On quality education

On quality education

I read with interest Mochtar Buchori's article on Quality
Schools in The Jakarta Post of April 19, 1995 and was pleased
that the British International School was considered of this
standing. We value quality at all times and are continually
striving to make our provision more responsive to the needs of
parents and pupils and more relevant to the challenges to be
faced by our students in the technological world which awaits
them.

As a Head Teacher with many years experience of the State
Education system in Scotland, I support Mr Buchori's stance that
'quality education' should not and need not be the sole domain of
the private school nor the entitlement of the rich. Every country
must invest in its young people -- a 'quality education' is one
of the greatest gifts one can receive. I would agree again with
Mr Buchori when he assesses the relevant importance of
educational aids, facilities and teachers in this process.
Although all are important, the latter is unquestionably the key
to success. 'Quality teachers' throughout the world are capable
of inspiring pupils despite environments lacking in many of the
resources which teachers in my current school and schools like
it, would take for granted.

The British International School is, and always has been, keen
to explore ways of contributing to the local Indonesian
community. If Mr Buchori would care to contact me I would be very
happy to consider ways in which the expertise and facilities
available at the British International School could be used to
assist him in his vital mission, namely the training of
Indonesia's future teachers.

JOHN H BIRCHALL

Headmaster

British International School

Jakarta