The Ministry of Education is considering changes to the Brunei-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level examination, which may involve modifications to content or format. These changes could take effect in the coming years, said Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh.
The minister was responding to a question from Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Dr Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin during the 21st LegCo session yesterday. The question was in relation to the availability of alternative assessments and whether preparations – such as teacher training, curriculum adjustments, and recognition – were in place.
The minister emphasised that any changes would require thorough preparation, not only in terms of curriculum and teacher readiness but also in shaping students’ mindsets. She noted that the new examination approach may shift the focus from knowledge-based to comprehension-based assessments, requiring students to adapt to different answering techniques.
Yang Berhormat Dr Haji Mahali’s question was timely, as the ministry recently received official confirmation regarding the planned changes to the examination.
The minister noted that the ministry will continue to communicate and cooperate with the authorities who provide this board of examinations to provide further clarification in terms of the curriculum and assessment format to ensure that it can continuously be distributed to the schools and then to the students.
On the topic of alternative assessments, the minister highlighted the government’s move towards more holistic and inclusive evaluation methods. She added that the ministry, through the Centre for the Development of Gifted and Talented Education (EDGE) Unit under the Centre for Smart, Intelligent and Talented Education Development, is already implementing the Morrisby platform.
The Morrisby platform is a psychometric assessment tool designed to identify students’ natural strengths and abilities. – Lyna Mohamad
