To introduce you to some of Brunei's finest schools, we at The Knowledge Review bring you our new edition, ‘Best Performing Schools in Brunei’.

1. Education. Innovation. Success
T
H
E NOWLEDGEREVIEW
www.theknowledgereview.com
TM
Everyone Excels

4. EDITOR’S
NOTE
Negara Brunei Darussalam, or simply known as
Brunei – a small equatorial country in southeast
Asia, has been attracting the world for many years.
Decorated with the lush green rainforests, the country is
labeled as ‘Abode of Peace’. Brunei is mostly popular for its
oil and natural gas trade, and it carries the aura of one of the
wealthiest economies in the region.
Apart from this, the country is also gaining attention for its
world-class education system. Studying in Brunei is
considered a leisure opportunity due to its picturesque
landscapes. Brunei has an Islamic heritage, and the country is
governed by a monarchy. As a result, the official educational
ideology was primarily centered on devotion towards the
Sultan. Brunei's previous reliance on Britain, however, has
resulted in the country's educational curricula and institutions
being influenced by the British educational system.
Brunei's educational system is relatively new, as formal
education began in the last century. The education system was
reorganized in 1974 due to an official governmental
commission report aimed at managing educational policy and
distributing educational resources to all learning institutions.
In Brunei, the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is
taught in most schools. Previously, Brunei's schools were
only for boys. However, the regulations have evolved
throughout time, and the government now allows girls to
attend school.
A LAND OF ENDLESS
EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
Brunei

5. Brunei's educational system is mostly divided into two
categories: public and private schools. There are also a
handful of missionary schools that cater to Catholics and
Anglicans, as well as Islamic schools, among private
schools. While most schools teach in English, certain
schools prefer to teach in Arabic or Chinese. However,
students are required to learn the official language of
Brunei, which is Malay, or Bahasa Melayu as it is known
locally.
Looking ahead, the government is proactively addressing
education by implementing modern learning methods to
boost Brunei's educational system. These methods range
from investing in early childhood education to adopting
international best practices in teaching and learning, as well
as developing programs to promote lifelong learning and
increase access to higher education.
For most of the time, Brunei attracted people for its scenic
beauty. But the qualitative transformation in education is
leading the country to new heights. The system now
provides a variety of school alternatives that both the
residents and ex-pat families can choose from, including
Arabic schools, religious schools, international schools,
technical schools, and vocational schools.
Hence, to introduce you to some of Brunei's finest schools,
we at The Knowledge Review bring you our new edition,
'Best Performing Schools in Brunei'. We hope reading this
edition will provide you with detailed insights into the
schools in Brunei. So, let us explore these renowned
schools by flipping through the pages.
Have a great read! T R
Vinayak Ghorpade
vinayak.ghorpade@insightssuccess.in
k
inaya
V

6. CoverStory
08

7. 20
CXO
Articles
Creating a Competitive
Environment in the Classroom
for Better Academic Results
Engaging Ways to Keep
the Students Motivated
in Online Classes
16 28
26
C
O
N
T
E
N
T
S
Moulding Students into
Loyal and Law-Abiding Citizens
Chung Hwa Middle School
EdTech
Pros and Cons
Click & Learn Spotlight
Age of Autodidacts

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The Knowledge Review
OCTOBER, 2021
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9. URL
Name of the Institution Brief
Chung Hwa Middle School aishk.edu.hk The school aims to cultivate the people of Wenzhing
with oriental values
International School
of Brunei
isb.edu.bn
It aims to shaping values and building future through
excellent education
Little Caliphs School littlecaliphsschool.com The school focuses on providing a safe, enriching,
and nurturing learning environment
Panaga School
(Teraja Campus)
panagaschool.com Panaga School supports the students and allows
them to learn and grow dynamically
Tinkerbell Learning School tinkerbell.edu.bn
At Tinkerbell, every student learns to embark on
journey of educational growth and discovery

10. Everyone Excels

11. ISB has a long-term commitment to
environmental conservation and sustainability
and is one of the very few Green Flag
accredited Eco-schools in Asia
‘‘
‘‘

