Parents urge ministry to review school tasks handed out

Many parents of primary school students are urging the Education Ministry to assess and review the manner in which tasks or assignments are now being handed out by some teachers.

Parents have told Fijivillage that in the past week their children have received assignments to be handed on the following day and not much time has been given for research as some topics are difficult to complete within one afternoon.

Examples being given include class 2 students handed assignments to write and speak about Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna’s life and his achievements, and class 4 students told to list all the Governor Generals, Presidents and Prime Ministers of the country and their terms.

These tasks are being handed out now because the new system is that the total marks for the students at the end of the year will be divided as 60 percent from the tasks or assignments and 40 percent from exams.

Parents said the time period given is insufficient and they feel for their children who cannot rush through these important tasks.

Some said they do not how to use the internet or have access to it and cannot assist in the research of such topics which fall due on the following day.

They said more time should be given and topics relevant to the syllabus of the class level should be handed out by the teachers.

They also said the Ministry should urgently look into the matter.

Education Minister Filipe Bole disputes what the parents are saying.