Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and former Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa are calling for a reassessment of the controversial ‘no repeat policy’ in schools, particularly in light of alarming Year Eight exam results. This year, nearly half of the Year Eight students did not pass their exams, with only 69 percent achieving a passing grade—an improvement of just two percent from the previous year. As a result, over 6,000 students may progress to Year Nine without having fully grasped fundamental skills.
In an interview, Rabuka expressed his concerns that the policy might be causing schools to focus more on securing government funding than on student performance, questioning, “Are schools simply trying to secure more government grants with little regard for academic results?” He underscored the importance of a detailed evaluation of the current educational system and indicated that the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) plays a critical role in addressing these challenges.
Ro Teimumu Kepa supported the need for change, highlighting that allowing students to repeat grades can be beneficial. She stated, “We cannot expect every student to learn at the same pace,” advocating for failing a year to be seen not as a setback, but as an opportunity for students to strengthen their understanding of the material and build a solid foundation for future success.
Both leaders concur that revisiting the ‘no repeat policy’ is vital to ensure students are better equipped for academic and life challenges ahead. This push for educational reform reflects a commitment to student success and well-being.
The dialogue surrounding this policy change opens the door for potential improvements in the education system that could enhance learning outcomes. By addressing students’ individual learning needs, the Fijian education system may foster a more supportive environment that recognizes the importance of mastering key skills for future accomplishments.
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