International School Brunei (ISB) is planning to provide more scholarship opportunities for local and foreign students in the fields of academics, sports and arts, according to Dr. Steven P Geraghty, Executive Principal of ISB.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's visit to officiate ISB's new campus in Sungai Hanching yesterday, the principal touched on the school's development plans.

"We are planning to give Bruneian and international students more scholarships," he said, adding that "the school has increased its student count by 42 per cent in a span of just four years".

ISB remains "among the top 15 per cent schools globally, and its academic results - with over 90 per cent students placed between grades A* and C in 'O' Level, IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams - bear ample testimony to this.

"ISB remains a good attraction, as 97 per cent of our students continue with higher education in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and Singapore," he continued.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), ISB offers 90 per cent full fee scholarships on sports, arts and drama, as well as academics, provided that the students prove to be of high calibre. "We look at consistent A grade children, particularly in 'O' Level," the principal said.

Four students from Chung Hwa School have been awarded with scholarships this year and a further few from private schools will be selected next year.

Prior to the development of the new campus, the number of scholarship students has been limited due to the size of the school. "Now the size of the campus is not an issue," he added.

As part of the new development plans, ISB will be targeting countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore to attract foreign exchange students, he said, adding that "the international boarding house fits well in ISB's model of private enterprise."

Geraghty explained that a marketing team has been set up to help students apply for scholarships as well as to hold recruitment fairs.

"Brunei has many advantages as it is really a safe place and has a good value system," he shared.

Students of 37 different nationalities are currently studying at ISB, of which 19 nationalities are in the boarding house - 80 girls and 80 boys, he noted.

"We are trying to attract as many and a wide variety of students as possible. Our fees come only 25 per cent of the average Singapore fees," he added.

"The visit was a great success. It was really nice of His Majesty to officially open the school and it was a big boost for the kids; they love him.

"ISB has got a lot to be proud of in terms of its academic results, kids' behaviour, quality of staff, and having His Majesty to come over and give the kids an added boost," Geraghty said.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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