There will be four 10-week school terms from next year, says Education Minister Premila Kumar.
She said Term 1 would be from January 30 to April 6, Term 2 from April 24 to June 30, Term 3 from July 17 to September 22, and Term 4 from October 9 to December 15.
Mrs Kumar said having a four-term academic year for schools would allow teachers to have much-needed breaks.
“Shorter terms and four-term holidays will allow teachers to rest and recharge, reducing the burnout and, of course, the stress that they go through,” she said.
“Having 10 weeks per term, with a four-term model is better than having 14 weeks and a three-term model, as it allows students to have breaks, refresh and prepare for another 10 weeks.”
Mrs Kumar said the term holidays were aligned with Australia and New Zealand school terms, which would allow better planning of family holidays.
“The new school model will further allow the spread of sporting activities over three terms so that term four can be devoted to exams.”
She said previously, all sporting events were packed into two terms and students were limited in their choices.
Mrs Kumar said having four terms meant they could spread sporting events over three terms, giving students more choice and the ability to play more than one sport.
She said term four would be dedicated solely for examination preparation and exams.
Mrs Kumar said the proposal was well received by stakeholders such as the Fiji Head Teachers Association, the Fiji Principals Association, Fiji Retailers Association, parents, teachers, heads of schools, Parents Teachers Association, faith-based organisations and the Fijian Teachers Association.
