Schools Called To Let Students Take Up Science, Mathematics
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Parents pleaded for their children who have excelled in Science and Mathematics in this year's Lower Secondary Evaluation (PMB) to be allowed to take up both subjects at Upper Secondary level even though they only managed to score a credit 6 in English.

They said their children were not allowed to take up Science and Mathematics at Secondary Four because they only got a credit 5 or 6 in English.

"They managed to get distinctions or high credits in Science and Mathematics in PMB but unfortunately some schools have raised their standards this year by only allowing those who obtained a credit 4 in English to take up those subjects at Secondary Four. "A few teachers told us that their schools did not have enough facilities and resources including teachers to open extra Science and Mathematics classes next year. Thus they raised their entry requirements.

"We as parents are concerned because our children are interested in the Science and Mathematics subjects. We hope there is a solution to this, not only for the sake of our children but also for the sake of our national development that needs more human resources in science," they said.

They added they are willing to send their children for tuition in English language. They said the effect of few students graduating in Mathematics and Science will slow down national development as technological innovations and their social applications will determine the ability of a nation in transforming itself. In view of this, they said many nations have committed themselves to invest in the development of science and technology and the human capacity needed to mediate this advancement.

"The ability of all learners to succeed in today's technically oriented working environment is increasingly dependent on their understanding of mathematics and sciences and their application in practical situations.

"In fact, mathematics and sciences have become essential for all learners, including those preparing to become leaders in business, engineers, technicians and educators. Even in our everyday lives, an understanding of basic science is essential," they said. The 2004 UNDP Human Development Report places Brunei Darussalam in the 33rd out of 177 countries in the Human Development Index ranking, compared to 25th and 59th for Singapore and Malaysia respectively.

However, what is the concern is the participation rate of tertiary students in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering.

Compared to the six percent of Bruneian students in these fields, most countries that ranked higher than Brunei in the Human Development Index have participation rates ranging between 20 to 35 percent.

"Therefore, at the national level, we need to increase resources to make way for more students to take up science, mathematics and technical subjects in schools," they said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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