Year 13 students in Bua school face exam pressure without Computer teacher

Students at Ratu Luke Secondary School in Bua have been without a Computer Studies teacher since the start of the school year.

The situation has left Year 13 students struggling to complete coursework ahead of major examinations later this year.

Parents are raising concerns about exam preparedness and syllabus coverage.

Parent Sireli Ganivatu said the issue began when the teacher went on leave in Term Two last year and has yet to be 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.

A teacher at the school, who requested anonymity, 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 response

Permanent Secretary for Education Navin Raj says the ministry has directed its Human Resources team to look into the matter and provide a response.

Mr Raj explained that teachers apply for transfers during a designated window, with requests processed based on vacancies and staffing needs. He highlighted a nationwide shortage of qualified teachers in key subjects.

“Secondary schools are already facing shortages of physics, mathematics and computer graduates. These are scarce skill areas,” he said, noting gaps in teacher replacement across the system.

Mr Raj said the ministry must balance staffing across schools within a structured transfer process.