12. The land of beaches, diverse rainforest with great oil
reserves and with one of the largest natural gas
plants in the world, Brunei is also known for
universal education. A very safe country, Brunei houses
some of the best educational institutions in the world. It is
the government's endeavour to provide quality education to
all and is constantly striving for the same.
One such school that we at The Knowledge Review came
across is the International School Brunei that started off
with a simple idea to educate a few children and went on to
become a school of international repute.
Humble Beginning, Remarkable History
It all started in 1964, Datin Glass, a government officer's
wife, started a tutorial group for her daughter and one or
two friends and taught them by means of a correspondence
course sent out and marked by the South Australian
Correspondence School. The number of students grew quite
rapidly and by 1970, the school moved to a site provided by
the Brunei Government and was established as a
department of the South Australian Correspondence School,
known locally as the Supervision School.
The school was a two-storey wooden building. By February
1971, there were 30 kindergarten pupils and 31 primary
students. The enrolment continued to grow and by 1974, it
had reached 160. In 1976, the school converted to a fully
independent, private, preparatory school, employing trained
teachers and adopting an education based on the UK
primary school principles.
International School Brunei was established as a not-for-
profit school and a limited company on December 1, 1976.
The school had a Board of Directors elected from the
membership of the company.
Currently ISB caters for over 1300 students comprising of
Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Pre-University. As a
non-selective and fully inclusive school, ISB is proud to
work closely together with the local community in a
distinctive, happy, family atmosphere. ISB offers an
adapted England and Wales curriculum followed by IGCSE
and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
(IBDP). With over 40 nationalities celebrated in the staff
and student team, ISB is proud to be truly international.
World Class Facilities
The school boasts world class facilities with well-equipped
laboratories, workshops and classrooms, a 25m FINA-
approved touch-pad competition swimming pool, a
community Sports Hall, an eco-garden, and an international
boarding facility. In addition, at ISB Centre for Inclusive
Learning, ISB supports students with significant and
complex learning needs in a purpose-built centre.
Mission, Vision, Core Values and Motto
Proud to be an inclusive school, at ISB ‘Everyone Excels’.
ISB values a broad-based, holistic curriculum driven by the
school's mission - “Inspiring Minds, Shaping Values,
Building Futures”. The school's warm, supportive and
inclusive environment, combined with students of all
abilities, cultures and backgrounds, inspires its students to
become caring, open-minded global citizens geared for
success in an ever-changing world.
A Leadership Unparalleled
The school's leadership team, headed by ISB's Executive
Principal Mrs Laura Thomas, is a team of experienced
international teachers - having worked in schools and
leadership positions across the globe.
When the pandemic hit Brunei in early 2020, as part of the
school's push to make remote education accessible for its
students during this challenging and unprecedented times,
ISB operated as a virtual school for the third school term.
Overcoming the Challenge
ISB planned and prepared for their virtual school model
during the 2020 March school holiday to quickly adapt their
academic programme to ensure that learning is equitable
and effective for all students to the greatest possible extent.
Teachers received training to prepare them for the remote
learning. Whilst virtual school did not replicate onsite
learning, teachers delivered powerful instruction that
allowed students to meet expected standards in the online
environment. ISB ensured that learning was uninterrupted.
The ISB Virtual School experience aligns with ISB mission
- Everyone Excels in an inclusive learning environment.
Students had worked in online and offline environments to
continue with their learning journey, solve problems, think
critically, and collaborate with other students and teachers.
The provision offered to the students (both academic
lessons and pastoral support) by the dedicated team has
been absolutely world class. Attendance rates for ISB
students at virtual school have been excellent (and

13. Best Performing Schools in Brunei, 2021
sometimes have even exceeded attendance rates at normal
school). The school also supported several students who are
accessing the Virtual School from their home countries such
as USA, New Zealand, Oman and India, as the students and
their families are unable to travel back to Brunei.
The Curriculum and Accreditations
The school offers Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
education from Pre-Kindy and an internationally adapted
National Curriculum of England and Wales from Year 1 to
Year 9 followed by IGCSEs and the IB Diploma
programme in the Pre-University section.
The school is non-selective, and currently has over 1300
students from over 40 different nationalities. Academic
Holistic education is
achieved through our
in-house Life Skills Awards,
prepping our Residence
students with the skills and
confidence to take
on the world
‘‘
‘‘

14. results are above world averages with students leaving ISB
to attend top universities all over the world.
ISB is a fully inclusive school. It provides education to all
students regardless of their abilities. ISB is proud to have a
learning support provision led by an experienced and highly
qualified team. ISB is committed to continued professional
development and is forward thinking in its approach.
ISB has been fully accredited by the Council of
International Schools (CIS) since 2004. The CIS is a
global non-profit membership organisation that provides
services to schools and institutions focused on international
education and having a commitment to high quality
education.
ISB is an IB World School authorised to offer the Diploma
Programme since 2004. As an IB World School, ISB is part
of a global community of schools committed to developing
knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to
negotiate their futures successfully and make contributions
resulting in a more harmonious and peaceful world. The IB
Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and
balanced course of study that prepares students for success
at university and life beyond. The Programme has gained
recognition and respect from the world's leading
universities for breadth and depth.
ISB is an approved Cambridge International
Examinations Testing Centre and Edexcel Testing
Centre, which authorises ISB for the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education for Key Stage Four.
The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) International Award is
the world's leading youth achievement award which aims to
empower young people, aged 14 to 24 years, to make a
difference in their own lives and the lives of others, by
exploring their potential, taking on new challenges, giving
back to their community, and achieving success. Students of
ISB have been actively participating in the award scheme
annually.
ISB has a long-term commitment to environmental
conservation and sustainability and is one of the very few
Green Flag accredited Eco-schools in Asia. In 2012, ISB
became the first Eco-school in Borneo, having received the
Green Mark accreditation from the Building &
Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore for its green
design and eco-friendly environment.
The East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) is
an organization of 165 member schools in East Asia – of
which ISB is also a member of.
ISB is also a FOBISIA (Federation of British International
Schools in Asia) member school which promotes and
organises academic competitions, sport, music, drama,
debating, student leadership activities and teacher
development across their member schools. “Our students
benefit hugely from all these competitions, and the
professional development complements our own extensive
programme well,” shared the school management.

