Awang Semaun Secondary School

Awang Semaun Secondary School, is a co-educational government secondary school located in Kampong Sungai Kebun, Brunei.

WWW smasemaun.com

Etymology

Awang Alak Betatar, who went on to become Sultan Muhammad Shah, the first Sultan of Brunei, is reported to have had a younger brother named Awang Semaun. After his brother was bestowed the traditional Malay title Damong, he went on to become one of the four wazirs as Pengiran Temenggong, who helped the Sultan rule the nation. He is strongly linked to Brunei's population's conversion to Islam.
A legend from Temburong claims that Awang Semaun left behind a gigantic water jar that occasionally materialises momentarily for select individuals. This is in the river, partially submerged, when it appears. But the saying goes that you can only notice it if you are not seeking for it. It is also noted that Awang Semaun abducted a princess from Johor and offers her to his brother, Awang Alak Betatar as a bride. He is also noted to be a resident of Kampong Sungai Kebun.

History

The school was established as Sungai Kebun English Secondary School in March 1982. It was first located at the present Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College before it moved to Kampong Sungai Kebun on 3 February 1983. The relocation of the school was to relieve the overcrowding in a few capital schools, where a portion of the student body was drawn from Kampong Ayer residents. The school was built in phases on a plot of open ground at a cost of B$35 million. On 13 December 1984 marked its official opening by the then Minister of Education, Pehin Dato Abdul Aziz. The occasion was marked by the renaming of the school to its current name.

Academics

At the end of Year 11, students sit for GCE 'O' Level and/or IGCSE examination. Passing the examination may allow students to proceed to sixth form, in which students could also enroll in BTEC courses. Alternatively, students may also opt for public vocational education at IBTE schools.