The Education Ministry of Fiji is set to reinstate a scaling system for national examinations beginning in the 2026 academic year, aiming to establish a more equitable assessment framework for students across the nation. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced this significant move, emphasizing that scaling had been a component of the examination system until its removal in 2015 by a previous administration.
Radrodro articulated the necessity for scaling, particularly in addressing the disparities in academic performance related to geographical differences. He noted that students in rural, maritime, and remote areas often face challenges that affect their test scores, indicating a systemic need for adjustments that reflect these inequalities. “Many of us have experienced this scaling system before it was abandoned in 2015,” he remarked, reiterating its benefits in standardizing scores based on varying degrees of difficulty across subjects.
The decision to reintroduce scaling was reportedly approved by the Cabinet earlier this year, after thorough discussions recognizing the uneven access to educational resources among students. Radrodro pointed out that recent examination results highlighted the importance of implementing measures that cater to different learning environments and situations faced by students nationwide.
This initiative aligns with international educational standards and practices, facilitating a consistent and credible assessment system. Other countries have successfully integrated similar scaling processes, ensuring fairness and maintaining standards in student performance. The rebirth of this system is expected to foster greater confidence among students and promote participation rates, particularly from those currently underrepresented in examinations due to perceived inequalities.
In conclusion, the reintroduction of a scaling system is poised to be a transformative step for Fiji’s educational landscape, addressing longstanding disparities while reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to equitable education for all students.