The Ministry of Education in Fiji is urging school leaders to intensify their efforts to ensure no student is left behind in national examinations. Speaking at the Fiji Principals Association’s annual conference, Acting Director of Examinations and Assessment, Sereseini Lesi, highlighted that although pass rates have improved, more work remains necessary. The Year 12 pass rate has seen a rise from 66 percent in 2022 to 76 percent in both 2023 and 2024, while Year 13 maintains a steady pass rate of approximately 89 percent. The ministry, however, aims for a minimum pass rate of 95 percent.
Lesi is calling on principals to identify better methods to support students who are struggling academically. She emphasized the importance of teacher and principal leadership while acknowledging factors such as resources, location, gender, ethnicity, and regional disparities in educational outcomes. Of particular concern is the high dropout rate among boys, which Lesi implores school leaders to address to enhance retention and participation.
This call for action resonates with ongoing discussions in the education sector about improving student interest and performance. Previous reports have detailed concerns over systemic issues like outdated curricula, high student-teacher ratios, and inadequate school leadership, all contributing to varying pass rates. These aspects underscore the need for educational reforms, as exemplified by the interest in introducing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in curriculum plans to align education more closely with workforce needs.
Fiji’s education ministry continues to focus on collaborative strategies, encouraging parental involvement and community support to address these challenges. Past efforts have highlighted the importance of nurturing an educational environment that supports student engagement and motivation, particularly in subjects such as mathematics where national pass rates have historically been low.
This comprehensive approach aims to foster a supportive educational framework, enabling students to thrive and better prepare for future academic and career paths. Through enhanced leadership and innovative teaching strategies, there is optimism for reaching the ministry’s ambitious pass rate goals and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed academically.