English Language Teaching Project
TRANSFORMING EDUCATION IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM:
More than 40 years of partnership with the Ministry of Education
What We Do
CfBT Brunei’s English Language Teaching contract with the Ministry of Education was awarded in 1985 with 15 teachers and has been expanding since. We currently deploy and manage 200 English specialists to the government’s ISO primary and secondary schools.
By working in close collaboration with our key partner, the Brunei Ministry of Education, we deliver excellence in education to our key beneficiaries- the students of Brunei Darussalam.
Our aim is to raise the proficiency and attainment levels of Bruneian students through high impact teaching and learning, targeted national support and intervention programmes, and the continuous building of our own and local capacity across most primary and secondary schools in Brunei.
Our focus is to support and extend the quality of education by placing qualified, expert teachers in government schools to deliver innovative 21st century teaching, engaging students to become proficient English language speakers and dynamic learners.
We use data to design and deliver tailored intervention and student support programmes. We also support capacity building through formal and informal continuing professional development, from national and cluster workshops to school-based professional learning communities.
Partnership with the Ministry of Education Brunei
CfBT is contracted by the Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam, to recruit and manage a workforce of 200 qualified and experienced primary and secondary specialist English teachers. Teachers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, the European countries and the UK are posted to government schools across all districts in Brunei to work alongside Bruneian colleagues. CfBT teachers play a full and active role in Bruneian school life.
Professional Development Opportunities
At CfBT we are committed to the continuing growth and development of our teachers. This is an essential part of our capacity building guarantee to the Ministry of Education and our ongoing support to all CfBT educators.
Primary And Secondary Teaching
CfBT Brunei’s English Language Teaching contract with the Ministry of Education
was awarded in 1985 with 15 teachers and has been expanding since.
We currently deploy and manage 200 English specialists. We are recruiting all
year round.
What CfBT Teachers Say
“There is definitely a healthy work-life balance. The number of teaching hours is quite fair, I would say. Primary school teachers teach an average of three hours per day. There is a lot of time for planning, meeting with colleagues and children who need extra help.”
Frits
Netherlands
“There were two weeks of non-teaching to prepare – to see what it’s like. So things were very clear. Everything was made easy for us. We were taken to places; I actually got the chance to see my school and the school of my associate teacher. So, that helped a lot also. If I look at my school and my colleagues – People are very warm and very kind. I just feel welcomed.“
Catalin (Kyle)
Romania
“When I arrived, someone actually came to pick us up at the airport. We were taken to our temporary accommodation and temporary car. We did receive a lot of help when it comes to purchasing a car – we received a loan. We also had two months to find a house; it had to be somewhere in between our schools.”
Natalia
Poland
Induction Programme
On arrival, teachers participate in a two-week professional induction programme before officially starting in their schools. The induction programme ensures that all teachers are fully prepared to take up their professional roles and responsibilities, and further, provides assistance with immigration, banking, driving, housing and telecommunications.
How Is Your Performance Measured?
We work closely with our partner, the Ministry of Education, on strategic placement of our teachers to ensure success. Once in post, CfBT teachers work alongside their colleagues on a day-to-day basis and report to their Heads of Department and school principals, however, all our teachers are line-managed by CfBT Education Development Managers (EDMs) who provide wide ranging professional support through formal and informal school visits, discussions and feedback.
Our performance management systems are robust, supportive and ensure continuing professional growth through learning, leading and development opportunities. We are committed to ensuring success.
About Brunei's Education System
Brunei’s education system is bilingual, with students learning core subjects in English and others in Bahasa Melayu. English instruction begins in pre-school and continues through primary school, with a focus on tailored bilingual programs. Secondary students follow a national curriculum in Years 7-8 and then are placed into General, Applied, or Special Applied streams for Years 9-11. General stream students take the Brunei Cambridge O Level English exam, while Applied stream students sit for the Cambridge IGCSE ESL exam.
Vocational stream students focus on specialised technical subjects alongside a functional English program. Teachers work across all levels from Year 7 to Year 11 and in some Sixth Form Centres.