The Ministry of Education has taken decisive action regarding the recent leak of Year 12 examination papers from a secondary school in Sigatoka. The Acting Permanent Secretary, Pene Aropio, confirmed that supplementary external examination papers have been prepared for the four affected subjects, ensuring that the examination timetable for students remains unaffected.
The breach occurred when there was a break-in at the school head’s office, leading to the theft of critical examination materials, including a Computer Studies question paper, Vosa Vaka-Viti answer booklet, a Chemistry answer booklet, and a Technical Drawing question paper. Aropio noted that the principal of the school had violated established protocols regarding the secure storage of examination papers, as the Ministry’s Policy on Examination Assessment clearly outlines the necessary procedures.
Following the incident, the Fiji Police Force was alerted, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the individuals responsible and the extent of the breach. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that the investigation is ongoing following notification from the school principal.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of stringent security protocols within educational institutions and has prompted the Ministry to enhance its measures. Aropio revealed that the Ministry is moving forward with plans to implement a digital tracking system and improve oversight protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Ministry of Education remains dedicated to upholding the integrity of the national examination system and ensuring that all students in Fiji can sit for their examinations in a safe and fair environment. This commitment is critical as nearly 14,000 students prepare to take the Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination, which begins on November 12.
As the examinations draw near, students are encouraged to trust in their preparations and maintain a positive outlook. Community support from families, educators, and peers plays a crucial role during this significant academic milestone. The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, law enforcement, and school administrations aims to safeguard the integrity of the examination process, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all students involved.
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