Elementary School Education: Thimpu
An elementary school classroom in Thimpu.
The English language is the scholarly language of Bhutan, which means that all education is done using the English language. The native language, Dzongkha, or translated literally, the language of the fortresses, is taught as a separate subject, but most of the students learn this as their native language before entering school. All the students come into the school after kindergarten or their homes and are fluent in English within one year.
Every morning at this particular school, there is an assembly outside where the principal speaks to the students, the flag is raised, and two students present a different speech, one in English and the other is Dzongkha. At this school, the students were extremely polite, addressing all their elders as either Madame, or Sir and making sure that their guests were comfortable.
During our visit, we were able to view a few classes the topics being English, Science, and homework collection. All the topics were taught in English, with Dzongkha being the only exception. The students all wore the national clothing as their school uniforms. I was very impressed with the education system. The students were attentive and challenged at all times. To give an example, if a student were to answer a question, but not confidently, even if it was correct, the student would be told to say it again with confidence.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting a school while traveling in Bhutan.
Every morning at this particular school, there is an assembly outside where the principal speaks to the students, the flag is raised, and two students present a different speech, one in English and the other is Dzongkha. At this school, the students were extremely polite, addressing all their elders as either Madame, or Sir and making sure that their guests were comfortable.
During our visit, we were able to view a few classes the topics being English, Science, and homework collection. All the topics were taught in English, with Dzongkha being the only exception. The students all wore the national clothing as their school uniforms. I was very impressed with the education system. The students were attentive and challenged at all times. To give an example, if a student were to answer a question, but not confidently, even if it was correct, the student would be told to say it again with confidence.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting a school while traveling in Bhutan.