Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa are calling for the repeal of the contentious ‘no repeat policy’ in schools. Their advocacy comes after the alarming news that nearly half of the Year Eight students failed their exams this year.
Out of 19,350 students registered for the exams, only 69 percent achieved passing scores, reflecting a mere two percent improvement from the previous year. This statistic indicates that over 6,000 students may transition to Year Nine without a solid grasp of fundamental skills.
In a recent interview, Rabuka voiced his concern regarding the policy, linking it to schools potentially prioritizing funding over educational performance. He questioned whether schools are more focused on securing government grants than on actual academic outcomes. He underscored the important role of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) in monitoring teacher effectiveness and tackling these issues.
Kepa echoed this sentiment, advocating that students should have the opportunity to repeat grades when necessary. She emphasized that learning should not be uniform for all students and that the option to repeat a year can provide essential support for those struggling to meet academic expectations. “Failing a year doesn’t mean failure in life; it’s an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for future success,” she remarked.
Both leaders concurred on the necessity for a comprehensive review of the ‘no repeat policy’ to ensure that students are adequately prepared for both their academic and life challenges ahead.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the diverse paces at which students learn and the importance of tailored educational strategies to foster success. With ongoing discussions and potential changes in education policy, there is hope for a system that better supports all students in achieving their academic goals.
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