The Fijian Cabinet is set to deliberate on a significant policy shift regarding the current No-Repeat Policy, also known as Automatic Progression. This policy allows students to advance to the next grade regardless of their academic outcomes, and Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has expressed concerns that it may be fostering complacency and contributing to learning deficiencies.
Minister Radrodro highlighted troubling statistics related to student performance, particularly noting that nearly 50% of the 19,350 Year Eight students did not pass their recent exams. He believes that the Automatic Progression system, implemented from early childhood to Year 12, fails to encourage students to pursue academic excellence.
Efforts to reconsider the policy have been informed by a national stakeholder consultation held earlier this year, which involved around 80 participants and resulted in over 600 online survey responses. The insights gathered will be presented to Cabinet, indicating a comprehensive evaluation of stakeholder opinions within the education sector.
The government is also making strides towards public engagement regarding changes to national exam scaling, having formed a steering committee to investigate potential reforms. A national consultation event slated for January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall will seek input from parents, educators, and students to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
This educational initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes equitable and quality education for all by 2030. By possibly repealing the Automatic Progression policy, the government aims to bolster student competencies before they advance, thereby raising accountability and educational standards.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has shown support for a more stringent education system, suggesting that allowing students to repeat grades can provide essential support for their academic success.
These discussions represent a promising opportunity for significant educational reform in Fiji, with the potential to enhance student engagement and outcomes while addressing the diverse needs of learners. The steps being taken indicate a proactive approach to improving the educational framework, which can lead to a more competent future generation.
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