Parents raise concerns over new repeat policy

Parents have raised concerns over the Ministry of Education’s new repeat policy, saying they were not adequately informed before it came into effect and warning it could negatively affect students’ mental wellbeing.

Some parents claim their children were required to repeat a class when schools reopened this week, raising fears of depression and suicidal thoughts among affected students.

They also said the issue was not clearly communicated or addressed by authorities beforehand.

Wailevu parent Yogesh Kumar said the policy should have been explained earlier, especially as many parents had already spent money on school uniforms, stationery and other essentials, particularly for students transitioning from Year 8 to secondary school.

“We were not advised by the teachers or by the Government ministries,” Mr Kumar said.

He said parents only became aware of the policy when schools reopened on Tuesday, questioning why the changes were communicated so late.

“Even last year, this was not discussed or mentioned during parent-teacher meetings,” he said.

Mr Kumar added that some students who were required to repeat had performed well in several subjects but failed others, describing the policy as unfair.

“The Year 12 classroom looks nearly empty because of this policy,” he said.

Another parent, Meliki Tabuya, said the policy could place excessive pressure on students and warned of possible serious consequences.

“Children will fear coming to school and will be stressed every day, worrying about failing and having to repeat,” Ms Tabuya said.

She also expressed concern that prolonged academic stress could contribute to wider social issues, including crime.

Under the Ministry of Education’s Student Retention and Progression Policy, which came into effect on December 6, students must maintain at least 80 per cent attendance and achieve a minimum of 50 per cent in each subject to progress to the next year level.

Students who fail to meet these requirements may be required to repeat a year or term to strengthen their core academic skills, ending the long-standing no-repeat policy that previously allowed automatic progression despite poor results.

Questions sent to the Permanent Secretary for Education remained unanswered at the time this article went to press.