A National Consultation is set to take place on January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall from 9 am to 12 pm, aiming to address the implications of repealing the government’s “No Repeat Policy” in education. This policy, formally known as Automatic Progression, allows students to advance to the next grade regardless of their academic performance.

Fijian Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, emphasized the importance of this consultation, which invites input from a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, student representatives, educational authorities, and faith-based organizations. He stated, “Engaging different stakeholders ensures that voices are heard and considered, leading to more equitable policy outcomes.”

Radrodro highlighted that the consultation will evaluate both the positive and negative impacts of the current policy, which has been criticized for creating complacency among students and diminishing the motivation to achieve academic excellence. He noted that over the years, students may not put forth the necessary effort, as their promotion is guaranteed irrespective of their performance. This concern aligns with insights from educational advocates suggesting that the policy may be linked to declining academic results in Fiji, as reflected in recent Year Eight exam statistics. Nearly half of the students failed, with only 69 percent achieving passing scores.

In a broader context, this initiative connects with Fiji’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. Radrodro stressed that quality education is foundational for fostering collaboration among students, teachers, and parents to improve learning outcomes. Repealing the Automatic Progression policy would enable students to achieve the required competencies at each academic level before moving forward, thus reinforcing educational standards.

Additionally, a push for this repeal has been echoed by political leaders, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who have raised concerns about the policy’s impact on educational quality and student engagement. The support for more personalized education pathways indicates a shift towards recognizing the diverse learning needs of students, fostering an environment conducive to success.

This National Consultation represents a promising opportunity for meaningful dialogue and reform in Fiji’s education system. By collecting insights from various stakeholders, the consultation could lead to policies that better support student achievement, engagement, and future success. Ultimately, these discussions highlight a collective effort to ensure that all students in Fiji receive the quality education they deserve, paving the way for a brighter future.