Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa are advocating for the reconsideration of the contentious ‘no repeat policy’ in schools, following troubling statistics from this year’s Year Eight exam results. Recent data revealed that nearly half of the students did not pass their exams, with only 69 percent out of 19,350 registered students achieving a passing grade. This marks a modest improvement of just two percent from the previous year, highlighting that over 6,000 students may progress to Year Nine without mastering fundamental skills.
Rabuka articulated his concerns regarding the policy, suggesting it could be tied to schools prioritizing funding over actual educational performance. He posed the question, “Are schools simply trying to secure more government grants with little regard for academic results?” This points to a need for a comprehensive assessment of the current educational framework. The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) was highlighted as an essential body in monitoring teacher effectiveness and addressing prevailing challenges.
Adding to this discourse, Ro Teimumu Kepa emphasized the importance of allowing students the opportunity to repeat grades when necessary. She stated, “We cannot expect every student to learn at the same pace,” arguing that repeating a year can provide students with the critical opportunity to solidify their understanding of the material. Kepa further remarked that failing a year should not be seen as a failure in life but rather as a chance to construct a stronger educational foundation for future success.
Both leaders concur on the necessity of reassessing the ‘no repeat policy’ to better prepare students for academic and life challenges ahead. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the educational outcomes for students, ensuring that all learners receive the support they need to thrive.
This conversation around educational policies is vital, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the diverse learning needs of students. As leaders work towards refining these policies, families can hope for an educational environment that values mastery and understanding, ultimately contributing to a more capable and confident generation of learners.
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