students may feel less inclined to strive for academic excellence since they are guaranteed promotion regardless of performance.

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030, the primary objective of repealing the No Repeat Policy is to ensure that students meet necessary competencies at each educational level before advancing. This change aims to reinforce academic standards and accountability within the educational framework.

Support for this initiative extends beyond the Ministry of Education, with backing from political figures such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who advocates for a more rigorous educational system that allows students to repeat grades when necessary. This acknowledgment of diverse learning needs underscores the need for educational reforms that accommodate the varying paces at which students learn.

The forthcoming National Consultation represents a hopeful opportunity for meaningful dialogue about educational reform in Fiji. By integrating insights from a broad range of stakeholders, there is optimism that significant reforms can be established, leading to improved student achievement and engagement.

In summary, the consultation aims to foster a collaborative environment for discussing the impacts of the No Repeat Policy and exploring potential reforms to better serve students. There’s a collective aspiration to elevate educational standards and pursue pathways for success for every student across Fiji, paving the way for a brighter future in the nation’s education system.