Exam worries mount in Bua school

Students at Ratu Luke Secondary School in Bua remain without a Computer Studies teacher, despite concerns first being raised last week.

Parents and teachers say the ongoing vacancy is affecting syllabus coverage, coursework and exam preparation, particularly for Year 12 and Year 13 students.

The Ministry of Education says shortages of qualified teachers in specialist subjects remain a nationwide challenge.

A secondary school teacher, who requested anonymity, said students were being left behind and that the situation could affect their overall grades.

“As a teacher, I am worried that Year 12 and Year 13 students will have to sit their final examinations without adequate support,” the teacher said.

The follow-up comes after a parent raised concerns last week about the absence of a Computer Studies teacher at the school.

Students, particularly those in Year 13, continue to struggle to complete coursework ahead of major examinations later this year.

Parent Sireli Ganivatu said the issue began when the teacher went on leave in Term Two last year and has not been resolved.

“Our children have been left behind and their syllabus coverage has been seriously affected,” Mr Ganivatu said.

He said Year 13 was a crucial academic year, with students expected to complete their coursework this term.

“However, they are still without a teacher, which is unfair to them and their education,” he said.

The anonymous teacher said students were struggling to meet project deadlines and keep up with coursework.

“Students are suffering. They have projects due and major exams coming up, but there is still no teacher,” the teacher said.

The teacher added that a replacement was available for only three days earlier this year.

“We only had a teacher for three days this year, and since then there has been no one,” the teacher said.

Parents are now calling on the Ministry of Education to urgently deploy a permanent teacher.

“As concerned parents, we are requesting an immediate explanation and solution,” Mr Ganivatu said.

Ministry of Education permanent secretary Navin Raj said he had earlier directed his Human Resources (HR) team to look into the matter and provide a response.

“I have sent my HR team, and once they provide a response, I will forward it to the Fiji Sun,” Mr Raj said.

Mr Raj said the shortage of qualified teachers in key subjects was a wider national issue.

“Secondary schools are already facing shortages of physics, mathematics and computer graduates. This is a scarce skill area,” he said.

“So there have been gaps in teacher replacement across the system.”