The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, has raised concerns about a declining interest in education among students, a situation highlighted by the recent results of the Fiji Year 8 Examination (FY8E). In Parliament, Mr. Radrodro noted a 69 percent pass rate for the exam this year, which, although an improvement from previous years, still reflects a significant issue: over 6,000 students, out of nearly 19,400 registered, are expected to move on to Year 9 despite failing.
While the 69 percent pass rate marks the highest in years, the results have displayed erratic trends over the past decade, dipping to 62 percent in 2022 and showing some recovery to 67 percent last year. Mr. Radrodro attributed the subpar performance to a variety of systemic problems, including diminished student motivation, an outdated curriculum, overcrowded classrooms, and ineffective leadership within schools.
Key issues impacting student success include low academic readiness for Year 8 pupils, characterized by weak capacity in essential subjects such as mathematics and literacy. Behavioral issues, lack of interest, poor attendance, and insufficient parental engagement further strain the educational experience, particularly evident in rural schools, which performed less robustly than their urban equivalents.
Ethnic disparities in results were also concerning, with iTaukei students achieving a 67 percent pass rate, Indian-Fijians at 73 percent, and Rotuman students leading with a 76 percent pass rate. Mr. Radrodro underlined the necessity to tackle these differences, emphasizing the relevance and engagement of the curriculum.
To combat these challenges, the Ministry of Education is proposing several reforms, including introducing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at Year 8 and 9 levels to better equip students for future employment. The Minister also indicated plans to revisit the “no-repeat” policy that allows students to progress despite failing, which has contributed to a concerning number of students advancing without adequate preparation.
Future reforms will focus on enhancing the curriculum, especially in mathematics, where pass rates stand at a low 41 percent. As accountability measures, Mr. Radrodro highlighted that schools identified as “Highest-Need, Poor-Performing Schools” would face stricter oversight.
In closing, Mr. Radrodro called for a collaborative effort from teachers, parents, communities, and religious organizations to foster a positive learning environment. His message reinforces the collective responsibility to instill a greater appreciation for education among students, positioning Fiji as a country where every child can learn, develop and thrive.
This issue highlights the importance of community involvement in education and a strong call to action for stakeholders to support reforms that can elevate student engagement and performance, laying the groundwork for a brighter educational future.
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