The general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga, is advocating for the abolition of the No Repeat Policy in schools. This push follows concerns raised by the association, amplified by the release of the recent Fiji Eighth Year Examination results. According to Manumanunitoga, retaining students who do not pass their exams is essential for their academic development, as this would enable targeted support to help them succeed in the future.
He emphasized that allowing students to advance without meeting academic standards can lead to a lack of accountability and may diminish parental involvement in their children’s education. This change, he argues, could create a more rigorous academic environment, ultimately benefiting student performance.
Manumanunitoga noted a slight improvement in the pass rate of the FEYE exam—69 percent compared to 67 percent the previous year. However, he sees this as indicative of systemic weaknesses within the education framework. He called for a thorough review of the education system and urged collaboration among all stakeholders, from teachers to district officials, to identify underlying issues contributing to the persistently low pass rates.
Furthermore, he questioned the effectiveness of the current curriculum and the quality of teacher training programs, suggesting that both must be critically examined to ensure the success of students. He expressed concern over the alarming failure rates among Year 8 students, asserting that accountability is essential, and those responsible for poor outcomes should reconsider their roles.
Additionally, Manumanunitoga highlighted the importance of addressing the wellbeing of teachers in a challenging work environment, advocating for better compensation as a way to enhance their effectiveness. Despite raising these issues with the government, he has reported insufficient engagement from officials, particularly from the Finance Minister.
The situation presents a unique opportunity to reassess and strengthen Fiji’s educational standards, focusing on accountability, support, and teacher welfare to foster a more effective learning environment for students. By implementing targeted reforms, the education system could not only improve pass rates but also ensure a richer and more supportive experience for future generations of learners.
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