Bandar Seri Begawan - The inspectorate of schools can play an important role in helping academic institutions to improve by providing an understanding of how well the schools are doing through cooperation.

Reporting Inspector John Dunston, an independent schools' inspectorate who is also the Headmaster of England's Leighton Park School, is currently in Brunei to conduct a quality education workshop.

In an interview with the Borneo Bulletin, he lauded the inspectorate's vital duties by saying, "We want to explain that an independent school's inspectorate can help schools to improve by working with and not coming to impose on them.

"That is, for the inspecting team to work with the principal and teachers as professional partners and colleagues. If this sort of culture can be introduced, it could be very constructive."

He added, "So we will be looking at the inspectorate's different aspects relating to teaching, learning, and achievement, spiritual, social and cultural values. For the colleagues in Brunei, we want them to see what they can draw from and of some values.

"I' understand that currently there is yet a widely established inspectorate system in Brunei and the ISI of UK (Independent Schools Inspectorate) has been running very well.

"It helps schools to improve and it is a constant process in looking for a way for schools to self-evaluate and come to their own conclusions supported by the inspection. Even though there were critical comments to make, we try to make them positive in a very constructive culture," he stated.

"We will be working and sharing good experiences with local colleagues about inspections that can be used as a focus to help schools improve in order to give a better education to the young people.

"We will be looking at techniques and case studies as well as some broader philosophical issues," he highlighted.

"We are looking into a school that is conscious in how far they are achieving their goals that have been set to provide an understanding of how well the schools are doing. We want to help the schools to monitor how it is achieving the aims, so there is consistency.

"Apart from teaching, we are also looking at aspects of learning, achievements, extra-curricular activities and the students' welfare. We are looking forward to sharing with our colleagues here on how the independent schools' inspectorate works."

Ak Dolah Pg Hj Tengah, a personal representative to Hjh Norjum Hj Yusop, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education as the event's guest of honour, officiated the workshop.

Reading the speech of Hjh Norjum, Ak Dolah said:

"The Ministry of Education through various departments is fully committed in providing quality education in school with objectives to mould individuals who are balanced and well-rounded, develop the students' personal attributes, including inculcating positive moral, ethical, spiritual and aesthetic values of good citizenship.

"In addition, they will develop individuals who value their respective roles in national and global developments, develop individuals who possesses marketable skills and are lifelong learners as well as moulding team players, caring individuals, learners with skills to adapt, change and compete."

In this regard, he said, "Schools are the key elements to produce the expected products. In our efforts to achieve our aims, teachers need to be equipped with various skills, knowledge, guidance and clear directions that enable them to create a healthy and conducive teaching and learning classroom.

"The ministry is also encouraging its department to conduct

Or organise human resources development programmes for - staff that could enhance the capacity building and generate a degree of confidence in performing their tasks.

"Therefore, I urge all leaders or managers to be proactive, innovative and resourceful," he added. In his remarks, Hj Mohd Jambul the chairperson revealed that 52 participants will be taking part in a three-and-a-half-day workshop, and they represent various departments from some of Brunei's ministries.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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