There is currently no definitive evidence that students in Fiji who did not pass the Year Eight Examination or other standardized tests have been allowed to advance to the next grade. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted this gap during an inquiry concerning the performance of students over the past eight years.
Radrodro noted that a lack of sufficient data complicates the situation. “When we looked into the numbers of students failing from 2018 to this year, I specifically inquired about any records that showed whether these students were permitted to advance,” he explained. Last year alone, over 6,400 students failed the Fiji Year Eight Examination, and there is no information to confirm that any of these students moved on to the next level.
For the past four to five years, there has been no substantive evidence indicating that all students are being promoted, he added. In response to this issue, the Ministry of Education is developing a Cabinet paper aimed at abolishing the no-repeat policy.
“Part of this process involves consulting on whether we should continue the no-repeat policy that promotes students regardless of their exam results,” Radrodro explained. The government is looking to make provisions for alternative educational pathways, including introducing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses at earlier stages, such as Year 8 or Year 9, contingent on further consultations.
The review and potential reform of these policies may enhance educational opportunities for students in Fiji, enabling them to engage in training that better aligns with their skills and career aspirations.
This proposed change could foster a more supportive learning environment that not only aids struggling students but also prepares all learners for diverse pathways, promoting lifelong learning and skill development in Fiji.
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