15. Since 2007, ISB has been annually hosting a student-led
Model United Nations (MUN) style conference, ISB BGIC
(Borneo Global Issues Conference), where student-
participants represent countries to address various views on
current, real world issues. This initiative is aimed at the
development of students' understanding of global
citizenship and critical skills in research, public speaking,
and negotiation. ISB had recently concluded its 17th
conference in March 2021 following the theme Sustainable
Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities with the
Royal Patron being, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri
Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran
Salleh Ab Rahaman, D.K.
In 2019, ISB was awarded 10 medals in the annual World
Scholar's Cup (WSC) finals, Tournament of Champions at
Yale University in the United States.
“Our students originally participated in the Regional Round
of the competition, successfully qualifying for subsequent
Global Round and all the way to the grand finals,” said the
school management.
As a FOBISIA member school, ISB is able to participate in
a variety of tournaments and competitions over the course
of an academic year. During the FOBISIA games in 2019,
the ISB U15 team collected a total of 158 medals, of which
53% were gold.
ISB offers a rigorous academic programme, achieving
results above world averages.
The 2020 cohort of ISB Year 11 students gained 88% A*-C
Grades whilst Year 13 graduates celebrated exemplary
IBDP results with a 96% pass rate.
Being Different
ISB is proud to be a not-for-profit school, where all revenue
goes back into making the school a place where students are
at the heart. Academic studies are enriched by a wide range
of learning activities – from Eco projects to FOBISIA
events, from community service to school productions and
from ECAs to House competitions.
Inclusion
“ISB is proud to be an inclusive school where everybody in
our diverse community excels; including children with
additional needs, our most able learners, those for whom
English is an additional language and those from a wide
Inclusive Environment
The school's warm, supportive and inclusive environment,
combined with students of all abilities, cultures and
backgrounds, inspire its students to become caring, open-
minded individuals geared for success in an ever-changing
world.
The unique combination of opportunity, challenge and care
provided by ISB ensures that students leave secure in the
knowledge they are prepared for the challenges of
university life and beyond.
Achievements, Awards, Accolades
A holder of the highly acclaimed award, The Eco-Schools
Green Flag, an internationally recognized award for
excellence in environmental action and learning, ISB is
committed to sustainability and eco awareness beyond the
school community.
The Bandar campus is designed as a green school and was
presented the Green Mark Award from Singapore's Building
and Construction Authority (BCA), for its eco-friendly
campus with a focus on energy and water efficiency, indoor
environmental quality and other green features and
innovations.

16. range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We have high
ambitions and set aspirational targets for all our students”.
Model United Nations - Borneo Global Issues
Conference (BGIC)
To enhance the IBDP Core and embrace the IB Learner
Profile attributes, ISB's annual student-led Borneo Global
Issues Conference (BGIC) is a highlight of the year. Run
as a Model United Nations Conference, BGIC is a student-
led initiative welcoming more than 350 students from over
20 schools, offering students the opportunity to form local
and regional links; interact with global experts and to
develop awareness of different perspectives on issues
affecting the local and global communities.
Eco School
ISB has a long-term commitment to environmental
conservation and sustainability and is one of the very few
Green Flags accredited Eco-schools in Asia.
ISB is the first Eco-school in Borneo, having received the
Greenmark accreditation from the Building &
Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore for its green
design and eco-friendly environment.
ISB is committed to sustainability and eco awareness
beyond the school community. “We believe our students
can make a real difference in this world. Outdoor learning
is integral to our curriculum; students enjoying our Jungle
Classroom and Eco Garden to enhance their learning,”
informed the school leadership.
ISB Residence (Boarding House)
The ISB Residence is considered a home away from home
for students. The Residence offers a friendly structured
environment. The Residence consists of two conjoined
buildings, of which one is for male boarders and the other
for female boarders. The buildings are joined by a
common room, allowing all boarders the opportunity to
unwind together after a long day of classes.
“At the Residence, we do not only nurture our boarders to
achieve academically and be model global citizens, but
also to be able to survive in the increasingly competitive
21st century. Holistic education is achieved through our
in-house Life Skills Awards, prepping our Residence
students with the skills and confidence to take on the
world. We strive to provide an environment where students
in our care are treated as individuals and receive a
personalised educational experience with the opportunity to
develop and grow in body, mind and spirit,” affirms the
school management.
Adult Learning
ISB is a learning community, supporting the learning of
students, staff, parents and the wider public. The school
offers a number of courses for the wider community from
its English Language Centre and CACHE Centre.

