School System in

ChinaJoanne Chen

2015

The Law of Nine-Year Compulsory Education

(中华人民共和国义务教育法） July 1, 1986

• Education is required and free for Chinese citizens age 6 to 15. Chinese children all get a primary and middle school public education.

• Parents must pay small fees for books and uniforms. • Each class averages 35 students. But often 40-50 students.

The Law of Nine-Year Compulsory

• In 1986, the Chinese government passed a compulsory education law, making nine years of education mandatory for all Chinese children.

• The modern education system is composed of three parts: pre-school education, basic education and higher education.

Higher education

Basic education

Pre-school education

School system

China's Educational SystemNational Key University

BA, MA, PhD Project 211

General University; Provincial Key BA, MA, PhD

Can Also Confer 3-yr Diplomas

Normal University (Teacher's College)

Vocational College Two Year

Gao Kao (College Entrance) Exam

Senior Middle School (15 - 18 years old); Key and General

Vocational School

15 - 18 yrs

Zhong Kao (Senior Middle School Entrance) ExamJunior Middle School; 12 - 15 years old

Primary (Elementary) School; 6 - 12 years oldKindergarten; 3 - 6 years old

Class schedule

• Monday- Friday 7AM to 4PM or later• On Saturday morning, many schools hold required

morning classes. • Subjects study: Chinese, English, history, literature math,

science, music, art and physical education.

Typical Senior Middle School Class Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:00 - 8:40 Class Meeting Chinese Physics Math Math

8:50 - 9:30 Chinese Biology English Chinese P.E.9:30 - 9:50 Morning Exercises

9:50 - 10:30 Math Math Chemistry History Biology

10:40 - 11:20 English Chemistry Chinese English History

11:20 - 11:30 Eye Muscle Relaxation Exercises

11:30 - 12:10 History/Geography English Biology Politics Chemistry

12:10 - 2:00 Lunch Break

2:00 - 2:40 Math Elective Math Physics English2:50 - 3:30 Politics Elective P.E. Biology Chinese3:40 - 4:20 Physics Self-Study Youth League Activity Quiz4:30 - 5:30 Extracurricular Activity, e.g., Piano Lessons5:30 - 6:30 Dinner Break

6:30 - 12:00 Homework

School Life 学校生活• School begins around 7:30 with a flag raising ceremony

and a lecture from the principal • Typical school day is from 7:00am to 4:00pm• Middle class children fill the hours after school with

homework, music lesson and other enrichment programs. English and math classes are popular.

Preschool 幼儿园

Primary School 小学

High school

Gao Kao 高考• In high school, Chinese students begin preparing for the Gao Kao (National

University Entrance Examinations).• Results of the exam determine which university test-takers will attend the

following year. • There were 9.42 million students taking the China’s National Higher

Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao) on June 2015.• Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao) on June 2015.

Investment in education accounts for about 4% of total GDP in China.

• Held once annually at the end of the school year(Early July)• Third-year (12th Grade) high school students take the test • Subject includes: Chinese language and literature, math, English,

and one or more subjects of student’s choice. (History, physics, social studies or Chemistry)

• Students are accepted based on the test score.• Students may re-take the test if they fail the test

Gao Kao 高考

Exam Day

Rural schools

• Some 60 million students in rural school are “left-behind” children, cared for by their grandparents as their parents seek work in faraway cities.

Migrant children

• Hukou 戶口 system – a residency status that ties access to subsidized social services to one’s hometown – denies rural children the right to enter urban public schools.

• Many migrant children are relegated to private schools that charge higher tuition.

Teaching Methodology

• Rote Memorization and a focus on math, science and Chinese.• Extensive test prep for middle school, high school and college

entrance exam. • Children have traditionally learned by repetition and

memorizing material without asking questions.

Banquet to Thank Teachers 谢师宴

Holidays and breaks

• National Holiday in the beginning of October. (10-12 days)• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in mid-January or mid-

February depending on the lunar calendar. (2-3 weeks)• Labor day (May 1) • Summer Vacation (Mid-July to end of August)

Strengths of Chinese Schools

• Teachers in China are given more respect. • Chinese schools have a hard work ethic, resulting in student

success.• Chinese schools do not segregate in high achieving students fro

lower achieving students through tracking levels.

Negative aspect of Chinese education system • All sorts of exams including Gao Kao (University Entrance Exam)

determine and are the proof of students’ success. • For many students, the Gao Kao is the most important thing for

them. Many people believe that the Gao Kao robs Chinese students of their curiosity, creativity, and childhood.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2009-07/13/content_8420528.htm

http://collegestats.org/2012/08/15-facts-about-chinas-grueling-college-entrance-exam/