The general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, has urged the government to abolish the No Repeat Policy, following concerns raised over the performance of students in the recent Fiji Eighth Year Examination (FEYE). With the pass rate slightly improving to 69% from last year’s 67%, Manumanunitoga emphasizes that retaining students who do not pass their exams is vital for their academic growth. He argued that this policy would allow for targeted support for these children, enhancing their chances of success as they advance in their education.
Manumanunitoga believes that the current system may inadvertently encourage negligence among parents regarding their children’s academic responsibilities. He called for a collective assessment involving all educational stakeholders to diagnose the underlying issues contributing to the unsatisfactory pass rates and to develop effective strategies for improvement in the coming year.
He raised concerns about both the curriculum and the quality of teacher training, stating that these factors merit serious consideration. The distressing result of nearly half of Year 8 students failing their exams is a cause for alarm, and changes may need to be made at various levels within the educational system. Furthermore, he indicated the importance of addressing the well-being of teachers, advocating for fair compensation as critical to enhancing student performance.
Unfortunately, inquiries directed at Education Minister Aseri Radrodro have gone unanswered, leaving many questions about the educational landscape and future reforms unresolved.
In these challenging times, the call for improvements highlights a genuine desire for educational reform in Fiji, and addressing these issues could lead to significant advances in student outcomes and overall educational quality. The collective effort from educators, parents, and policymakers could foster a more robust educational framework that prioritizes student success.
Leave a comment