The Chinese Education System: Organized and Advanced
The Chinese educational system is maintained and regulated by the State. The Ministry of Education in China is responsible for monitoring and evaluating all aspects of the education system. Several nodal agencies also oversee the functioning of educational institutions. It is compulsory for all children to attend at least 9 years of school. The education system in China is very well developed and efficiently implemented. The Chinese education system caters to the needs of a growing population and reflects the socialist aspirations of the country.
About China
Officially known as the People’s Republic of China, this East Asian nation is currently home to 1,427,647,786 people. Chinese civilization is ancient and it dates back to nearly 8,000 years. China is the most populous nation in the world today. The Republic of China was established in 1912. Towards the end of the Chinese Civil War, the victorious Communist Party formed the People’s Republic of China under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong in 1949. China is a modern nation which is rapidly experiencing financial growth. Its booming economy is the reason behind its advancement as a leader in world economics.
China is a single party socialist state and Mandarin is its official language. China comprises 23 provinces and 4 municipalities. This nation also has 5 autonomous regions and 2 special administrative regions. The per capita income in China is $19,504 and its GDP is around $27.309 trillion trillion. In the year 2018, 96% percent of children of age above 15 years were literate. According to programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), in 2009, Chinese students from Sanghai achieved the world's best results in mathematics, science and literacy.
Pre-primary Education in China
Pre-school education in China is not compulsory.. Pre-primary education is either a full time or part time 3- year program which is for children ranging from the age of 3 to 5 years. Kindergartens and pre-school classes are offered in China. The State Education Commission has also established laws such as Rules for the Administration of Kindergartens for ensuring proper standards of pre-primary education in the country. In rural parts of the country, pre-school education consists of seasonal kindergartens and nurseries. Informal, traditional approaches to pre-school education are followed in rural areas of China as well. In urban areas, several well-equipped modern kindergartens are established which ensure quality education for pre-schoolers. Kindergartens generally focus on Chinese language, mathematics, and play/socializing activities. Pre-primary school are available in abundance across China and enrollment is very high. Parents like to send children to Kindergarten so they could be prepared to attend formal school.
Basic Education in China
The Chinese education law make its mandatory for every children to attend 9 year of school education. Children start attending primary school at age 6 or 7. Basic education comprises of 6 year of primary school and 3 year of Junior Secondary School. At this stage students learn subjects like Chinese, mathematics, physical education, music, drawing, and elementary instruction in nature, history, and geography, combined with practical work experiences. After successful completion of 9 years of School education children write
Zhongkao: Senior High School Entrance Examination.
Senior Secondary Education in China
In people's republic republic of China a High School Graduate i.e. a person who completes 3 years of Senior Secondary Education is considered as educated person. After completion of 9 years of School education students take
Zhongkao: Senior High School Entrance Examination. Successful candidates in the entrance examination received certificate which is a compulsory requirement to enter to Senior Secondary School. School years are divided into Semester. One year has 2 semesters. Examinations are held in September and February months. The academic curriculum for secondary school consists of Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, Ideology & Political Science, Music, Fine Arts, PE, Technology, Computing etc. Some schools may also offer vocational subjects. In addition, many general subjects are also taught as well classes on extracurricular activities. English, Mathematics and Chinese are taken very seriously as these are the compulsory subjects to tested in
Gaokao: National College Entrance ExaminationHigher education in China
Higher education institutions in China include research institutes, specialised institutes, professional universities, colleges, military institutions and medical schools. The National College Entrance Examination (NCEEE) must be taken before applying to higher education institutes. The results at this examination determine the prospects of admission into higher education programs in China. Diploma courses in universities and colleges in China are for the duration of 2 to 3 years. An additional 2 or 3 years of study needs to be completed to attain a Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree in medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, architecture or engineering lasts for 5 years. To gain admission to a Master’s course an entrance examination has to be cleared following the completion of a Bachelor’s degree program. A Master’s degree takes 2 to 3 years to complete. Admission to doctoral programs in China requires clearance of an additional entrance examination following the attainment of a Master’s degree. Some universities also combine the Master’s degree program along with the doctoral program. The gross enrolment ratio in tertiary education is 64 % (UNESCO). According to the Ministry of Education, China has 879 regular colleges and universities.
Conclusion
Education in China is advanced and is carefully regulated by the State Education Commission and the Ministry of Education. Attending school for nine years is mandatory for every Chinese citizen. Excellence in the fields of science, medicine and engineering make China a very attractive destination for students interested in scientific and technological disciplines.