The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is currently working on a major project to align the National School Curriculum (NSC) with international standards set by Cambridge International.
Set to be completed by July 2025, this alignment will significantly impact all schools across the country, aiming to modernize and improve the quality of education to meet global expectations.
The change is not just about updating the curriculum but also transforming how education is delivered, ensuring that students are equipped to compete on a global stage.
The ministry explained that the process will not be carried out in phases, but will be implemented uniformly across all schools. The ministry also confirmed that it is not a complete curriculum replacement, but an effort to update and improve specific subjects, modernizing the overall framework.
“Essentially, the plan is to streamline content, removing redundancies and introducing new materials and revised teaching methodologies,” said MoESD.
These changes are designed to make the curriculum more relevant and ensure that it aligns with international benchmarks, giving students the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
A significant aspect of the alignment will be teacher capacity development. MoESD said that over the next few years, MoESD will collaborate with Cambridge International to provide relevant professional development programs.
The ministry said, “These will include workshops, seminars, and online resources designed to equip teachers with the necessary skills to implement the new curriculum effectively.”
This is to equip teachers with the skills they need to effectively implement the updated curriculum in their classrooms, ensuring the changes are truly transformative for students.
In terms of changes to the curriculum, MoESD said that the most significant revisions will be made to Grades IX to XII. “These grades will undergo substantial revisions to ensure they align with international standards,” said MoESD.
However, the changes will not be confined to the upper grades. The ministry said, “Adjustments will also be made in lower grades to reinforce foundational learning, ensuring a smooth transition for students as they progress through the system.”
The revised curriculum will also emphasize applied learning and critical thinking. “The focus will shift toward skills that are essential for success in the 21st century,” the ministry said. These updates aim to incorporate technology and ensure that students are better equipped to solve complex problems and think critically.
MoESD shared that the assessment system will also be updated. The ministry said, “The Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) will transition to a grading system, and will be co-branded with Cambridge International.”
This change will enhance the global recognition of BHSEC, making it more competitive in international education and job markets.
“The new system will place greater emphasis on assessing authentic learning outcomes, rather than simply rote memorization,” said the ministry. This will allow more holistic approach to evaluating student performance, focusing on real-world applications of knowledge.
MoESD said that Bhutan’s education system has made significant strides in aligning its curriculum with international standards, especially up to Grade VIII, where it already closely follows Cambridge International guidelines. However, further alignment is still needed, particularly for Grades IX to XII, in order to fully meet global standards.
Even though the curriculum is in line with international benchmarks in the lower grades, “Minor gaps can limit the effectiveness of the overall education system,” as stated by the ministry.
These gaps can hinder the system’s ability to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in a globalized world.
