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Brunei History & Culture 🇧🇳

  • Feb 1, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 9



At ISB, we are committed to enhancing students' understanding of Brunei's history and culture through our broad and balanced curriculum. This has been integrated to provide our community with a better global perspective, fostering intercultural understanding, appreciation, and respect among individuals at ISB.


This also includes an ongoing research project which is dedicated to strengthening our connections with local museums, businesses, and cultural centres. Its primary objective is to ensure that every ISB student, whether local or foreign, residing in Brunei gains a profound insight into the rich history and vibrant culture of Brunei.


This initiative has been seamlessly woven into the curriculum, with the goal of offering our students a more comprehensive global perspective. By fostering intercultural understanding, appreciation, and respect, we aim to create an environment at ISB where al individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive and coexist harmoniously.


The importance of intercultural learning cannot be overstated. It equips our students with the knowledge and skills to engage with the country they call home, encouraging them to respect diversity and recognise the beauty of multiculturalism that defines ISB's unique identity. Through this approach, we aspire to nurture a community of globally aware, culturally-sensitive individuals who will contribute positively not only to ISB but also to the world at large.



Brunei Art and Handicraft

Students will discover Brunei's rich history of handicraft and art whilst having the opportunity to turn their hand to Tenunan weaving. Creative projects will focus on using these newly acquired skills to create authentic items. Students will also have the opportunity to discover local art and artists.


Educational Experiences

  • Visit to Brunei Handicraft Museum

  • Weaving & Textiles experience

  • Ms. Honey to give a lesson on the famous Sultans of Brunei



Throughout Year 2, students will have English and Art focuses on Brunei mangroves, Markets: Then & Now and local nature.


Educational Experiences

  • Book Study “Into the Mangroves” by Maziyah Yussof.

  • Road trip from Temburong Bridge – lunch at Mentiri Besar – Yayasan.

  • Visit from a local artist.

  • Ms. Honey to give a lesson on the evolvement of markets from 1970’s to present day.

  • Visit to nearby Bruneian Landscape.



Archaeology

In Term 3, we will be focusing on rivers, trade and settlements with an emphasis on Brunei. The children will explore local culture and history and will use their geography lens to study Brunei River.


Educational Experiences

  • Visit to Brunei Malay Technological Museum to learn about the history and advancement of Kampung Ayer.

  • Children will witness historical local primary resource and add to their sense of time in historical chronology.

  • First experience of audio-visual resources to immerse the children in Brunei History.


Civilizations

This year the children will be focusing on Civilizations, Inventors and Inventions and Habitats and Biodiversity. This gives the opportunity for them to get an insight of how Brunei became a kingdom, who the first sultan of Brunei was, types of Bruneian inventions and classification of local flora and fauna.


Educational Experiences

  • Lesson on How Brunei Became a Kingdom & The First Sultan of Brunei – Awang Alak Betatar.

  • Visit to Brunei Legislative Council to learn how Brunei Government is run and how laws are created.

  • Labi Tropical Biodiversity Center.

  • Residential to Seria Campus with local activities.

  • Visit of local artist.



Sultan Bolkiah V (15th Century)

Students will learn all about this extraordinary time in Brunei's history and discover the achievements of Sultan Bolkiah V. In addition, student will also learn about Brunei's links to Ancient China, discovering ancient trade routes. A timeline of significant events in Brunei's history will be created.


Educational Experiences

  • Visit to Brunei History Centre to learn about Sultan Bolkiah V and The Golden Age of Brunei.



Learning about using passive and active voice in English in Term. The students will produce a script as a news anchor and as an on-site reporter, using these elements from their learning.


World War 2 (1930s & 1940s)


With a focus on the Japanese occupation of Brunei during World War 2, students will learn what life was like during this time in history. In addition, students will be introduced to first-hand accounts of life in Brunei at this time and learn about a key character with quite a story to tell.


Educational Experiences

  • The visit to Radio Television Brunei will give the students opportunity to experience first-hand the recording of a news broadcast, seeing the process of editing, producing the scripts, they will be able to use equipment involved including teleprompter, cameras and filming.

  • Workshop and talk given by a local television personality. A well-known media figure in Asia, she has worked as a television and radio presenter, stage actress and vocal talent.

  • A detailed video account of a survivor during the Japanese occupation of Brunei.

  • A lecture by a renowned Bruneian historian, who will talk about the Japanese Occupancy in Brunei during WWII.




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