Courses

Both theory and practice are properly interrelated in the curriculum to provide an opportunity to develop the necessary skill and aptitude. Other subjects like English, Math and Dzongkha are also taught at the basic level. The students will complete one class or level in one academic year. The practical session and the exam at the end of the academic year are the main tests, which judge the students’ progress and thereby decide their promotion to the next

higher class. Besides their class timetable, the school also focuses on the timely mental development of the students by including special prayer sessions every morning and evening.

The courses are spread over six years. As the school only started in 1999, the first batch of students are yet to start their fifth year, this year being the 2004-2005 academic year.

In the first two years “Rimo” (Drawing) is emphasized. This provides the basis that will allow the students to continue in other crafts. All the students are expected to pass this course. From the third year onward, options for different skills such as: embroidery, carving, sculpture, Trueko (metal work), and Thangka painting are offered based on the children’s choice and aptitude.

The Rimo (drawing) is the basic foundation of all the courses. All the specialized courses require basic knowledge of Rimo. During the first two years, students learn how to draw and paint all forms of the traditional arts of Bhutan. Click HERE to learn more about Rimo in the gallery.

The students who successfully complete the Rimo course have the option of specializing in Thangka painting. Here the course takes an intermediate to advanced techniques of painting. Click HERE to learn more about Thangka in the gallery.

Patra courses are introduced in the 2002-2003 academic year. Here too, the students must have completed the Rimo classes. Click HERE to learn more about Patra in the gallery.

The Fifth year and the Sixth (year), which are yet to be introduced will include further advanced courses related to Zorig Chusum. However, the introduction of the courses will depend on the students' interests and willingness to study those crafts. CTAS is very flexible regarding the courses that students can take.