China Educational System – Ensuring a Brighter Future through Quality Education

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China is one of the most populous countries in the world today with over 1.3  billion people. To improve the quality of life there are varied school systems that are being implemented in the country. There are preschools and kindergartens, primary, secondary, vocational schools, key schools, and schools for the handicapped like the blind and deaf. The government handles the China educational system, but the Chinese Communist Party also plays an important role in managing education since 1949. 

In 1986, the Law on Nine-Year Compulsory Education was established. This guaranteed school-aged children the right to receive basic education in China. Compulsory education comprised of the primary and junior middle school education. Tuition for the compulsory education is free; however textbooks and other learning materials are at the expense of the students.

Primary education is a 6-year educational course where students are taught the basics of the core subjects like Math, Chinese, Geography, History, Science, etc. Physical Education and political and moral education are also emphasized during this period. Junior Middle school or junior high is a continuation of primary education. Students enroll the same subjects but take on higher levels of learning for all topics covered. At the end of the school year, pupils will take an examination that will determine whether or not they qualify to pursue Senior Middle school or vocational school. For any type of higher education, students must first take the NCEE or National College Entrance Exam. Admission to any university of college is decided on the result of the NCEE. The candidates’ social behavior and moral character are also taken into consideration before admission.

There are over 900 universities in China and the level and quality of education varies immensely. Tsinghua University & Beijing University and Fudan University in Shanghai are three of the highest ranking universities in China. The level and quality of education is similar to that of western universities. Most of these universities in China offer 4 or 5 year courses which are equivalent to getting a Bachelor’s Degree. In cases where students want to pursue their master’s and doctorate degree, entrance exams are required. Other than universities, there are also colleges in China that offer 2 or 3-year diploma courses in different vocational subjects. Also, there are “regular” colleges that are established as teacher training facilities.

There are two types of grading system being used in China. The first is the five-scale system where “A” is equivalent to Excellent, “B” means Good, “C” is for Average, “D” is for Satisfactory, and “F” is for Unsatisfactory or Fail. The four-scale system follows with “A” as excellent, “B” for Good, “C” for Satisfactory, and “D” for Unsatisfactory or Fail. In some transcripts, the numerical grades are printed based on a 0-100 scale. The letter-grade equivalents are also presented for a more specific value of the grades. The body responsible for enforcing policies and laws concerning education is the State Education Commission or SEC. Their influence is felt mostly in higher education schools such as universities. The local government on the other hand is responsible for the management of the primary and secondary schools.

Photo is Tsinghua University.

For Further Reading:

The Primary Education in China is More than Just the Basics

Secondary Education in China Ensures Growth and Skill Competence

Higher Education in China - A Mere Privilege

Shenzhen Language Schools: Quality Education in the Heart of China

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