Concerns are rising within the Fijian educational community following the results of the Year Eight Examination, where nearly half of the participating students did not achieve passing marks. The Ministry of Education reported a 69 percent pass rate among the over 19,300 registered students, only a slight improvement of two percent from the previous year. As a result, over 6,000 students may progress to Year Nine without the essential foundational skills.
Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, expressed disappointment, labeling the results as “close to pathetic.” He emphasized the need for various stakeholders, including teachers and ministry officials, to evaluate the educational system and strategize for improvements in the upcoming year.
One key area of criticism involved the perceived lack of parental engagement in their children’s education. Mr. Manumanunitoga urged parents to actively support their children’s learning and treat it as a priority rather than a trivial matter. He also condemned the controversial “no-repeat” policy enacted by a previous government, asserting that it allows unprepared students to advance to higher educational levels. He cited alarming cases where students lacking basic reading skills are entering university.
From 2019 to 2023, approximately 5,726 students dropped out before reaching Year 10, while another 4,589 left the primary education system entirely, as reported by ministry statistics.
The discussion also highlighted issues stemming from frequent changes in the curriculum, which have caused confusion among teachers and hindered consistent educational delivery. Mr. Manumanunitoga noted that there have been at least three different curriculums introduced by various ministers over the past decade.
The Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has also voiced concerns about the no-repeat policy, indicating intentions to reconsider it while acknowledging the need for a more effective curriculum to combat the ongoing challenges reflected in the exam results.
The Ministry of Education has not provided comments on the situation as of the article’s publication.
This situation raises important questions about educational quality and student preparedness in Fiji. With concerted efforts from parents, educators, and policymakers, there is potential for positive change in the educational landscape, fostering an environment where all students can thrive. Building a supportive community around education can lead to better outcomes and a brighter future for the younger generations.
In summary, the recent examination results signal a pressing need for reform in Fiji’s educational practices, particularly in parental involvement, policy evaluation, and curriculum consistency to ensure students are well-prepared for their academic journeys ahead.
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