Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Education is urging school leaders to be more innovative and resourceful and to take the helm in steering their schools toward realising its potential in all areas of learning.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib said this during the 70th Anniversary Gala Night of St George's School which was held yesterday at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

In his speech the minister said that his ministry expects and encourages schools to be more proactive in identifying and developing niche areas from which students and teachers can excel and become their hallmarks of quality and pride. "Every school harbours a rich pool of diverse talents, potentials and aptitude within its walls that it can tap to enrich the culture and learning environment of the school," he said.

The minister mentioned these traits for schools to develop as he touched on issues relating to the new system of Education which is commonly referred to as SPN 21 and will be implemented in stages starting next year.

According to _the minister, the new system will be accompanied by new and revised assessments to measure the students achievements as they aim to introduce greater flexibility in the system, provide children with more choices and multiple pathways towards higher education. "We will create in the new education system a seamless progression for some of our learners to progress from our mainstream schools to our vocational institutions via a three tiered system" he said.

The Ministry, according to the minister, is committed to providing a quality education that moulds individuals who are well balanced and well rounded among others as well as providing them with the skills to adapt to change and compete in the globalised economy.

The 70th Anniversary Gala Night was attended by hundreds of ex-students and students of St George's as well as various senior government officials and business industry leaders that were also ex-students of St George's School.

The evening began with formalities and words of appreciation from the school leaders and organisers followed by a cutting of the anniversary cake by the minister and a presentation of souvenirs.

Fun filled entertainment commenced immediately afterwards as the organising committee of the celebrations had scheduled a variety of performances by current and ex-students. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times