17. With over 50 years of accredited experience in high
quality teaching and learning, ISB ELC provides English
courses to meet different learning goals and aspirations in
efficient and enjoyable ways, giving learners a valuable
experience with quality teaching that gets results.
ISB CACHE Centre offers a range of professional
qualifications for adults in Early Years, Teaching and
Learning and Special Needs Education.
Additionally, ISB also offers various community classes
that are open to public.
Centre for Inclusive Learning
ISB's new Centre for Inclusive Learning in Panaga, Belait
District, is a specialist provision for children with
diagnosed learning difficulties, including Autism
Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Speech,
Language and Communication Needs.
The Centre's philosophy is that Everyone Excels when
provided with the appropriate challenge and opportunities
in a caring, safe and inclusive environment.
The school's warm,
supportive and inclusive
environment inspires our
students to become
caring, open-minded
individuals geared for
success in an ever-
changing world
‘‘
‘‘
Looking Ahead and Beyond
ISB is a vibrant, friendly and internationally diverse school
that values community and provides a warm, supportive and
inclusive environment where students of all ability ranges
and backgrounds are inspired and challenged to achieve and
excel; be it in the classroom, on the sports field, or in
Performing Arts.
ISB values a broad-based, holistic curriculum driven by the
school mission “Inspiring Minds, Shaping Values, Building
Futures”. The school aims to nurture students to be
responsible global citizens who feel empowered and can
make a difference.
Quick Facts:
Institute name: International School
Brunei
Established in: 1964
Location: ISB occupies three sites. ISB
Seria, a primary school in Seria (Belait
District), Centre for Inclusive Learning, a
provision for students with additional
and complex learning needs in Panaga
(Belait District) and an all through
school (2-18 years) with a new state-
of -the-art campus in the capital city,
Bandar Seri Begawan. ISB also operates
an English Language Centre providing
English Language and Business
Language courses to the local
community and ISB CACHE Centre
providing accredited programme for
practitioners in education.

18. Engaging Ways to
Keep the
Students Motivated
in Online Classes
Throughout the pandemic of COVID-19, students in
all age categories were introduced to a new
platform of online learning. Educational institutes,
which include schools and most of the universities have
switched to online learning for their academic studies.
In recent reports we have experienced: the students are not
showing interest in the online lectures and a few of the
observations that teachers mentioned were specifically
pointed out ‘students are falling into a rabbit hole of online
distractions.’ Online classes for university students,
especially where the students attend a lecture of two hours,
it is easy to switch off and get distracted, as students just
listen and take notes, rather than taking part in any activity.
To tackle this scenario, experts suggested engaging ways to
keep the students motivated in their online classes.
· Making the Class Interactive
The simplest way to check if the students are focused on the
session is to ask them questions. Teachers can maintain
student engagement by asking them questions about the
topic. The idea that they could be asked any question will
be enough to keep the students focused and appreciation for
any correct answer will motivate them, eventually keeping
them focused and encouraged about the ongoing session.
· Adding Quizzes and Challenges in Online Sessions
Everyone loves a pop quiz. Challenges and quizzes are
great for motivating the students about their subject and
online session. This is an effective way of learning also for
those students who are less attentive in the class as the
questions will help them to remember key points that are
being taught in the class.
Making these quizzes a little competitive by adding points
or a prize system will make it a bit more engaging for the
students. It is an uncomplicated way to make online
learning fun and interesting as all the students are getting
involved as well as rewarding to those students who are
working hard.
October 2021 | 16 | www.theknowledgereview.com

