January 10, 2025
THIMPHU – The Ministry of Education and Skills Development plans to introduce the integrated Cambridge curriculum this year to enhance subject knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. However, questions remain as to how the curriculum would affect the quality of education and address existing challenges in the school system.
The decision follows consultations with Cambridge International, which highlighted the need to improve teaching and evaluation methods during the National Education Conference in August 2024.
At the recent meet-the-press session, Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa announced significant progress in the consultations, stating that the project was nearing finalisation. The minister also said that Cambridge International provided valuable insights and feedback.
The curriculum for classes up to eight was found to be partially aligned with Cambridge standards, while the higher secondary curriculum is being refined to ensure alignment, progression, and the inclusion of diverse learning pathways based on recommendations.
The collaboration includes four key initiatives: aligning the school curricula with international standards, enhancing assessment systems to support these changes, conducting teacher training programmes to build capacity, and pursuing accreditation of Bhutan’s education system for global recognition.
The ministry had planned to launch a professional development programme for curriculum developers, teacher education leaders, and officials from the Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment in October last year, but this has yet to be implemented.
The programme aims to enhance skills in curriculum alignment, teaching strategies, and student assessment with the support of Cambridge International.
This is not the first instance of the Cambridge curriculum in Bhutan. Pelkhil School, a private institution in Thimphu, has already piloted the curriculum and is fully prepared for its implementation.
The success story of Pelkhil School, coupled with the learning improvements reported by teachers, suggests that the ministry’s broader initiative has the potential to succeed and elevate Bhutan’s education system to international standards.
Benefits of Cambridge Curriculum
Bhutan’s education system has long grappled with traditional teaching and learning methods shaped by curriculum demands. The introduction of the Cambridge curriculum could standardize the curriculum and, through global accreditation, position Bhutan’s system as competitive, offering students access to a more modern and enriched learning environment.
A retired education official said that the Cambridge curriculum has the potential to strengthen Bhutan’s educational framework, given its internationally recognised standards and holistic approaches.
Currently, the Cambridge curriculum is implemented in over 160 countries worldwide, reflecting its global reach and acceptance.
An educator said that incorporating the Cambridge curriculum could significantly enhance Bhutan’s education system, ensuring students receive a world-class education.
The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving, moving away from rote memorisation to promote a deeper understanding and practical application of knowledge.
Unlike traditional methods, the Cambridge approach fosters student-centered learning through self-discovery and inquiry.
This aligns with Bhutan’s goal of developing globally competent students while maintaining a connection to local learning content, as noted by teachers.
One teacher in Thimphu highlighted that students who have completed the Cambridge curriculum easily transition to higher education institutions worldwide, as Cambridge qualifications are widely recognised by universities and employers.
This provides Bhutanese students with opportunities to compete on a global scale, gain international exposure, and contribute to the global education system.
The Cambridge curriculum also emphasises equipping students with essential 21st-century skills, including communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and adaptability. These competencies are crucial for success in a rapidly changing world.
By incorporating these skills into Bhutan’s education system, the country can better prepare the youth for the demands of the modern workforce.
The Cambridge curriculum also requires comprehensive teacher training programmes, which can enhance the professional development of Bhutanese educators. Exposure to advanced teaching methods and assessment techniques will empower teachers to deliver high-quality education, ensuring long-term sustainability and strengthening the overall education ecosystem in Bhutan.
According to the Cambridge International School, the Cambridge Pathway prepares learners for the future, offering five stages of education from ages 3 to 19. The pathway progresses seamlessly from early years to pre-university, with each stage building on the previous one to further develop learners’ knowledge, understanding, and skills.
Schools can choose which stages to offer and select from a wide range of subjects, allowing them to tailor the curriculum to meet their needs and engage their students.