VIP Day

by Caroline Tan.

FRIDAY,16TH APRIL 2012 – We had our 1st VIP day for upper sixth students. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Hall in Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok from 8.00am to 11.00 am. It was a huge success because most of the parents, and even the students themselves showed up. The parking lot was all filled with cars. One parking space would be quickly filled by another car, that’s how much the parents care about their children’s education you see. 

The most common questions asked were: 'How’s my child doing academically?', 'Why is my child not doing well?', 'What should be done to help my child?', 'How’s my child’s behavior in class?'. The best thing about VIP days is that teachers are not afraid to tell you what they think when they are asked. They might tell you positive things like: 'Congratulations, you are doing well! Keep it up!', 'No problem at all, just keep up the good work and keep working hard', 'Maintain where you are and the future is in your hands!' or negative things like: 'You have to focus harder in class', 'You could have done so much better', 'Practice more, revise more, you will achieve more'. 

Whatever kind of feedback you get from your teachers just now, they are useful ones. If it’s a positive feedback, then you use that to motivate you to maintain where you are right now! If it’s a negative one then don’t be too sad. Don’t be demotivated at all! Motivate yourself, change yourself and the next time VIP day comes, you will surely get lots of positive feedbacks! After all, VIP days are held to help you realize what your flaws are so you could improvise them! Make good use of that! So in the end, parents were satisfied with useful information. 

Students who had gone with their parents on the other hand, knew exactly what should be done to obtain better grades now. Upper six students are reminded that, AS exams are very near. I will be posting up another article on how to prepare for that one!

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PTEK's Netball Champions

By Tinah Marzuki.

Thursday, 5th April 2012 - Congratulations to the PTEK Netball Team for winning the Interzone Netball Tournament! After winning their way through matches against Sekolah Menengah Serasa (2nd April), SM Lambak Kiri (3rd April) and PAP Masna (4th April; Semi-finals), lastly, the PTEK Netball Team won against the PTEM Netball Team, in the Finals, with a score of 18 -16. PTEK is very proud of our players.

Big congratulations to:
Azyan Filzah Nadhirah Abdullah (BE 22)
Nurul Bahriah Bte Manap (BE 18)
Elsie Anak Ijong (BE 15)
Yassamin Bte Ahmad Zainal (BE 13)
Nur Afiqah Bte Arifin (BE 20)
Yvonne Lim Yee Wen (BE 12)
Dk Nur Fatin Syaafi'ah Pg Shahrin (BE 16)
Dk Nur Atikah Pg Metussin (BE 13)
Nur Harizan Abdul Rahman (BE17)

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No Styrofoam Saturday

By Frederick.

As most of us might have known, we had the no Styrofoam day last Saturday and rumor has it that no Styrofoam day in PTEK would only last for a day with food vendors selling food without the use of Styrofoam plates and cups. But is that so? NO. We're here to prove that wrong. We are to work together to make every Saturday, no Styrofoam day in PTEK. With everyone's help and cooperation, I am sure that we will definitely succeed. 

First of all, what is Styrofoam?  

Styrofoam is actually made from foamed polystyrene which starts off as small spherical beads that contain an expanding agent called hydrocarbon. The polystyrene beads are then heated with steam, as the expanding agent boils, the beads soften and expand up to forty times their original size. The expanded beads are left to cool down before being heated again. However, this time the beads are expanded within a mold. The molds are designed in a variety of shapes depending on the desired end product for example: Styrofoam cups, cartons, wig stands, and more. The beads completely fill the mold and also fuse together. Styrofoam is about 98% percent air.

Who is the inventor of the Styrofoam?

Ray McIntire

How did he thought of inventing the Styrofoam?

The Styrofoam was invented accidentally. According to Ray, his invention came when he was originally trying to find a flexible electrical insulator during World War II.

How is Styrofoam harmful?

Styrofoam which was created by Dow Chemical Company scientist, Ray McIntire in the 1970′s as a insulation device has no made a huge impact on our daily lives. You can see Styrofoam almost everywhere. It is being used as hamburger cartons, coffee cups and even house hold construction products were made out of Styrofoam. The production of Styrofoam products included the use CFC. CFC is an organic compound that contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer and thus, the use of CFC was then banned in 1989 that so many companies stopped using products made with Styrofoam including McDonald’s (voluntarily). Production methods changed so there was no longer CFC pollution in production but many of it's ill effects remain. Styrofoam also does not decompose and breakdown easily and it releases chemicals when it gets in contact with water and therefore, contaminating our water supply when it is not disposed properly.


By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue taken as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Human Tissue Survey. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities, and even carcinogenic effects.

What are the real health effects of eating and drinking food from Styrofoam containers?

