BBYB 2020

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181 EDUCATION
Arabic and Religious Schools
In 2012, the Compulsory Religious Education
Order was implemented, emphasising the
importance of Islamic knowledge for young
students. Under this order, it is compulsory for
Muslim children aged seven to 15 to attend
religious school.
There are more than 150 religious schools in
Brunei Darussalam, from preschool to primary
level. Religious education is provided at three
private schools: International School Brunei,
Jerudong International School and Yayasan
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School.
Arabic and religious schools in Brunei are under
the leadership of the Ministry of Religious
Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of
Education to develop a suitable curriculum.
Arabic schools in Brunei offer two core
curriculums: the national curriculum for general
subjects and the Ma’had Buhuth al-Islamiah
curriculum from Egypt for religious subjects and
Arabic language. These curriculums are based
on the National Education System for the 21st
Century (SPN21) to produce students equipped
with skills in line with the 21st Century.
After 50 years since the first Arabic school
– Hassanal Bolkiah Boys’ Arabic Secondary
School (SMALHB) was built in 1964, there are
now seven Arabic schools in Brunei: four in
Brunei-Muara and one each in Belait, Tutong
and Temburong. Religious schools start
from preschool. Education in Arabic schools
begins in Year Five and is offered until pre-
university level for male students and Year
11 for female students.
The recently built Kampung Rimba Arabic
Secondary School can accommodate 2,000
students with classrooms, science and language
laboratories, lecture halls, multi-purpose hall,
teachers’ room, library, hostel, surau, canteen
and a field, to accommodate the growing number
of students enrolling in religious studies.