Education in Bhutan

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Bhutan primary school

Buildings of Gaeddu College of Business Studies in Bhutan 4

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Thinleygang Primary School, Bhutan 2005. Photo- Andrew Adzic, AusAID (10730008973)

Education in Bhutan has undergone significant transformation and development over the past few decades. The country's education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for implementing educational policies, programs, and reforms to ensure access to quality education for all citizens of Bhutan.

History

The formal education system in Bhutan began in the early 20th century with the establishment of a few monastic schools. The modern education system started to take shape in the 1960s when the first secular schools were introduced. Since then, the government has placed a high priority on education as a means of achieving Gross National Happiness, a philosophy that guides Bhutan's development policies and programs.

Structure

The Bhutanese education system is structured into four main levels: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Pre-primary Education

Pre-primary education in Bhutan is for children aged 3 to 6 years. It serves as a foundation for lifelong learning and development.

Primary Education

Primary education lasts for six years, covering grades PP to 6. It provides basic education in literacy, numeracy, and essential life skills.

Secondary Education

Secondary education is divided into two stages: lower secondary (grades 7 to 9) and higher secondary (grades 10 to 12). It aims to further develop students' knowledge and skills in various subjects.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in Bhutan includes colleges and universities that offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The Royal University of Bhutan is a key institution, comprising several colleges spread across the country.

Curriculum

The curriculum in Bhutan is designed to promote a holistic education that balances academic subjects with values education, focusing on the development of a good human being. It includes traditional subjects such as mathematics, science, and language arts, along with Bhutanese culture, environmental studies, and Gross National Happiness values.

Challenges

Despite significant progress, the education system in Bhutan faces several challenges, including improving the quality of education, reducing rural-urban disparities, and ensuring that education is inclusive and accessible to all, including those with disabilities.

Future Directions

The Bhutanese government continues to invest in education, with plans to enhance the quality of teaching, update the curriculum to meet contemporary needs, and incorporate information and communication technology (ICT) in education. These efforts aim to prepare Bhutanese students for the challenges of the 21st century and contribute to the country's development.

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