| Azlan Othman |
MORE efforts should be made to ensure the successful implementation of the National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21), in order to realise the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035 in producing quality students, said Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education.
The minister was speaking at the ceremony to present Letters of Appointment and Transfers for 69 school leaders and three cluster heads, which took place yesterday at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club.
The 69 school leaders comprised 20 principals, deputy principals and senior teachers at secondary schools, along with 49 principals, assistant principals and senior teachers at primary schools.
“As we know, the aspiration of Brunei Vision 2035 is to make our country known for its quality education, a highly skilled and successful citizenry, high standards of life and a dynamic economy that is also resilient,” he said.
“Therefore, all parties in the Ministry of Education should increase efforts in providing a framework that focuses on strengthening the implementation of the SPN21.
“However, this goal can only be achieved if schools manage to mould and produce students who are not only intelligent and academically gifted, but also imposing, charismatic, competent and considerate, to become leaders who will shape the country’s future.”
“Therefore, I urge all school leaders to open their minds and understand the goals of the SPN21 in order for it to succeed in producing an excellent education system and individuals with a broad vision. I am confident that with strong leadership among school leaders, this goal can be achieved.
“Let us examine this issue in detail,” the minister told the gathering. “I am certain that those in the academic profession understand the ‘structural reforms’ contained in the SPN21, which also involves teaching and learning compatible with 21st Century standards (21CTL), and with evaluation focusing on School-Based Assessment.
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, delivering his speech. – BAHYIAH BAKIR
Photos above and below show Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, presenting Letters of Appointment to school representatives.
“We also know that in general, these changes have yet to be fully met and implemented with effect. School leaders must act prudently in balancing the needs between formative and summative assessment, whether it be student or teacher-centred teaching.
“While accepting that a formative evaluation gives a very good impact for improving student learning on a continuous and intrinsic level, we are also engaged in a summative evaluation at the same time, to cope with current and future demands,” said Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi.
“It is our duty as teachers to ensure a successful 21st Century National Education System (SPN21). The question before the start of the first term should be ‘What difference can I bring to the school this year?’ or ‘What difference can I bring to this school, now that I am in charge?’
“The Ministry of Education faces many challenges, and it is paramount now to improve the quality of students’ academic achievements. This is not an easy task. It requires us to think, act and work more vigorously than we have ever done before. This is to ensure that we do not fall behind in realising the government’s goals of Brunei Vision 2035.
“Although our efforts have shown an increase in the percentage of students achieving ‘A’ to ‘C’ grades in the Primary School Assessment (PSR) in 2015, the fact is that much remains to be done to reach our target. Efforts in improving the quality of achievement require a strong determination to depart from the standard practice.
“In line with the Ministry of Education’s efforts to improve student achievement under the guidance of teachers, the ‘Expert Teachers Project’ which hires international coaches is also a foundation for school leaders to get support for guiding teachers in literacy and numeracy.
“It is important that teachers acquire proficiency in teaching literacy and numeracy, to ensure that all local students master basic literacy and number abilities according to their skill levels,” said the minister.
Among the main objectives of yesterday’s event was inspiring high standards of excellence in school leadership, and promoting the use of ‘Key Performance Indicators’ (KPIs) to improve the performances among educational institutions in a more strategic and focused manner.
Also among those present were Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Education, as well as permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and senior officers at the ministry.
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