National curriculum aligns with Cambridge, not adopted: MoESD minister

Neten Dorji

The Ministry of Education and Skill Development (MoESD) clarified that it is not adopting the Cambridge curriculum, but instead aligning Bhutan’s national school curriculum with international standards—while preserving the country’s values, culture, and priorities.

During the Meet-the-Press session yesterday, Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa said that the ministry had never intended to implement the Cambridge curriculum.

“We have our own unique curriculum and our own priorities aligned with Bhutanese culture and tradition,” Lyonpo said. “It will be rolled out nationwide once the alignment work is complete.”

The curriculum alignment process began in January this year with technical support from Cambridge. It is structured around four key components: curriculum design, teacher standards and training, assessment, and monitoring and evaluation.

To oversee the reform, the ministry has formed a Joint Steering Committee. Curriculum frameworks for key subjects—including English and Dzongkha—are currently being co-developed through consultations with teachers and education experts.

To support implementation, the ministry will conduct teacher orientation and capacity-building programmes across the country in September and October this year.

A review and co-development of textbooks and teaching-learning materials will begin in August and continue until December 2025. The process is aimed at ensuring all instructional resources align with the revised curriculum frameworks.

Annual professional development programmes will also be conducted in collaboration with Cambridge to provide continuous support for teachers under the new system.

The ministry plans to implement the aligned curriculum in all schools nationwide to ensure consistency and equity in the education system.

“Overall, in the MoESD we are fully committed to a smooth transition of the curriculum, which will improve the quality of education and make us globally competent while remaining grounded in Bhutanese values,” said Lyonpo.

TVET reform through German partnership

Addressing questions on the ministry’s strategy for strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Lyonpo highlighted a key international collaboration with the Chamber of Skilled Crafts Frankfurt Rhein-Main, Germany.

“The partnership was formalised through a Letter of Intent signed between the Chamber and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels,” Lyonpo said. “This collaboration has successfully led to the implementation of the ‘Greening TVET in Bhutan’ project.”

As part of the project, a German master trainer has been deployed to Bhutan. A series of workshops for trainers and trainees—based on German TVET standards—were held at a live construction site in Sarpang.

A model washroom facility was also constructed at the Jigme Wangchuck Power Training Institute (JWPTI) to serve as a practical training module for learners.

According to Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, the project has brought notable improvements in curriculum development, tool management systems, and promotional outreach.

In December 2024, the ministry submitted a long-term proposal to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. As of now, there has been no official response.

If approved, the partnership will transform JWPTI into a model green technical institute managed under German technical guidance and aligned with European TVET standards. The proposed transformation also aims to support broader national initiatives, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City  project.

“These collaborations mark a significant step in building a future-ready TVET system that promotes excellence, innovation, and sustainability,” Lyonpo said.