As styrene from Styrofoam is said to ooze into the food and drinks we consume using Styrofoam containers, World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer had stated that long-term exposure to small quantities of styrene is suspected of causing:

– low platelet counts or hemoglobin values;

– chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities;

– neurotoxic effects due to accumulation of styrene in the tissues of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, resulting in fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, and other acute or chronic health problems associated with the nervous system.

Now, take some time to think about it. Everyday in school, we use AT LEAST 400 Styrofoam containers per day. My question is, is it really worth it, to use the very convenient Styrofoam even though the effects of it affects our health? I have asked several students how they feel about the Styrofoam day and most of it said that it is not quite helpful as the stall vendors are still using Styrofoam cartons when it is not a Saturday. 

What do you think?


Revised by Joanne Lim

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PTEK Cafeteria Food Review

By Haziqah Nor Amin.

As a student who has been in PTEK for about a year, I am very proud of the school's cafeteria. There used to be 4 stalls but it closed down and now, only 2 is left. Nevertheless, the 2 remaining stalls are adequate and are served by very friendly people. I'll showcase some of their food afterwards. One stall that the students and tutors in PTEK usually go to for heavy meals is the one on the right. Some of the dishes they make daily are plain rice, fried rice, begedil, some cucur and a variety of vegetables, chicken, fish and noodles. I'd recommend people to try the bakso from this vendor. I personally think that the bakso is very good and I have had it almost every school day. The soup is well-seasoned and the beef balls are perfectly cooked. They have a specific sauce called 'lada rindu' for this dish but it is only for those who can take real spiciness! It can make your tongue and lips numb but that is if you add too much. Aside from food, they also sell a wide variety of can and bottled drinks.

As for the other stall, people go there for the 'express' food. They sell fast food like burgers, sausages, crab balls, nuggets, wedges, french fries and many more. Despite all of these, they also have some healthy fresh fruits and drinks. The calamansi juice drink is pretty good and I highly recommend it. As I am typing this, my mouth is already salivating from the memories of wolfing mouthful of all the dishes I've been having all this time. Everything has always been delish.

Revised by Jaanne Lim.

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PTEK Kendo Club

By Dayat Ahmad

Kendo (剣道) is the Japanese martial art of sword-fighting. ‘Ken’ (剣) means sword while ‘dō’ (道) means ‘way’; Kendo teaches the ‘Way of the Sword’ based on the traditional Japanese swordsmanship (kenjetsu, 剣術) which originated from the samurai of feudal Japan. PTEK Kendo Club started 4 years ago in 2008 while Kendo in Brunei official started in 2003, so Kendo is a relatively new martial arts in Brunei.

PTEK Kendo Club video for Cohort 2 CCA session

Kendo is both strong physical and mental challenging and incorporates strong martial arts values and discipline among practitioners. The All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) published the concept and purpose of Kendo in 1975.

Concept 

Kendo is a way to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (Japanese sword) 

Purpose 

To mold the mind and body. 

To cultivate a vigorous spirit, 

And through correct and rigid training, 

To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo. 

To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor. 

To associate with others with sincerity. 

And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. 

Thus will one be able: 

To love one's country and society; 

To contribute to the development of culture; 

And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

Kendo techniques compromise of both thrusts and strikes. Strikes are only made to the head, wrists and abdomen while the thrusts are made to the chest and throat. Of course, Kendo practitioners (Kendoka) use protection armour called bōgu (防具). The sword used in Kendo is called the shinai (竹刀) and is made of 4 bamboo slats fitted together.

Hard wooden swords called bokutō (木刀) are also used when practicing Kata.

A Kendo match highlight during the 47th All Japan Kendo Championship

Demonstration of Kendo kata

We don't normally carry swords around everywhere we go so why practice Kendo? There are many reasons why people still practice Kendo. It may be due to interest in the Japanese culture and tradition, for disciplining one self and become physically fit, or maybe just to experience what a weapons martial art is like. Kendo takes years to develop, often a life-time. In Japan, elderly men of age 60 and above still actively practice Kendo.

PTEK Kendo Club practices on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM but this schedule is to be changed to accommodate the members' schedules. For more information about PTEK Kendo Club, you can send an email to: dayat_2412@yahoo.com.

We also practice on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Badminton court of the Scout Building (5th floor) in Gadong. It is open to public and is practiced by Kendokas all over Brunei. The fees is $3 per session. Join this Facebook group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156149637792085/

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Fitting in PTEK

by Fatin Ghazali.

Fitting in has always been something that most of us struggled with throughout High School, even in our daily lives. Some of us changed ourselves just to blend in with the cliques, our schoolmates, even the background. We even changed ourselves into something that we don't even like just so that we won't be left out in group projects or eat alone during lunch.

In PTEK, to fit in, you just have to be yourself. You don't have the need to change who you are to get friends. Friends will come to you when you are who you are. You don't have to pretend to be someone else. Everyday, you have different classes, different classmates, different friends in CCA, you meet so many different people sharing the same interests with you. You get to meet variety of students with different views, varieties of interest and of different characters. You learn from your friends, everyday, there's always something new. Everyone is different. Everyone is unique. You don't have to try so hard to fit in. In PTEK, we're all a family. A colourful family.

