A National Consultation is scheduled to take place on January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall. The event will serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the potential repeal of the ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression. This policy allows students to advance to the next grade regardless of their academic performance, a practice that has raised considerable concerns among educators and policymakers.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of this consultation, stating that it will bring together a diverse group, including parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational partners, to share insights and experiences. “Engaging different stakeholders ensures that voices are heard and considered, leading to more equitable policy outcomes,” Radrodro noted.
The push to evaluate the policy has gained momentum due to alarming statistics from recent Year Eight examinations, where nearly half of the 19,350 students registered failed to achieve passing scores. This has prompted questions about the effectiveness of the existing educational framework and its impact on student motivation. Radrodro pointed out that the current Automatic Progression system has fostered a culture of complacency, leading students to feel less compelled to strive for academic success since their promotion is guaranteed.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. The main objective of repealing the No Repeat Policy is to ensure that students achieve the necessary competencies at each educational level before advancing, thus reinforcing academic standards and accountability.
Radrodro indicated that the upcoming consultation would not just critique the existing policy but explore reformative pathways that could enhance education in Fiji. This reflects broader sentiments from political leaders, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who advocate for a more rigorous educational system that accommodates different learning paces and encourages student engagement.
The National Consultation represents a hopeful opportunity for constructive dialogue about educational reform in Fiji. By collecting insights from various stakeholders, there is potential for meaningful changes that can lead to improved support for student achievement and engagement. The collective effort towards enhancing educational policies aims to ensure that every student in Fiji has access to a quality education, setting the stage for a brighter future.
In summary, the consultation aims to foster a collaborative environment for discussing the impacts of the No Repeat Policy and the ways it can be reformed to better serve students, emphasizing a commitment to achieving equitable and effective education for all.
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