THE Fiji Teachers Confederation has proposed that public examinations be scrapped
for this year because of the prolonged disruptions to the school term.
Both the Fijian Teachers Association and the Fiji Teachers Union agree this
is in the best interest of the students as a lot of valuable time has been lost.
The confederation is suggesting that the Fiji Intermediate, Fiji Eight Year
and the Fiji Junior examinations be set aside this year.
Instead the confederation believes schools can run internal assessments as
a basis for promoting students to the next level.
For sixth and seventh form students, the confederation has suggested that exams
be kept but students be tested on only what will have been covered up till the
examination date.
Fiji Teachers Union national secretary Agni Deo Singh said that forms 6 and
7 exams had to be maintained as they decided the intake into tertiary institutions.
"Fiji Intermediate, Fiji Eighth Year and Fiji Junior can be phased out
as they don't have much purpose in the system and can be substituted by internal
exams but forms 6 and 7 are important ones and tertiary institutions need it
for selection and awards."
Fijian Teachers Association secretary Maika Namudu agreed saying the exams
proposed to be scrapped were not important when it came to
measuring students overall performances.
"Internal assessment is a good idea as it will create serious commitment
in students" he said Education Minister in Rabuka led SVT-Government, Taufa
Vakatale said the best option was to scrap all public exams.
Ms Vakatale said there was nothing wrong in having internal assessments.
Internal assessments she said would make students more competitive, hardworking
and dedicated towards their school work.
"This scheme will be fair to students," she said The other alternative
offered by Ms Vakatale is to have exams sometimes next year so that the whole
syllabus is well covered.
Meanwhile, the teachers confederation will meet with Education Ministry officials
next week, to further discuss assessment options.
Fiji's Daily Post
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