Or instead of blendìng into the background so much, why don't you stand out? Take the center stage! Take the spotlight! Embrace your difference.

In PTEK, What's important is that you be who you are and people will love you for that. This is not highschool anymore, Mean Girls don't run the school. Thìs is college and here, PTEK family powers the engine. Remember, just be yourself- because you're AWESOME that way.

Photo by Feeqah Nordin.

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PTEK Chemistry Website

It was earlier informed that PTE Katok finally decided to open their very own Chemistry Website. Since it's still new, there won't be much at the moment but there surely will be. There's so much that we need to know. We might have missed something in class, it can be found there. 24/7 access! Go to their website by clicking here. Not to forget, they have also created a Facebook page, this is mainly created to assist to students. The school will always want what's best for us all. Click here to be directed to their Facebook Page.

"24/7 Access to Chemistry in PTE Katok; your online resource for all your needs! Information, discussions, multimedia are all within reach." - Sir Maxim

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Get To Know The Student Council Members!

By Joanne Lim.

To all those who are interested in being part of the student council, you have to have at least 6Os to apply and you will be chosen based on an interview that will be given by the present student council members themselves. In the student council, there is the president, the vice presidents, secretaries, treasurers and committees. The members are assigned to different bureaus with different duties to do. The bureaus are: Biro Keagamaan dan Kerohanian, Bureau of Cleanliness and Refreshment, Bureau of Discipline, Bureau of Public Relation, Bureau of Media and ICT, Bureau of Welfare, Bureau of CCA and last but not least, the Bureau of First Aid. 

As part of the student council, I am very proud to say that we have dedicated a lot of our time and effort to PTEK. We are grateful for what we have learned and experienced from all the duties we do and would like to take some time to thank all the teachers that have been there to guide and help us. We would also like to thank our student council president, Bibi Amadah who has done a big part in her role and has always been a good leader. Being part of the student council in PTEK, we got to learn about things like public speaking, organizing events and also taking huge responsibilities. We are always here to lend a helping hand if needed. Don't be afraid to consult us if there's anything you want to know about the student council and also the school. We are very easy to spot around school as we use a striking blueish-purple skirt for girls and blueish-purple ties for guys. Our pictures are now pinned up according to bureaus on the notice board just outside the examination section for students to get to know us more. Do take a look if you have the time or if you happen to pass by it.


Here are some pictures of the Student Council of the year 2011/2012.

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Why Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok?

Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok is a Pre-University college that has great facilities for both the students and the teachers. It is a place where you can continue your studies after secondary school and it helps you prepare for university. The students of Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok are friendly and are always there to lend a helping hand when needed. The lecturers, whereas came with a handful of experience to Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok to guide and lead us on to our future. To pass on the their knowledge to us students and to do their best in helping us get past these two years with flying colours. They are willing to help us succeed and all it takes is a part of your effort to actually interact with them by taking some of your free time to seek them for help and ask questions.

Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok provides a wide range of subjects with various career aspects for students to choose from. The subjects that are being offered are: Accounting, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Design & Technology, Economics, English Literature, English Literature AS, English 'AS' Levels, English 'O' Levels, Food & Nutrition Studies, Further Mathematics, General Paper, Geography, History, Malay, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Syariah, Travel & Tourism and last but not least, Usuluddin. 

If you are interested in knowing more about the subjects that you are intending to take, it is best that you come to Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok during the admission period that is starting tomorrow, 9th February 2012. It is advised that you also consult with the career section of Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok about your subject combinations to obtain the best results.

Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok also provides students with active clubs to boost up your chances of getting into university which is by joining the Student Council or any of the many many clubs introduced. Pulse is a club itself, the newsletter club. Here we encourage students to write, read and not to forget to show their talent by taking pictures or having their pictures taken of course. The clubs available at Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok are Pulse (Newsletter Club), Borneo Global Issue Conference Club, Proud To Be Bruneian Club, Silat Club, Taekwondo Club, Table Tennis Club, Choir Club, Athletics Club, English Debate Club, Badminton Club, Japanese Culture Club, Korean Culture Club, Photography Club, Jogging & Hiking Club, Football Club, Cooking & Baking Club, Rugby Club, Traditional Dance Club, Drama Club, Go Club, Energy Club, Gardening Club and many more. These clubs are managed by students, the president of each club will be elected every year and each and every club is under the supervision of the lecturers in Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok. It is also possible for students to propose a new club which will benefit both the school and the students.

In order to pass the admission into Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok, your address has to be listed within the catchment area for Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok. The selection of your subjects will also have to depend on the subjects you have taken for O Level and the results.

So, why not choose Pusat Tingkatan Enam Katok as your next destination!

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