Results for Education

Dr Opeti Pulotu from Vava'u was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) effective from 21 February 2020.

Dr 'Ilaisaane Fifita, a Tongan teaching fellow at the University of Auckland Business School, was among nine academics who were awarded cash prizes of between $1,500 and $2,500 for “well-communicated, quality research”.

Only 27% of the 1,970 registered Form Five students passed the Tonga School Certificate (TSC) last year, the Ministry of Education and Training announced, releasing the 2019 results to schools on 13 January.

The Secondary School Entrance Exam results for class six students this year have revealed that Government Primary Schools (GPS) and church primary schools are struggling, with less than 50% of students passing key national examinations. Less than half passed English and Mathematics, while over half passed Tongan studies (Lea Faka-Tonga) and Science. Remedies suggested include investing in teachers, expanding kindergartens, encouraging families to make sure children eat breakfast to enhance concentration; and promoting reading at home.

The Queensland Tongan Language School announced it will hold classes for the first-time next year at a launch on Saturday, 16 November at Highgate Hill, Brisbane, Australia. Classes will be held at Griffith University Logan campus on Saturdays.

Dr Tangikina Moimoi Steen has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Education and Training for two-years, starting on November 11.

Tongan people are gifted with strong language learning talents, the Chinese Charge’d Affaires to Tonga noted, during a China Day event held for Chinese language students and teachers from Tonga High School and Tonga College on October 23 in Nuku'alofa.

New Zealand’s oldest school, Wesley College, is trying to track down former students from Tonga to join in celebrations of its 175th anniversary in Auckland on 26-27 October.

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is being taught to Tongan students this week in workshops conducted by Sydney based Japanese artist, Midori Furze, in Nuku’alofa.