The Ministry of Education has uncovered worrying incidents of exam malpractice in some of Fiji’s leading schools, with seven cases recorded during the 2024 Year 12 examinations. According to Acting Director of Examinations and Assessment, Sereseini Lesi, these incidents mainly occurred in technical subjects and involved students being caught using various unauthorized aids such as handwritten notes, printed materials, textbook cuttings, and electronic devices like smartwatches and mobile phones.
Under the 2017 Examination Policy, any student involved in malpractice should receive a zero for the affected subject. However, Lesi points out that there have been instances of leniency, where officers reduced marks instead. Chief supervisors have detected most of these malpractices, including one instance where a student was found copying from a textbook page during the exam.
Lesi emphasizes the responsibility of school leaders and examination coordinators in ensuring students do not bring prohibited items into exam venues. With impending national examinations, she urges principals to reinforce supervision and aid chief supervisors in enforcing examination regulations. Moreover, to improve accountability, the examination office plans to have chief supervisors submit confidential reports on how they conducted their duties.
Lesi also cautioned school heads against barring students from national exams without proper authorization, stressing the importance of adhering to policies regarding eligibility, compassionate passes, and exceptions to prevent depriving students of their rightful opportunities.
This revelation coincides with broader discussions on the state of education in Fiji, highlighting systemic challenges such as inadequate exam preparations, controversial promotion policies, and curriculum instability. Amidst concerns over declining education standards, emphasis on stricter examination protocols and enhanced cooperation between educators, parents, and government bodies could propel necessary reforms and improvements in the educational landscape.