Hardly any classes on official school day at Grammar

With Suva Grammar School's low academic performance now in the spotlight, it has been noticed that there were hardly any classes running at the school until after midday today.

Our reporter went to observe what was happening at the school since the Grammar grounds are being used for the Marist 7s today.

Most of the students were just roaming around outside the classrooms. When we highlighted this issue in our news bulletin in the last hour, then it has been revealed the students were called in about 45 minutes ago.

However, Suva Grammar Principal Ilikimi Kunagogo has refused to speak to us on any issue.

It has also been noted that most of the people who have come to watch the Marist 7s at Grammar and players taking part are also occupying the Veiuto Primary School grounds.

We have received confirmation that no approval was sought for the usage of the Veiuto Primary School grounds.

Stay with us as we will speak to the Education Ministry officials on why there are hardly any classes on a normal school day at Suva Grammar and why the school ground has been hired out on a school day for purposes which does not involve the school as a whole.

We will also seek clarification on what the ministry can do on outsiders occupying a primary school ground without the school's approval.
   
The ministry has been asked these questions and the officials told us just after midday that they would check with the school officials before making any statement. A few minutes ago the Ministry Media Unit said they have been trying to contact Suva Grammar but no one is answering the phone.

Suva Grammar Principal Ilikimi Kunagogo has refused to make any comments and has informed his secretary not to take any calls from the media.

Early this morning Interim Education Minister, Filipe Bole told Fijivillage News he is aware of the call made by the Suva Grammar Old Students Association and will look into the matter.

Yesterday afternoon, some Old Students Association members led by President, Jasmine Tam met with the senior Education Ministry officials highlighting concern about the performance of the students in external examinations.

Suva Grammar School's pass rate for the Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examination last year was 39 percent while the Fiji Seventh Form Examination pass rate for 2007 was just below 50 percent. Another concern highlighted to the ministry is the Form Seven English paper pass rate which stood at a very low percentage of 29 percent.

We have also been informed that the selection criteria of students is very weak, with reports being received that parents can just go and ask the Principal to take their children in, and if they are good in rugby or athletics, they are taken in without any academic assessment. To make matters worse, Suva Grammar is a School of Excellence.

The concern has also been raised is that students are now mainly taken in at Suva Grammar on a “who you know basis”. Grammar is one of the biggest schools in Fiji with over 1,000 students.