19. October 2021 | 17 | www.theknowledgereview.com
Click & Learn

20. · Engaging Students with Team Projects
Students are more likely to stay engaged when they are
working in teams.
In classrooms, it was extremely easy to assign a class
project and ask students to work in a team, but it can be a
challenge in the new normal to assign students with such
projects in their online classes.
The online platforms can help by setting teachers set-up as
administrators and splitting their classes according to the
assigned projects. Students can also present their work or
presentations in the sessions and teachers can provide
individual feedback after displaying their work.
Students love such activities and keep themselves focused
and motivated in such online sessions. Also, engaging in
such activities effectively develops their interest and they
start enjoying such online classes.
· Interaction between Teacher and Students
An effortless way to increase students' motivation is taking
their feedback on board.
If the students are getting a chance to speak or provide
feedback about the sessions, it will allow them with an
individual response where they can share their views about
the sessions and convey and discuss their difficulties with
their teachers.
Teachers can help the students overcome their difficulties
and change several teaching patterns and adapt to new
teaching styles which will eventually help the students to
understand the topic, with an easy method.
· Turn Mistakes into Learning Opportunities
Most of the students are afraid of failure. They cannot
overcome their fear of making a mistake and such situations
can lead them to lose their confidence because they are
afraid of punishment or teachers might scold them because
of their wrong answer.
If this scenario is happening, students will eventually lose
their motivation and stop attending online classes.
Teachers can focus on such students and provide them with
an opportunity to overcome these fears. They can offer
them personalized feedback and constructive criticism, by
which the students can learn from their own mistakes and
try to improvise.
This process will build up their self-confidence and they
will start enjoying these sessions with the motivation to
perform better.
· Transform Online Assignments into Activities
Students tend to take the word assignments as a burden.
Since the online learning platforms are offering various new
formats of assignments like worksheets, online
questionnaires, etc, replacing them with group activities
will eventually develop interest among students and
motivate them to engage actively in the online learning
classes.
· Getting the Students to Work and Focus on What
They Have Learned
After the online sessions, teachers can ask and do a quick
go through, like a revision on the topic by open-ended
questions that require higher thinking skills. Put the
information in context and conduct a group discussion
where students can share what they have learned in the
session. Teachers can observe the students and solve their
problems and sooner the teachers will act upon their
difficulties; they are more likely to improvise the student's
performance.
These engaging ways are leading to improve
communication between teacher and students, which is
alike teaching actively in the classroom. Teachers can
observe the students as well as their performance and guide
them properly to overcome their difficulties and this will
keep the students engaged with their studies and motivated
for their online classes.
October 2021 | 18 | www.theknowledgereview.com
- Abhishek Joshi

22. Moulding Students into Loyal and Law-Abiding Citizens
Chung Hwa Middle School
Education has witnessed a
tremendous metamorphosis in
today's fast-changing world.
Students' needs are gradually evolving,
which calls for efficient educational
institutions which can transform them
into able leaders of tomorrow. This is
where the leading schools step in,
where the educators bestow the
students with an education that
transforms them into responsible
global citizens.
One such prominent school dedicated
towards educational upliftment and
overall development of the students is
Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB.
Established in 1922, it is one of the
largest private schools in Bandar Seri
Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
It provides a trilingual (Chinese, Malay
and English) learning environment
while adhering to the national
education policy. CHMS, BSB is
gearing up for its centennial
celebration in 1922, and it has a long
history of contributing to the nation's
greatness.
The person leading Chung Hwa
Middle School from the front is none
other than Madam Kho Guik Lan, the
Principal and one of the longest
serving members of the school. Not
only was she a fellow student of the
school, but since graduating from the
university, Madam Kho has also been
loyally serving CHMS for the past four
decades.
We aim to lay
strong eastern
values in our
students and the
condence to excel
in their future
careers
October 2021 | 20 | www.theknowledgereview.com

23. There are four halls in CHMS, BSB -
Darussalam Hall, Boon Pang Hall, Aw
Boon Hall and the Ong Tiong Oh
Lecture Hall. The large Gymnasium
cum Assembly Hall (Darussalam Hall)
is used for school assemblies, events
and functions, physical education
classes, indoor sports and games. There
is a two-floor library with more than
70,000 books and 300 seats.
What additional activities does the
institute conduct for overall
development of the student?
Brief us about your campus and the
academic programs being carried
out.
Chung Hwa Middle School is a private
school, non-profit organisation which
was established in 1922 by the Chinese
community of Brunei. The school is
one of the largest private schools in
Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei
Darussalam. It provides a trilingual
(Chinese, Malay and English) learning
environment while adhering to the
national education policy.
The school is divided into:
– Kindergarten
– Elementary School
– Secondary School
The three-block school building houses
more than sixty classrooms, as well as
science laboratories, activities rooms,
library, kindergarten halls, a
cooperative store, a canteen, music
rooms, computer rooms, a conference
room, a dental clinic, a multimedia
room, teacher's hostel, dance studio
and the staff room.
Best Performing Schools in Brunei -2021
In an interview with The Knowledge
Review, Madam Kho Guik Lan shares
the journey of Chung Hwa Middle
School in delivering exceptional
educational facilities to the students.
Below are highlights of the interview
between Madam Kho and The
Knowledge Review:
Please brief us about your school, its
history, and mission and vision.
Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar
Seri Begawan (CHMS, BSB) had only
two teaching staff and 20 students back
in 1922. Ninety-nine years later, the
school is thriving with 2217 students
and 130 teachers, and it takes pride in
having attained significant milestones.
Despite the passage of time, the
journey as one of the country’s oldest
and largest Chinese private schools is
one to be proud of. As the country's
oldest institution, we are appreciative
of the significant contributions we have
made to the country's educational
system. Being country’s oldest, we
take pride in the major contribution
that we have made to the country’s
education system. While recalling
past struggles and honing our future
pathways, the school today takes pride
in all educational achievements that
influences civic participation and the
opportunity to thrive in educational
initiatives.
Following are the mission and vision
of CHMS:
Mission:
To lay in our students’ strong eastern
values, the ability to do well in both
their studies and sports, and the
confidence to excel in their future
careers.
Vision:
To be the most sought-after school in
Brunei
Our aim is
to become the
most sought-after
school in
Brunei
October 2021 | 21 | www.theknowledgereview.com

