Fiji’s Cabinet has made a pivotal decision to reinstate mark scaling across all levels of national examinations, starting in the 2026 academic year. This policy aims to align the country’s educational assessment with international standards and create a fairer and more consistent evaluation framework for students.
The reintroduction of mark scaling highlights a commitment to improving educational equity by accurately representing student performance. This approach is designed to tackle disparities in examinations, particularly given the varying degree of difficulty across different subjects. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro emphasized that scaling would not only promote fairness but also motivate students to tackle more challenging subjects, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), computer studies, and commerce. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to developing a skilled workforce essential for Fiji’s economic future.
The decision to bring back the scaling system follows extensive discussions and public consultations, which indicated substantial support for this initiative. The scaling system had previously been in effect until 2015, when it was discontinued. It had proven effective in standardizing examination results and providing a framework for fair comparison among students.
Radrodro pointed out that numerous countries globally have adopted similar scaling systems, which serves to reinforce Fiji’s approach as aligned with international educational practices. This strategic initiative is viewed as a progressive step towards ensuring that Fiji’s education system remains competitive on the world stage, while also working to rectify existing inequalities.
By creating an environment that encourages students to excel in demanding academic fields, Fiji is poised to cultivate a workforce that can thrive in a fast-changing global economy, fostering hope for a brighter educational future and stronger economic prospects.