The Education Ministry of Fiji is poised to reinstate a scaling system for national examinations starting in the 2026 academic year as part of an initiative to create a more equitable assessment framework for students throughout the nation. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced this important development, highlighting that the scaling system was a component of the examination process until it was discontinued in 2015 by a previous government.
Radrodro emphasized the critical need for scaling to tackle disparities in academic performance linked to geographical factors. He noted that students from rural, maritime, and remote areas often encounter challenges that negatively impact their test scores, highlighting the systemic need for adjustments that account for these inequities. Reflecting on the previous experience with the scaling system, he stated, “Many of us have experienced this scaling system before it was abandoned in 2015,” underlining its effectiveness in standardizing scores amidst different levels of subject difficulty.
The Cabinet reportedly approved the decision to reintroduce scaling earlier this year after extensive discussions focused on the uneven access to educational resources among students. Recent examination results have underscored the necessity of implementing measures that consider varying learning environments and challenges faced by students across Fiji.
This initiative aligns with global educational standards and practices, creating a consistent and credible assessment system. Countries around the world have effectively adopted similar scaling processes to ensure fairness and uphold student performance standards. The revitalization of this system is anticipated to enhance confidence among students and encourage higher participation rates, especially among those who currently feel marginalized in examinations due to perceived inequalities.
The reinstatement of a scaling system represents a significant step forward in Fiji’s educational landscape, aiming to address longstanding disparities and reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to providing equitable education for all students. This transformative move is expected to create a more inclusive environment, effectively supporting all learners in their academic journeys.