Scholarship Requirements Not Fair: IB Students
By Hadi DP Mahmud 

Bandar Seri Begawan - Students who are undertaking the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme and their parents have raised concerns over the disadvantages IB students face when applying for government scholarships.

Government scholarships impose higher prerequisites on IB students compared to "A" Level students, prompting parents and students to question the rationale of the Ministry of Education's stance on the matter.

Heather Alder, a parent of an IB student, commented that the government is "slightly behind in accrediting IB" as a qualification for enrolment in higher education institutions.

"It's ridiculous when you think- about it. Universities around the world view 113 as a highly prized and recommended qualification. I have read several articles in The Guardian which mentioned that IB prepares students for university better than most programmes," she said, adding that the programme also places high value on social, leadership and teamwork skills.

To apply for a government scholarship for an undergraduate degree, an IB student needs at least 30 points, which is equivalent to 419 UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) points, while "A" level students are only required 'a minimum, of 240 UCAS points.

For an IB student to achieve a full diploma, he or she has to obtain a minimum of .24 points, which is already equivalent to 280 UCAS points - the same as 2 Bs and a C grade at "A" level. An IB student can earn a-maximum of 45 points, which translates to 768 UCAS, point’s equivalent to more than 6 "A" levels at grade A.

Toby Ten, a Year 13 International School Brunei (ISB) student, cited the scholarship requirements for IB students as "a bit unfair".

"IB is a lot tougher. Just to achieve a full diploma, you need a 4,000-word extended essay to hand in, complete a theory of knowledge course and CAS (creativity, action and service) hours as well as the course works, which are stringently assessed," said the 17-year-old.

Brunei citizens not older than 25 years old (by September 1) with at least a credit in Brunei Cambridge GCE "0" Level Bahasa Melayu and a credit in Brunei-Cambridge GCE "0" Level English or an IELTS Overall Band score of 6.0 (except for those who do not speak English as a first language) are eligible for a government scholarship for an undergraduate degree.

Five institutions in the sultanate offer 'A' level courses three in the Brunei-Muara district, and one in Tutong and Belait district respectively. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has been offered to students in-the country since 2001 with ISB as the sole institution 'offering the programme at the moment. The IB programme differs from the national curriculum in its requirements for a diploma: students must successfully complete examinations in six required subjects and receive passing marks in three core areas. Tomorrow, the Ministry of Education will launch a 'Scholarship Open Day' at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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