Budhanilkantha School
Budhanilkantha School is a public and boarding school in Nepal. The school campus occupies an area of 300 ropanis (1 ropanis=5476 sq. feet) and is located at the base of Shivapuri mountain, far north of the Kathmandu valley. Instructions start from the 4th grade through high school.
History
The school was established in 1972 on the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley with the aim of creating the national school as a joint collaboration by the Nepali and UK Governments. Budhanilkantha would be for gifted children from all corners of Nepal, including those from poor economic backgrounds who would not otherwise receive a good education. More than one-third of the students receive some form of scholarship from the government or private British organizations to cover the cost of their education and stay in school. Lately, approximately one third of the students received scholarships which are provided by the Government of Nepal as per the constitution of the school which envisages enrollment of students nationwide based on merit [1].
Curriculum
The school educates students from grades 4 to 10, following the Ministry of Education and Sports, Nepal Curriculum for Class 4 to 10 and SLC. After completing grade 10, students can choose between studying for the University of Cambridge GCE A-levels or the Higher Secondary Board, Nepal Curriculum for 10+2 (Class 11 & Class 12)programme[2].
Most students go on to attend colleges and universities in Nepal, India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The alumni association[3] of Budhanilkantha school is actively engaged in uplifting Nepalese society through various programmes.
The school is fully residential and there are about 920 students in a school year. These students are sorted into 12 houses based on sex and grade. All the houses are named after randomly chosen Himalayan peaks and have a colored flag and motto. Each house has a Head of House, Assistant Head of House and duty teachers who are responsible for the students of each house. The houses compete in various extracurricular activities throughout the year.
| Name | Motto | Category | Classes | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaulagiri | United We Succeed | Boys - Junior | 4, 5 and 6 | Orange |
| Makalu | Per Verancia Per Vincit | Boys - Junior | 4, 5 and 6 | Dark Blue |
| Annapurna | Service Through Leadership | Boys - Junior | 6, 7 and 8 | Green |
| Kanchenjunga | Wisdom, Integrity and Respect | Boys - Junior | 6, 7 and 8 | Sky Blue |
| Nilgiri | Working Better Together | Boys - Senior | 9 and 10 | Red |
| Pumori | In Societate Vita | Boys - Senior | 9 and 10 | Yellow |
| Hiunchuli | Aim High | Girls - Junior | 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 | Pink |
| Saipal | United We Stand | Girls - Junior | 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 | Maroon |
| Ratnachuli | Girls - Senior and Upper Senior | 9, 10, A-Level and 10+2 | Gray | |
| Choyu | Learning for Life | Girls - Senior and Upper Senior | 9, 10, A-Level, 10+2 | Black |
| Byasrishi | Quest for Enlightment | Boys - Upper Senior | A-Level and 10+2 | Dark Blue |
| Gaurishankar | Wise is the Man who looks Ahead | Boys - Upper Senior | A-Level, 10+2 | Gray |
Entry into the school is highly selective and students must pass an entrance exam to gain admission into the school. Normally, entrance examinations are taken for entry into class 4 and post SLC levels. This is intended to continue the high academic status of the school.
Status
The school is considered the National School of Nepal. The main aim of the school is to provide its students with quality education and various extra curricular activities. There are several clubs in the school which organise programs of various sorts throughout the year.
The current principal of the school is Mr. Narayan Prasad Sharma.There are currently four vice principals in the school; Mr. Keshar Khulal (Lower Secondary Level),Mr Romesh Nath Dawadi (Higher Secondary Level), Mr Lal Bahadur Rana (Extra curricular) & Mr. Chaitanya Nath Pandey (Administrative). Almost all of the teachers also live within the school campus making it easier for the school to conduct classes during bandhs and strikes. Because of these circumstances many argue that Budhanilkantha School is an educational bubble greatly lacking in providing a thriving environment for social skill development. Others criticize it as a launching ground for both students and teachers alike to go abroad. Apart from this, the school is considered mostly without fault producing a number of highly successful graduates each year. The school also sends a number of graduates to foreign institutions of higher learning, especially in the United States. Budhanilkantha alumni usually perform well in even the most prestigious institutions, like Ivy League Universities, the most recent example being Budhanilkantha 2002 graduate Prabesh Regmi, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Wharton School of Business, of the University of Pennsylvania.
Key Events
- In 1983, the school became an English Medium School and a big adjustment in administrative management occurred.
- The Cambridge University O-Level program was introduced in 1985.
- Primary knowledge of computer education was started in 1986 and a computer installed in the general office.
- A-Level Programme introduced in 1986.
- In 1991 Budhanikantha School became a co-educational institution as well.
- In 1995, the management was handed over to a Nepalese management team by the British government.
- In 1997, on the occasion of the school's Silver Jubilee Year the school introduced 10+2 program of the Higher Secondary Education Council.
- In 1997, a Micro Hydro Plant was installed in the school campus by the help of Pestalozzi Overseas Children's Trust U.K.
References
- ↑ Budhanilkantha School web site accessed August 21st 2007
- ↑ http://bnks.edu.np/academics.htm
- ↑ Alumini association - SEBS Online
- ↑ BNKS History accessed August 20st 2007