24. The beginning of 21st century
education demands for the
development of future ready skills in
students. Students should be able to
multitask in order to meet the demands
and become whole 21st century
student. Students often acquire talents
that are unique to their career path and
are crucial for the success of potential
employment.
Bearing that in mind, CHMS, BSB
offers a wide range of extracurricular
activities for the benefit of students.
From Academic clubs such as English
Oratory Club, Chinese Drama Club,
Volunteer and Service-related activities
such as First Aid, Police Cadet, and
Multicultural activities such as Chinese
Drums Club, Lion Dance Club etc.,
Chinese Martial Arts – Wushu club,
Arts and Business activities such as
Entrepreneurship Club, Science and
Technology activities such as STEM,
etc.
What are the factors that set the
institute apart from others?
There are a few factors that gives us
leverage when compared with other
schools in Brunei. Chung Hwa Middle
School, BSB envisions to challenge
students of all abilities, to achieve
excellence in a wide range of
academic, cultural, collaborative,
leadership, personal and sporting
activities. The following are the focus
points that allows us to stand out from
other institutions in Brunei.
Teaching practices
CHMS, BSB teaching quality has
always been the best as we inculcate
contemporary and best practices in the
industry with more learner-centered
approaches. The lessons we impart
caters to the necessities of our students.
Being a digitalized school in the
country, we adapt novel approaches to
instill 21st century skills with multiple
pedagogical approaches that support
social, emotional, behavioural and
language development; provide
supportive feedback for learning and
motivate continued effort.
Specialities
Our school has a mix of academic
courses for upper secondary stream
where we follow Cambridge GCE O
level Education module. We offer
courses that include humanities and
science stream and offer optional
subjects to students score better based
on their interest as they would like to
specialize in higher education.
Facilities
Our school has the top-notch facilities
that create an appropriate ambiance to
learn. Facilities such as student's
canteen, library, multipurpose rooms,
computer labs, other study spaces are
good – quality services that they can
find in the country.
Student services
Our school boasts to provide good-
quality services that meet student's
needs and is always well supported
through our staff. Our teachers always
provide mentoring programs, academic
assistance to help slow learners too.
To support families that face financial
problems, we offer full and partial
scholarship where we encourage
students to continue their studies.
Please tell us about your major
awards and accolades if any.
Our school has won numerous awards
owing to its dedicated endeavours
towards academic and career
development of the students. Some of
them have been mentioned below:
- ‘Exemplary School Award’ in 2009
by the Foreign Office of the People’s
Republic of China
- Microsoft Showcase School since
2014 to till date
- BICTA [Brunei ICT Award] Winner
- APICTA [Asia Pacific ICT Award]
MERIT Winner
- GCE O Levels – Top 10 in the World,
Top in the country [Brunei
Darussalam]
- PRYNSA [Young Scientist Award]
How has the institute managed to
cope up with the present pandemic?
CHMS, BSB has been successful in
We create an
environment where
students are
developed
harmoniously,
socially, intellectually,
physically, and
aesthetically
October 2021 | 22 | www.theknowledgereview.com

25. integrating technology in teaching and
learning process way back then. We
have a strong team of innovative and
digital savvy educators who had been
educating and teaching fellow
educators about various EdTech tools
since 2014. Moreover, we are a
Microsoft Showcase School and that
gave us a leverage in using the right
technology for the right cause.
The school has already equipped
students with Office 365 account and
our secondary students have been
using Microsoft Teams for the past two
years. Primary students were
connected with ClassDojo and Office
365 accounts. Based on the directives
of the Brunei Government and
Ministry of Education, Brunei
Darussalam we were following remote
learning for three months since March.
Starting June, we adapted hybrid
learning module and from August we
went back to our traditional classroom
setting.
Though the whole process brought
in a large disruption in teaching and
learning, we were able to adapt to
the 'new normal' with effective and
efficient actions. Proper planning in
adapting right EdTech tools enabled
us to conduct effective live lessons
using Microsoft Teams. We ensured
the type of EdTech tools used by
teachers to ease of the burden of
students and parents. For Primary
school students, recorded lessons
were shared in ClassDojo.
Overall, CHMS, BSB was prepared to
tackle the challenges that the pandemic
imposed on us. There was no lack of
learning because all learning methods
were made possible with our
preparedness with appropriate and
students-familiar technologies and
learning materials. We re-prepare, re-
invest and reinforce processes to move
forward with this new normal
experience.
Where would you place yourself in
the future in the field of education?
As the pandemic COVID19 has
reshaped the educational landscape, a
probing question that has arisen out of
this change is the redundancy of
Schools. Education will exist and so
will Schools. The forms of education
might vary from Online Learning,
hybrid learning but traditional school-
based learning will definitely exists.
As a most sought-after school, I
believe that CHMS, BSB will be
imparting holistic education to the
diverse community of Brunei
Darussalam in the future as well. Our
school will be a centre where most
effective teaching approaches,
techniques, and ideologies will be
practiced. We will encourage
innovations and their adaptation to
specific circumstances and assist the
creation of a community of parents and
teachers who support each other.
We believe in pedagogy, and always
enhance teaching and learning with
more student-centered approaches.
With extending ownership in learning
to students, the school has championed
gamification where students learn
through games. Maintaining a
curriculum that is contemporary which
allows students to learn with different
devices, programs and techniques.
We inculcate
the qualities
of propriety,
righteousness,
modesty, and
remorsefulness in
our students
October 2021 | 23 | www.theknowledgereview.com

