The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has raised significant concerns regarding the lack of clear data on whether students who failed their Fiji Year Eight Examination (FYEE) or other external assessments have been allowed to move on to subsequent classes. In an inquiry into the number of students who did not pass these exams over the past eight years, the Minister highlighted a notable gap in available information, stating, “When we found the number of students that were failing from 2018 until this year, I inquired if there was any information that allowed them to progress to the next level.”
Last year alone, over 6,400 students failed the FYEE, but there is no data confirming if these students advanced to higher grades. The Minister noted that for the past four to five years, the ministry has not collected substantial evidence to confirm that all failing students were automatically promoted.
In response to these findings, the Ministry of Education is preparing a Cabinet paper aimed at discussing the potential elimination of the no-repeat policy that currently allows students to advance regardless of their academic performance. Part of the proposed changes includes consultations on alternatives, such as introducing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses at lower educational levels, potentially starting as early as Year 8 or Year 9.
This initiative represents a proactive step towards addressing long-standing educational practices and could lead to improved educational pathways for students, especially those who struggle academically. By focusing on credible data and potentially shifting towards a system that offers diverse educational opportunities, the Ministry aims to better equip students for their future careers and education.
Overall, it appears that the Ministry’s efforts to gather more comprehensive data and reconsider educational policies may foster a more supportive learning environment for all students in Fiji.
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