New Education System For Brighter Future
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Education is embarking on major steps towards the future by undertaking moves that include implementing the 21st century education system amid challenges brought about by the process of globalisation.

"Compared to the existing educational system, the new system will put forward an idea of change in the assessment system, create various pathways, strengthen English language acquisition, upgrade performances in Mathematics and Science and maintain and enhance students performance in Malay."

This was stated by Minister of Education Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Awg Abd Rahman during the second dialogue session attended by some 250 government school leaders. Through such new national education system, channelisation will be put into five stages, right from Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR).

Five per cent will be channelled to `specialised education,' where gifted and high-performing students will take four to five years. Fifteen per cent will be channelled to `secondary academic' for a period of four years (fast track course).

Thirty-five per cent will be channelled towards the `secondary' five years, while the remaining 45 per cent will be channelled towards the `secondary applied', which is for students in practical-oriented education, that is, in technology and business.

"Channel isation under this system gives opportunities to students to improve based on their varied capabilities, interest and ability," said the minister.

"The system has a flexibility to allow students to pursue other directions. With such choices, the students will show their capability in accordance to their ability.

"With regards to the challenges, there is a need to act appropriately to ensure our educational system is capable of providing the best for the development of the country," added Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman.

"We want to see that the new educational system brings about high quality education that gives an opportunity to all students to achieve their respective potentials. Such reform or improvement in the educational system is actively implemented by countries like Singapore and Malaysia."

The minister added that "in this globalised world, we should establish a system that incorporates `inclusive multiple pathways' by making quality as a hallmark whilst at the same time upholding the Bruneian identity."

In the ministry's strategic planning book to be published soon, the ministry outlines 16 indicators which are divided into attainment, success (including Mathematics, Science, ICT, reading skills, communications and language), transition, educational monitoring as well as resource and structure.

Much like he did last year, the minister along with other senior officials made visits to nine secondary schools and 23 primary schools throughout the country to observe the school environment or `battlegrounds'.

He also toured schools abroad, noting many aspects that could be implemented here. "For the past 10 years, the Ministry of Education achieved various fronts in areas of concern. However, we must act by taking more efficient and well-planned steps compared to small measures, which were taken on an adhoc basis," said Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman.

He also said that principals must possess self-confidence to effectively execute the educational programmes.

"Experiences, skills and knowledge acquired from the Leadership in Education Programme in Singapore and UBD's degree programmes as well as other courses are obvious," he said. "However, they need to be enhanced.

"The vision, mission and objective of schools are clearly stated and teachers need to translate through concrete actions," he added.

He also noted the commitment and concerns of principals on the welfare of the students, including learning problems faced by students with family constraints. The dialogue was a follow-up to the first session held on April 25, this year. During yesterday's dialogue, the directors gave their feedback on issues raised during the first dialogue session. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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