28. Prof. Rakesh Khatri
Corporate and Soft
Skills Trainer, Director
The R.K. Institute
EdTech
Pros and Cons
Educational technology has evolved in exciting new ways,
inspiring teachers, and students alike. From the ancient
abacus to handheld calculators, from slide projectors and
classroom film strips to virtual reality and next-generation
e-learning, educational technology has evolved in exciting
new ways, inspiring teachers and students alike.
The way we work, play, create, and communicate is always
evolving as a result of technological advancements. As a
result, it's only natural that digital technology advances.
“The technical instruments and media that aid in the
conveyance of knowledge, as well as its growth and
exchange,” according to one major definition of educational
technology.
Take, for example, augmented reality and virtual reality.
Technology innovation specialist Daniel Newman addresses
utilizing AR and VR to ‘educate’ in his Forbes.com article
EdTech, a portmanteau of the phrase ‘education
technology,’ is that the mixture of IT tools and
academic practices aimed toward facilitating and
enhancing learning. ‘EdTech’ is a branch of technology
dedicated to the creation and implementation of educational
technologies (including software, hardware, and
procedures). ‘EdTech is a study and ethical practice for
supporting learning and increasing performance by
designing, employing, and managing suitable technological
processes and resources,’ according to the definition.
Today’s classrooms have moved beyond the clunky desktop
computers that were once the norm and are now tech-
infused with tablets, interactive online courses, and even
robots that can take notes and record lectures for school
kids who are ill.
October 2021 | 26 | www.theknowledgereview.com

29. Automated Reports
Thanks to educational technology and tools, it is easier to
track progress and growth. With automated reports and real-
time growth analysis, EdTech helps save time and effort.
There are various EdTech tools that are designed to help
teachers with classroom management and administration.
Five disadvantages of technology in the classroom:
Distracting Students
Smartphones have a bad reputation in classrooms and there
have been strong cases for banning them in schools.
Research suggests that during class time, when smartphones
consumed 42% of the time that students spent on their
smartphones in the classroom, it was to text, tweet, or
otherwise engage in social media rather than the lesson.
Requires Management and Training
The rise of EdTech means that being effective in the
classroom requires that teachers are effective on the screen
and tech platforms. Studies show that three-quarters of
teachers say the internet and other digital tools have added
new demands to their lives and have dramatically increased
the range of content and skills about which they must be
knowledgeable, with nearly half saying it has increased
their workload.
Leads to Tech Disparity
Tech disparity refers to how much access students have to
the necessary devices. The differences in access can be seen
between school districts, with more affluent districts having
greater resources, but it can also refer to differences among
students in the same school, where students from wealthier
families having greater access.
Cost Money
Nothing in this world is free and buying cutting-edge
electronics for a classroom is downright expensive. While
there’s no way to avoid spending money modernizing a
classroom, it is at least possible to maximize the total cost
of ownership (TCO) by installing devices with longer
lifespans and reduced maintenance.
Less Face Time
No amount of technology in the classroom can replace
talented, inspired teachers. As the adage goes, any teacher
that can be replaced with a tech device probably deserves to
be replaced.
Age of Autodidacts
on the ‘Top 6 Digital Transformation Trends in Education.’
This influx of EdTech tools is changing classrooms in all
kinds of ways: EdTech robots are making it easy for school
kids to stay engaged through fun kinds of learning; IoT
devices are being hailed for their ability to form digital
classrooms for school kids, whether they’re physically in
school, on the bus or at home; even machine learning and
blockchain tools are assisting teachers with grading tests
and holding students responsible of homework.
The ability to saleable, personalized learning has been a key
factor in EdTech's rise. It's not a one-size-fits-all issue when
it comes to how we study, connect with classmates and
professors, and our general passion for the same subjects.
Everyone learns at their own speed and in their own
manner. EdTech technologies let teachers build
personalized lesson plans and lessons.
The benefits of educational technology in education are
enormous and form a very difficult list. In general,
educational institutions that have been using or essayed
EdTech saw these common advantages:
Increase Student Engagement
These digital tools help to increase collaboration and
engagement in the classroom. The biggest mistake when it
comes to communication is the misapprehension that it has
happened. Contradictory to popular belief, you can see an
increased engagement in online classrooms because of the
myriad tools available for communication and
collaboration.
Accessibility
The kind of accessibility to education that technology has
brought in is commendable. Students can access their
classrooms from anywhere at any time and also, they have a
wide range of options to choose from. Technology has
made it possible for people to look beyond geographical
barriers.
Personalization
EdTech opens the door to a personalized learning
experience. In place of textbook material and classroom
activities, EdTech helps students to learn at their own pace
and time. As mentioned earlier, it brings in a sense of ease
and convenience.
Easy Grading
Paperless and comfortable grading is another major
advantage that educational technology has brought into the
picture.
October 2021 | 27 | www.theknowledgereview.com

