The Ministry of Education has highlighted concerning news regarding exam integrity, revealing that students from some of the top schools in the nation were involved in cheating during the prior year’s Year 12 examinations. Acting Director of Examinations and Assessment, Sereseini Lesi, disclosed that there were seven incidents of misconduct, largely in technical subjects.
A review of the existing 2017 Examination Policy indicates that any student caught engaging in exam malpractice should receive a zero for the involved subject. However, Lesi pointed out that, in practice, there tends to be leniency, with students often awarded reduced marks rather than a complete zero. In the most recent Year 12 exams, students were found cheating by bringing in handwritten notes, printed materials, textbook excerpts, and utilizing technology, such as smartwatches and mobile phones.
Lesi stressed the pivotal role school leaders and examination coordinators must play in preventing prohibited items from entering exam halls. With forthcoming national exams, Lesi urged school principals to enhance monitoring efforts and assist chief supervisors in ensuring compliance with the rules. As a new measure, chief supervisors will now be tasked with writing confidential reports on how they manage their responsibilities within their respective schools.
Additionally, the Acting Director cautioned school heads against restricting students from participating in national exams without proper authorization, emphasizing that exceptions must align with policy guidelines to ensure fair opportunities for all students.
The Ministry’s revelations highlight a critical issue within the educational system, reflecting the need for stricter enforcement of exam regulations and the essential maintenance of academic integrity. As exams loom, the reinforcement of diligence and fairness presents a chance for schools to bolster their commitment to honesty and accountability, nurturing a culture that values integrity and respect for academic standards. This forward-thinking strategy seeks not only to prevent future instances of malpractice but also to promote a just testing environment for all students.