After nine long years, Royal Education Council (REC) is likely to reintroduce Shakespeare in the English curriculum for secondary schools. It is to replace dramas; class XI and XII have in the curriculum, from the next academic session.
Shakespeare was discontinued in 2006 with the introduction of New English curriculum. Many had felt Shakespearean language was obsolete, among other reasons.
However, based on the consultations carried out by REC with English teachers across the country, the reintroduction of Shakespeare was deemed important.
“It has deeper meaning, essence and philosophy which are not seen in the dramas being taught in the new curriculum,” said Rinchen Higher Secondary School’s Principal, Tshering Dorji.
He said it is applicable cut across nationality, ages, professions and philosophies. “
Royal Education Council’s, Kesang Choden Dorji said the response from teachers and the Ministry of Education has been positive.
“The main challenge would be teacher capacity. We are fortunate that most of the teachers teaching English at that level have studied and taught Shakespeare.”
No studies have been done to assess the impact of the new English curriculum.
REC is currently in the process of conducting an evaluation study. Reintroduction of Shakespeare is part of this study.
