PARENTS of Form Five students at Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College were yesterday briefed on the aspect of this year’s GCE “O” level examination, as well as providing guidelines for the parents to assist their children in their preparation for the exams.
The briefing was conducted by the college principal, Pg Hj Zahari Pg Hj Ahmad,who informed the parents on several programmes for the students to partake during the course of their studies in their fifth and final year in secondary level.
“It is very important for the parents of our students to be fully informed of our plans for the year. Parents are a very important part of the learning experience and we always encourage their involvement,” Pg Hj Zahari told The Brunei Times.
More than 200 form five students of the college will be sitting for their GCE “O” level and IGCSE examinations this year. The college has introduced several programmes in its efforts to ensure that the students are well prepared for the exams.
Beginning of this month, all form five students in the college will be attending the Academic Improvement programme which will be held every early morning until the exam month.
“The programme will have students attend a 7.30 class before their actual classes start, where they will be given quick revision sessions and short tests. It is at this early hour when students are more likely to be much energised to absorb as much knowledge as possible,” said the principal.
Tuition classes will be provided by the school in the afternoons where the students are able to choose what subject they wish to attend, particularly the subjects that they are weak at and need to improve.
“Unlike extra-classes, these tuition classes allow the students the ability to choose any subjects they wish to attend in the afternoon. We don’t actually force them to take all classes, but we advise them to pick whichever subject that they feel they need to improve on, thus allowing them to focus more on that specific subject,” he added.
Throughout the revision month between September 20 and October 9, the students will undergo an Intensive Drilling Clinic where they will conduct group studies and exam paper revisions.
Night studies will be held specifically during the month of Ramadhan, where the students will be invited for a mass tarawikh prayers at the school’s surau, before conducting a group study in the provided study halls. During the group study, the students will be given past year papers to work on.
Additional programmes include motivation camps and seminars to be held in the school premises during the second term where the school will invite external speakers and councillors to give a motivational talk and conduct activities to build up the students motivation and give them study tips, such as applying mind-mapping techniques in their learning.
Parents were also briefed on counselling issues regarding the students progress after completing their “O” level exams.
“This is to inform parents that it’s not the end for their children if they do not perform well in their exams, as there are various alternative routes for them to reach the same goal, albeit the time frame differences,” said the principal.
Pg Hj Zahari also advised the parents to speak with the subject teachers from time to time should they need to enquire on their children’s performances with that particular subject. Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with the school to keep up to date with their children’s progress.
The Brunei Times
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