There is not enough positive mindset towards Science and Technology Education in Fiji-Reddy

Education Minister Doctor Mahendra Reddy says there is not enough positive mindset towards Science and Technology Education in Fiji.

Reddy says this is reflected in the data on students enrolling in Science and Technology subjects in secondary schools.

He says less than a quarter of students are opting to undertake Science and Technology subjects in school.

While launching the first National Science and Technology Competition at Suva Grammar School today, the Education Minister says students fear Science subjects and tend to give up before they enter the playing field. 

Reddy says performance in Science subjects have also been poor especially in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Looking at the Year 12 examination results for Science subject last year, there was a 62% pass rate in Biology, 53% pass rate in Chemistry and a 40% pass rate in Physics.

For the Year 13 examination results, there was a 43% pass rate in Biology, 49% pass rate in Chemistry and a 45% pass rate in Physics.

The Education Minister says the National Science and Technology Competition will help address students fear about science subjects and also widen their knowledge about the field.