30. Spotlight
October 2021 | 28 | www.theknowledgereview.com

31. Competitive
Environment
Creating a
Competition in the classroom has got a very bad reputation
when it comes to the growth of the child, but the child
needs to grow. A competitive environment along with
healthy competition sets the student on a good track for the
future. Also, the personalities that most students aspire are
based on competition, so is it wrong to put the children in
an environment that is similar to the real world?
Some of the studies might suggest that the competitive
environment in the classroom might be harmful to the
students, but on the same side, this competitive nature helps
the student bring out the best and excel in life. In this
o interest a child in something, parents try to
Tindulge that activity in a game. As the famous
words of renowned Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget
state, ‘Play is the answer to how anything new comes
about!’, allowing the children to play in a competition is a
great way to help them learn new things. These games also
help the students in enhancing their creativity, pushing their
limits, and bringing the best out of them.
Games are often associated with competition, and it is the
competition that motivates children to push their limits and
make a difference.
in the Classroom
for Better Academic
Results
October 2021 | 29 | www.theknowledgereview.com

32. article, let’s explore the different ways in which a
competitive environment in the classroom can help students
excel in academics:
Channelled Focus
Students in the school have a developing mind, which
grows at an unusual rate. It is in the nature of the
competition that requires attention. Also, in a classroom
when the students compete with peers of equal calibre, it
motivates them to do better than the rest. This allows them
to focus on studies and examinations that in the end, results
in good academic results.
The competitive environment in the classroom keeps the
students in a zone that particularly helps them to remain
focused. This helps them to channelise their energy on a
particular task. Also, proper guidance from the teachers
along with that extra push from their classmates helps them
go beyond their limits to give the best performance in their
exams and excel in academics.
To Boost the Growth
Growth is essential for everyone to develop and excel. As a
growing mind, students need to know different ways of
doing something. There can be no growth if there is the
absence of a different perspective or lack of insights. A
competitive environment grants students access to different
perspectives or visions of their fellow classmates. The
insights of the peers and teachers allow the students to
know where improvements can be done.
Different ways of doing things also bring out the creativity
of the students. This development can only be possible
when there is a competitive environment in class. While
maintaining the competitive environment in the classroom,
the responsibility of maintaining healthy competition falls
on the shoulders of the teacher. Healthy competition
actively helps the students to grow and develop all the
essential characteristics that will result in better academic
performance.
Creating a Competitive Environment in the Classroom
The current education system is so dynamic that it already
adds to the competitive environment in the classroom. The
grading system or percentile system, with the involvement
of exams, helps the students know how the system works
and the importance of academics. However, it is not just
about creating a competitive environment but a healthy
competitive environment that involves everyone’s growth.
It depends on the teacher and the school system to maintain
a healthy environment in the classroom that will help the
students to not only perform well in their academics but
also help them to not indulge fear and other harmful
elements in their nature.
Finding out their Core Interests
Schooling and academics are a part of life. Academics
being the steppingstone of the future for the students allows
them to explore different streams. The academic system is
designed in such a way, that will help the students to find
their best interests from kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12).
Every student is different and like every individual, they
have different interests. A competitive environment creates
a perfect opportunity for the student to know which are the
different areas in which they are interested and excel at.
Preparing for their Future
Apart from the academic results, the competitive
environment that the students grow in helps them to prepare
themselves for their future. The world is based on
competition and the best one thrives. However, this might
not entirely be true, but the competitive environment allows
the students to push their limits and bring the best out of
themselves. The competitive environment indirectly trains
the students for important tasks like critical thinking,
exploring creativity, risk analysis, etc., which are equally
important for the bright future that the students dream
about.
The foundation of everything that the children aspire to
become begins in the classroom. As every coin has two
sides, a competitive environment also has two sides.
However, the neutralisation of the negative side completely
depends on the effectiveness of the teacher and the system.
Having said that, a competitive environment in the
classroom helps the students to achieve better academic
results as well as help them build a better future for
themselves. The academic results may not be final, but it
cannot be ignored that these academic results play a crucial
role in building a bright future for children.
October 2021 | 30 | www.theknowledgereview.com
- Ashlesh Khadse