Education Leaders Push to Rethink Controversial ‘No Repeat Policy’ Amidst Exam Failures

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa are calling for the repeal of the contentious ‘no repeat policy’ in schools, urging a reconsideration of this approach in light of alarming Year Eight exam results.

Recent data shows that nearly half of Year Eight students faced failure in their exams this year. Out of 19,350 registered students, only 69 percent passed, marking an only slight two percent increase from the previous year. This disappointing outcome indicates that over 6,000 students may progress to Year Nine without having fully mastered essential skills.

Rabuka raised concerns regarding the policy’s potential link to schools prioritizing funding over educational outcomes. He questioned whether schools are focusing on securing more government grants at the expense of academic performance, underscoring the necessity for a thorough evaluation of the educational system. He highlighted the role of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) in overseeing teacher performance to tackle these challenges effectively.

Ro Teimumu Kepa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of giving students the opportunity to repeat grades when necessary. She articulated that learning paces vary among students and that repeating a year can provide struggling learners a vital second chance to grasp the material. Kepa noted that failing a year should not be viewed as a defeat, but rather as a stepping stone to building a stronger academic foundation for future success.

Both leaders unanimously agree that reviewing the ‘no repeat policy’ is crucial for better preparing students for upcoming academic and life challenges.

This dialogue emphasizes the importance of tailored educational pathways that meet individual student needs, suggesting that with the right adjustments, the education system can foster a more supportive and effective environment for all learners. It is hopeful to see such proactive discussions taking place, advocating for reforms that could positively impact future generations.