Parents in Fiji are finding it increasingly difficult to secure spots for their children who did not perform well in the Year Eight Examinations. Govind Singh, president of the School Management Association, indicated that this trend reflects a growing trend among schools to adopt stricter admission policies towards underperforming students.
Mr. Singh emphasized that schools have legitimate reasons for preferring students with better academic records, noting that previously there were vocational and technical programs that catered to students who struggled academically. However, the elimination of these programs has placed a burden on schools, which must now accept students primarily from nearby primary schools without a dedicated support system for those who underperformed.
Many parents have reached out to Mr. Singh in search of alternative schools for their children, as reputable institutions are increasingly selective in their admissions. “They are looking around for a place for their child because the schools they wanted for their child, which is usually a good school, are refusing to take them in,” he stated. This situation reflects a broader concern for educational inclusivity.
As schools strive to enhance their academic performance, they are becoming more stringent in their admissions processes. Inquiries made to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro regarding this issue have not yet received a response.
This situation highlights the challenges facing not only students who require additional support but also the educational system as a whole. The need for alternative educational pathways remains crucial, and it is hoped that the government could consider reinstating vocational and technical programs, which could provide necessary opportunities for these students in the future. This could aid in fostering a more inclusive education system while ensuring that students of varying academic abilities have access to suitable learning environments.
In summary, heightened admission standards among schools in Fiji are leaving parents with underperforming children searching for options, as the removal of supportive educational programs exacerbates the situation. Moving forward, there is optimism that addressing these gaps in the educational framework could lead to better outcomes for all students.
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