COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

Education
11.24 In 1986, the enrolment level between pre-primary and Class VI was 49,485. By 1990, the enrolment in the
primary education was 63,643. The primary school enrolment is higher than that shown in Table 11.I as some of the
junior schools also have primary sections. The growth rate of enrolment thus exceeded planned increases. The
increase in enrolment in the 1987-88 and 1988-89 academic years were 8% and 11% respectively. The growth rates
of enrolment were highest among the educationally underserved Dzongkhags and regions which made some impact
on reducing the disparity in access to education. However, the difference is still quite marked (see Table 11.3).
11.25 In terms of physical development works, 49 community schools were planned, while a total of 84
community schools were established. A total of 12 primary schools were planned, and the 5 primary schools to be
constructed under the Royal Government's funding were completed. The 7 donor funded primary schools were still
to be constructed at the end of the 6FYP.
Secondary EducationSecondary Education
11.26 Nanglam Junior High School was opened in 1990 and Mongar Junior High School was upgraded into a
High School. Many high schools had primary sections which are beginning to be transferred to Primary Schools.
Class XI-XII courses were introduced in Yangchenphug High School.
Higher EducationHigher Education
11.27 The enrolment in the degree course in Sherubtse College increased from 166 in 1986 to 200 in 1991 and
Honours courses were introduced in the 1991 academic year. The enrolment at the National Institution of
Education increased from 41 in 1986 to 74 in 1991. Class XI-XII courses have also been introduced in Simtokha
Rigney School to prepare for its elevation to a degree level institution.
Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum Development
11.28 In the 6FYP, the New Approach to Primary Education was introduced. It is a children centred approach
using nationally developed and relevant curricula. For example, the teaching of science is based on learning from
the immediate environment, through tending to the school kitchen gardens, through introduction of health, hygiene
and population education. The subject was renamed "Environmental Science".
11.29 To nationalize the curriculum to Bhutan's needs and ethos, the Curriculum and Textbook Development
Division of the Department of Education has been strengthened with recruitment of selected curriculum writers
from the teaching force. The Division has re-written the English text and work books, simplified Dzongkha text
books, prepared teachers' guides, science and environmental science (EVS), Bhutanese history and geography
textbooks and produced teaching materials for NAPE. District Resource Teachers have been posted in each
Dzongkhag to provide support to teachers in the introduction of NAPE.
Teacher TrainingTeacher Training
11.30 The output of primary school teachers from the 2 Teacher Training Institutions has increased from 46 in
1987 to 130 in 1991. The output of secondary teachers from National Institute of Education increased from 20 in
1987 to 27 in 1991. Nevertheless, there is a marked shortage of national teachers and many teachers have not had
any training in the New Approach to Primary Education.
Royal Institute of ManagementRoyal Institute of Management
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