The Ministry of Education has recently unveiled concerning instances of malpractice during national examinations, discovering that students from some of the country’s leading schools were implicated in cheating during the previous year’s Year 12 exams. Acting Director of Examinations and Assessment, Sereseini Lesi, reported seven cases of misconduct, primarily occurring in technical subjects.
According to the 2017 Examination Policy, any student found guilty of exam malpractice is to receive a zero for the subject. However, Lesi noted that, in practice, there is often leniency, with reduced marks being awarded instead of a zero. During last year’s Year 12 exams, students were caught using various means to cheat, including smuggling handwritten notes, printed materials, textbook excerpts, and using technology like smartwatches and mobile phones.
Lesi emphasized the critical role of school leaders and examination coordinators in ensuring students do not bring prohibited items into exam halls. With upcoming national exams, Lesi urges principals to enhance supervision and support chief supervisors in enforcing the rules. A new initiative involves chief supervisors writing confidential reports about how they manage their responsibilities in their respective schools.
The Acting Director also advised school heads against blocking students from sitting national exams without the necessary authorization, emphasizing that eligibility, compassionate passes, and other exceptions must adhere strictly to policy to provide all students with fair opportunities.
In light of these troubling findings, the Ministry’s actions highlight a significant issue within the educational system, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of examination rules and the importance of upholding academic integrity. As exams approach, the call for diligence and fairness serves as an opportunity for schools to reinforce principles of honesty and accountability, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and respect for academic standards. This proactive approach aims to prevent future occurrences of malpractice and encourage a fair testing environment for all students.