Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his strong disapproval of the “no-repeat” policy in education, arguing that it squanders valuable resources belonging to both the government and parents. This policy allows students to progress to the next level regardless of their examination results, which Mr. Rabuka fears could jeopardize the academic performance of future generations.
During a recent interaction with children at his residence on Christmas Eve, the Prime Minister stated, “If we leave education (of our children) to depend solely on exam results while we have Government’s no repeat policy where you pass or fail you still advance, then parents and Government are wasting so much money.” He elaborated on the implications of continuous advancement without regard to performance, questioning what outcomes this approach would yield for students.
Mr. Rabuka emphasized the critical role that parents must play in guiding their children through their educational journeys. He also raised concerns about the qualifications of teachers in the system, pointing out that while many educators possess formal qualifications, it remains unclear whether they are adequately trained to teach.
The Prime Minister’s comments come in the wake of increasing criticism from academics and other stakeholders regarding the no-repeat policy’s contribution to students’ low passing rates on external examinations. Recently, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that his ministry is drafting a proposal to repeal this policy, following a dismal 69 percent pass rate among students who took the Form Four Examination Year (FEYE) earlier this year. Out of nearly 19,400 students who sat for the FEYE, approximately 13,400 were successful while over 6,000 failed.
The discussions surrounding this policy highlight a significant opportunity for educational reform in Fiji. By reconsidering the no-repeat policy, there is potential to enhance student learning outcomes and ensure that future generations are better equipped for success.
In summary, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is advocating for a reevaluation of the no-repeat policy due to its financial implications and its impact on educational quality, while also calling for increased parental involvement and a focus on teacher qualifications. The potential changes could pave the way for improved academic performance among students in Fiji.
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