- When I Miss Something, I End Up Studying it.
- Auckland University?
- Their Education System.
- Pursuit of Happiness.
It’s about 5 months since I left. And I thought I would only miss the experience of the cool air environment, the Asia & Pacific Educators and the knowledge acquired during the Microsoft Asia & Pacific Forum (held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland).
It’s not wrong to say, I really miss Auckland. Kinda love the idea to go back there and visit more schools. The Māori songs, their greetings, opening and closing speech using the Māori language is so fascinating too. Sadly didn’t get to catch and learn few words in Māori.
Two things which are common in my town of what they think of New Zealand: The All Black, Rugby and Kiwis. Well, I’m not thinking deep on Rugby, as so I am not a Rugby fan. But, I did watch few Rugby matches during my stay at the Rydges hotel, which is fine.
Venturing towards reality? Education is the answer. Yes, I’m looking at ways for a justify intention or a reason how can I end up being in New Zealand again. And absolutely studying in New Zealand or working there is a miracle possibility. To visit New Zealand for shopping, well I don’t think that can be happening. I find Singapore justify my shopping centre; its kinda heaven for original stuff.
The University of Auckland is one of the best universities on this planet. And If I have a magic wand, Auckland University is a choice of school in New Zealand. To study in New Zealand is not my typical answer. I dream to study again in United Kingdom, but this is again part of dreaming and saying it are rather much easier than actually getting it. :)
Wishing to study Education in Auckland University or rather in New Zealand is because of with few reasons. I believe in research, survey and statistic. I study them too. Not that I’m saying I’m good in numbers. But interpreting datas makes more sense to my brain. :) Trustworthy statistic showed Education in New Zealand are remarkable outstanding. They’d scored good for the Programme for International Student Assessment ranks (PISA) and The Education Index, published with the UN’s Human Development. Their Education strength is noticeable for their Reading and Science students-achievement. Yes, may all of you can argue, you might say there are few countries which are top better than New Zealand’s Education. But New Zealand is still one of the best :)
I end up studying the structure of their education. I begin with their school terms (Academic Year), then their Years of Schooling and their academic curriculum offered. It took time for me to understanding the years of Schooling. Like Brunei, Malaysia and England it quite similiar. But as we understand Years of Schooling is dependable of the type of School they have.
For instance, generally in Brunei; We have Primary Schools (K – Yr 6), Secondary Schools (Yr 7-11), Secondary schools with Form 6 Centre (Lower and Upper Pre University or Year 12 and 13) and school with form 6 only. *And we have religious school, that runs from pre-schools to Yr 6, Secondary religious school and private international schools. (this will be another story.. hehehe)*
I discovered New Zealand Education have several types of schools:
Full Primary School (Yr 1 – 8)
Contributing School (Yr 1 – 6)
Intermediate School (Yr 7 – 8)
Secondary School with Intermediate (Yr 7 – 13)
Secondary School (Yr 9 – 13)
Composite School (Yr 1 – 13)
Middle School (Yr 7 – 10)
Senior School (Yr 11–13)
The Correspondence School: (Preschool – Year 13)
Some are popular to the community; in other words the most common enrollment. I believe it has relationship between their catching environment. Interesting too is that, New Zealand established the decile system (1-10). 1 will be consider for the poor social economic status of the students population and 10 will be the opposite of poor.
We don’t have that kind of demographic statistic for education’s purposes. It will be valuable to have one. But some may say labeling is not socially accepted; but knowing your children background is important too.
Generally every country on this planet have their similarities and differences with one another. From the Education System, to their School management, Pedagogy and their assessments. Its an interesting scenario if you see this education system globally and in a bigger picture.
After wrapping this, it does soothe your longing to be back to New Zealand. I think the serious business here, is how I continuously wishing to study and continue my education somewhere not in Brunei. But I guess all pointers are still heading to our local university. Miracle is needed for me, the dreamer.
Speaking of continuity of my education to get a bachelor degree, I see University of Glasgow to be attracting too. They have this course or programme called “Technological Education’. Frankly I love United Kingdom. Especially their British English. I find it very sexy. Every parts of United Kingdom have their own variation on their dialects and accents. Particularly I like the England’s English and the Scotland’s English. I’m not familiar with the Welsh, but it will be interesting to experience it someday.
I’m considering Education Loan from the local bank in the future. In desperate measure. In service for Government servants are pretty much competitive and limited these days. Limited to numbers of applicants and end up studying back in our local universities. Well, I’m not saying local universities are bad thing or they stink; don’t get me wrong. I’ve done that, and I wish to move and experience fresh adventure. A new level of experience you might say. I still got my car loan (hire purchase) for few years, then hopefully education loan is suitable for my living and finance. To pursuit this ambition and happiness feels right, and i’m sure its not a wrong decision.
I’ve been thinking of this ‘study abroad’ since I finished my A levels in 2005. I would totally do it differently if I could reverse and turn back time. Being regretful is everyday. Psychologically its painful like missing someone or something. Been trying so hard these past few years, trying to prove my worthiness. Honestly, its tiring.
I’m sorry, but sometimes I told myself, life could be better if I was born with financial advantage. I see some friends and people passes by with less intellectual and passion on what they do with their parents money to reach their qualification. To claim my ego, I would do very much – better than them. Not saying I have a good brain; but I believe I have the right purposes and motivation. :) And to see them succeed slowly and eventually reached their Bachelor degree or even a Master degree does grow my jealously – massively – very huge – really gigantic!
I think the most annoying and kind people on this planet are those who bugs me to be grateful for everything I have. I believe satisfaction and grateful are two things sperable and inseparate. Depression comes and go. But life need to move on. But I wish my life could be easier, if not asking to be someone else. I’m not sure if anyone out there really understand me, my pain and my dream.
Splendid.
