A National Consultation is scheduled for January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall, focusing on 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, and has faced criticism for fostering complacency among students.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of this consultation, stating it serves as a platform for various stakeholders—including parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational partners—to voice their insights and experiences. Engaging multiple perspectives is crucial for achieving equitable policy outcomes, he explained.
Concerns about the effectiveness of the Automatic Progression system have grown, especially in the wake of alarming Year Eight exam results, where nearly half of the 19,350 registered students failed to achieve passing scores. These statistics raise essential questions about students’ motivation and academic performance under the current policy. Radrodro highlighted that due to automatic promotion, students may lack the drive to exert the necessary effort needed for academic excellence.
The upcoming consultation aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. One major goal of repealing the Automatic Progression policy is to guarantee that students master necessary competencies before advancing, thereby upholding educational standards and accountability.
Support for this initiative includes backing from political figures such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who argues that allowing students to repeat grades when needed could better equip them for future challenges. This recognition of diverse learning needs is crucial, as not all students learn at the same pace.
Importantly, the National Consultation represents a constructive opportunity for dialogue aimed at educational reform. By collating insights from a broad range of stakeholders, there is optimism that meaningful changes can be made to better support student achievement and engagement. This initiative reflects a commitment from Fiji’s leadership to adapt education policies and ensure all students have access to the quality education they need for a brighter future.
In summary, this effort underscores a collective aspiration to elevate educational standards and create pathways for success for every student across Fiji. The hopeful prospect of these discussions signals a dedication to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
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