What subjects are taught in Bangladeshi elementary schools?

I’m researching the Bangladeshi education system to compare it with my country’s curriculum, and I’m particularly interested in understanding the foundational subjects taught during elementary school. Specifically, I want to know about the core subjects mandated in the national curriculum for grades 1-5, whether there are any specialized topics introduced at this level, how subjects like Bangla, English, Mathematics, and Science are structured, and if there’s an emphasis on subjects like Moral Education or Social Studies. Could you provide a detailed breakdown of the typical subjects taught in Bangladeshi elementary schools and how they align with the government’s educational goals?

The subjects taught in Bangladeshi elementary schools (grades 1 to 5, covering the primary level) are primarily determined by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). The core subjects and key areas include:

1. Bengali (Mother Language): Developing reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, literature, and cultural understanding.
2. English (Second Language): Developing basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), vocabulary, grammar, and simple texts.
3. Mathematics: Numbers, operations, measurement, geometry, data handling, fractions, decimals, basic algebra concepts, and problem-solving.
4. General Science: Introduction to the natural world covering basic concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science through observation and simple experiments.
5. Social Studies / Bangladesh and Global Studies: Integrating history (local and national), geography (physical and political), civics (rights, duties, government), culture, and global awareness.
6. Religious Education (Mandatory):
   • Islamic Studies: Quranic recitation, basic Islamic beliefs (Aqeedah), practices (Ibadah), life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), moral values, and Islamic history for Muslim students.
   • Hindu Studies: Basic Hindu beliefs, scriptures, deities, festivals, moral values, and history for Hindu students.
   • Buddhist Studies: Basic Buddhist beliefs, life of Buddha, moral values (like the Five Precepts), festivals, and history for Buddhist students.
   • Christian Studies: Basic Christian beliefs, life of Jesus Christ, prayers, festivals, moral values, and history for Christian students.
7. Arts and Crafts: Drawing, painting, music, singing, dancing, simple crafts, and cultural activities.
8. Physical Education (PE): Games, sports, physical fitness exercises, athletics, and basic movement skills.
9. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Studies: (Often included in Social Studies or as a standalone module) Introducing the life, philosophy, and historical significance of the founding father of Bangladesh.
10. Moral Education / Values Education: (Integrated or standalone) Focusing on developing ethical values, integrity, responsibility, empathy, and good citizenship.
11. Digital Literacy / ICT Basics: Increasingly integrated across subjects; introducing basic computer operations, keyboarding, simple software (paint, word processors), and internet safety concepts.

Key Characteristics:

• Medium of Instruction: Bengali is the primary medium of instruction. English is taught as a subject.
• Integrated Approach: In the early grades (1-3), Science and Social Studies are often taught as "General Science" and "Social Studies" with an integrated thematic approach rather than separate subjects. Differentiation becomes clearer in grades 4 and 5.
• Practical Emphasis: Subjects like Arts, Crafts, and PE prioritize hands-on learning and participation.
• National Identity: Subjects like Social Studies, Religious Education, and Bangabandhu Studies strongly emphasize Bangladeshi national identity, culture, and heritage.