The Ministry of Education in Fiji is actively soliciting public feedback regarding the future of the no repeat policy, formally referred to as the Automatic Progression Policy. This policy allows students to advance to the next grade without regard to their academic performance, a practice that has generated significant debate among educators, policymakers, and the community.

To gather diverse opinions, the Ministry has posted a survey on its website, inviting members of the public to share their views through several key questions. These inquiries focus on awareness of the policy, beliefs about its importance for educational standards, perceived advantages and disadvantages, necessary support for students at risk of not progressing, and potential alternatives to automatic progression.

The urgency of this consultation is highlighted by recent academic performance trends among Year Eight students. Alarmingly, nearly half of the 19,350 students tested failed to pass their exams, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current educational framework under the no repeat policy. Critics argue that this policy may foster a complacency among students, diminishing their motivation to achieve academic success.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the upcoming National Consultation, scheduled for January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall. This gathering aims to provide a platform for parents, teachers, student representatives, and educational partners to voice their perspectives, helping frame a more equitable educational policy.

The discussions align with broader educational goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. The Minister and other political leaders, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, support repealing the no repeat policy to ensure students master essential competencies before advancing. This view reflects a growing recognition of the need for personalized education pathways that cater to the varying learning needs of students.

The Ministry’s initiative to review the no repeat policy represents a hopeful opportunity for transformative change in Fiji’s education system, aiming to enhance student engagement and improve overall academic outcomes. Engaging the community in this dialogue is a crucial step toward fostering an educational environment that empowers all learners to succeed and thrive.

In summary, the consultation seeks input from various stakeholders to critically examine the impacts of the no repeat policy, ultimately aspiring to structure a more effective and responsive education system that prioritizes student success and achievement for all in Fiji.