Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, alongside former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa, is calling for the repeal of the contentious ‘no repeat policy’ in schools, following concerning statistics from this year’s Year Eight exams. Nearly half of the students did not pass, with only 69 percent achieving a passing score among the 19,350 registered students, which reflects a marginal increase of just two percentage points from the previous year. This puts over 6,000 students on track to advance to Year Nine without having fully grasped essential skills.
In a recent interview, Rabuka expressed his discontent with the policy, suggesting it may incentivize schools to focus more on securing government funding rather than prioritizing educational quality. He stated, “Are schools simply trying to secure more government grants with little regard for academic results?” This highlights the need for a thorough examination of the current educational framework.
Ro Teimumu Kepa emphasized the importance of allowing students to repeat grades when necessary, explaining that not all students learn at the same pace. She noted, “Failing a year doesn’t mean failure in life; it’s an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for future success.” Both leaders concurred that reviewing the ‘no repeat policy’ is crucial to ensure students are adequately equipped for both academic challenges and broader life pursuits.
This push for policy reconsideration reflects a growing recognition of the diverse learning needs of students and the importance of fostering an educational environment conducive to success. By re-evaluating such policies, leaders hope to create a more supportive framework for all students, ensuring they have the necessary skills as they progress through their education.
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