A HIGH school student has called for a comprehensive review of the Fiji Education Act to ensure the curriculum of secondary schools are better aligned with the evolving demands of higher education and the modern workforce.
Asela Vuliku told the consultation on the review of the Education Act 1966 in Suva of the need for schools to expand subject offerings and enhance the relevance of classroom learning through real-world examples.
“A key focus should be on diversifying subject offerings at the secondary level to expose students to foundational skills essential for university courses and future careers,” Ms Vuliku said.
“Integrating this real-world application into the school curriculum would not only enhance students’ understanding of the subject matter but also make learning more relevant and engaging.
“By focusing on basic skills and extending to professional fields like geospatial science, the education system can foster a generation of students better prepared for higher education and the job market.”
While acknowledging English as a critical subject, she also questioned the value of literature in the secondary curriculum, especially for students focused on science or technical pathways that “do not require it at university level”.
“We know English in all schools is an important subject, if you fail English, you fail all your subjects,” she added.
“Many students who take science and technical drawing do not need drama in their future career at university. So, we’re wondering, what’s the impact on learning literature in secondary school when it does not contribute to future learning in university?”
