Beginning of this year 2008, Brunei Darussalam is introducing the Interim stage of SPN Abad 21 (Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad 21 or 21st Century National Education System) in Menengah 1 or Year 7 to all government schools. The questions that have been inquiry by some parents is, why there should be a change in our Education System when we ourselves had went through O level or A level without any problem? What is it all about? Would will it be affecting our children's future?
Before answering that, let's understand the aims of this SPN 21 for the benefits of our children which are to face the social and economic challenges of the 21st Century and well-equiping them with the 21st century skills especially in this new technological economic decade. This is one part of the missions and visions of the Ministry of Education. So if this is well understood by parents, Education officers, teachers and students, then the next stage is to implement the system.
Obviously, the education officers and teachers have to be aware of the tough challenges are well ahead of them. But with the consent and support from His Majesty, Alhamdulillah, education officers and teachers are given professional developments, enhance skill courses, workshops and in-service training by the Ministry, so that the educators are well-prepared of this challenges.
Apart from that, support from the parents are also important. Believe me, without their full support, this system would not work, as they will have to look into the progress of their children and try to work together and co-operate with teachers on solving any weak progress by not simply finalised their solution by providing tuition only. Remember, all works and no play will make Jack a dull boy.
To conclude, we, parents, education officers, teachers and students should work together, Insya-Allah, I would personally thinks that SPN 21 would be a great success in the future.
