Bandar Seri Begawan - Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (Maktab Sains) welcomed a total of 233 Year 7 students (105 males and 128 females) as new intake at an orientation ceremony held at the college auditorium.

Students who obtained impressive PSR results such as five 'As gained entry to the prestigious college and will complete their secondary education in four years by joining the four years General Education programme.

Cikgu Dk Sarimah binti Pg Hj Ahmad, the Acting Principal of Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College in her speech encouraged the new students, "Congratulations to new students who worked hard to obtain excellent results such as five 'As in the PSR examination and successfully entered the Science College."

She stated, "Today is the official day of student registration. A total of 233 students have been accepted into this college. When compared with last year's intake, the number of students are not much different because last year's figure was 298. The new students will be placed in 10 classes according to the subjects selected. The name of the classes is 'Be Champion'."

She also revealed, "In SPN21, students in the Science College will undergo the General Education programme for four years and will sit for the SPE examination by the end of 2014. The lower secondary course will be reduced to two years while the upper secondary will remain two years."

In terms of facilities, she said, "Students can apply for one of three facilities according to conditions. The facilities are hostel, transportation or allowance. The facilities can be applied according to the stated conditions. Hostel is only offered to students from Temburong or who stay 30km away from the college. Special consideration is given to students from low income families and those who live 8km away depending on vacancy of rooms. Students are entitled to apply for bus or allowance if they stay 8km away from the college."

She also warned, "There were a number of cases misusing the allowance that the facilities found out such as using false addresses to gain allowance. This is an act that involves defrauding the government, which involves monies."

After her speech, the new students took the school oath. The briefing of SPE for Year 7 was conducted by Cikgu Zabaidah binti Tuah, Deputy Principal while the Parent-Teacher's Association (PIBG) briefing was done by Hjh Zaiton binti Hj Damit, the Chairperson of PIBG aktab Sains.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin