The Fijian Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of mark scaling for national examinations starting in the 2026 academic year. This decision aligns with international best practices in education and is designed to promote a fair and consistent assessment framework for all students.
According to a government statement, the scaling process aims to address discrepancies in subject difficulty and enhance academic performance across schools throughout the country. By standardizing examination scores, the new system intends to provide a more equitable representation of student performance, particularly in challenging subjects.
Education officials believe that this initiative will encourage students to take on more demanding courses, specifically in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), computer studies, and commerce. These fields have been identified as vital to Fiji’s ongoing economic development and workforce needs.
Prior to this decision, the scaling system was last in practice until it was discontinued in 2015. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro emphasized the importance of scaling during a recent Parliamentary meeting, stating that many graduates have expressed positive experiences with the system before its abolition. He noted the need for public consultations to gather insights and ensure the innovative approach meets the needs of the educational community.
Radrodro further highlighted that the scaling system would not only bring Fijian assessments in line with worldwide practices but also work towards bridging the gap in performances observed between students from urban and rural areas.
The anticipated return of the scaling system marks a hopeful stride toward a more balanced educational environment, providing students with the encouragement and support to reach their full potential in their academic pursuits.