The School Year - China - Angloinfo (2024)

FAQs

What is the school year like in China? ›

Usually, the school year starts in September and last about 9 months. Summer vacation is in July and August while the winter holiday is around January or February.

The Chinese education system is without a doubt the most competitive in the world. Every year, nearly 10 million students take the Gaokao, the gruelling two- or three-day end-of-school exam that determines which universities students can gain admission to, and what direction their careers and futures may take.

Term times and school hours

Most schools start in the early morning (about 7:30 am) to early evening (about 6 pm) with 2 hours lunch break. Many schools have evening self-study classes running from 7 pm-9 pm so students can finish their homework and prepare for endless tests.

Around 18 years old. In China, one goes to kindergarten from 3–6, primary school from 6–12, junior middle school from 12–15, senior middle school, which is also called high school, from 15–18.

Chinese high school students typically study for about 12-14 hours a day, including both school and after-school study time. It is common for them to attend school from 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and then spend several more hours studying in the evening.

Public schools are usually free, but some schools may charge minimal fees or may charge for extra costs, such as food and extra-curricular activities. Overall, though, public schools are much cheaper than their private and international school alternatives.

Education in China is primarily managed by the state-run public education system, which falls under the Ministry of Education. All citizens must attend school for a minimum of nine years, known as nine-year compulsory education, which is funded by the government.

According to a white paper published last year by the Chinese Sleep Research Society, the average sleep duration for primary, middle and high school students was 7.65, 7.48 and 6.5 hours, respectively, which is significantly less than the target of 10, 9 and 8 hours in the Healthy China 2030 plan.

In China, it is common for students to have naps at school in the middle of the day. Most students nap at their desks, but experts have warned that the practice is bad for children's physical development.

Much like how adults tend to feel “done” after 8 hours, children also reach their limit. A 7-hour day at school or childcare, mirroring this rhythm, ensures that they are engaged and receptive during their learning hours.

How many hours do Chinese sleep? ›

Chinese people sleep on average 6-7 hours at night. They wake up around 7.30 AM and goes to bed around 12 AM. However, it is recommended to sleep 8 hours at night.

Healthcare in China is free for Chinese citizens and Chinese permanent residents. If you're a foreigner with permanent resident status you may be able to access government supported public health insurance. If not, you'll need private health cover.

Students attend classes five days a week and primary school education currently includes nine compulsory courses, which include Chinese, Mathematics, Social Studies, Nature, Physical Education, Ideology and Morality, Music, Fine Art, and Labor Studies. Foreign Language is normally offered as an elective course.

The summer vacation begins in July, and lasts for about 8 weeks. Winter vacation is determined by the date of the Chinese Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, and because the date of this festival differs from year to year, the length of the winter break is not fixed.

Normally, each school day is split into 45-minute classes with 10 minutes of break in between. In some schools, students may even have nap time in the afternoon. During the week they focus on Chinese, mathematics, and natural sciences, with some physical education and art classes mixed in depending on the school.

Chinese students attend classes five or six days a week from the early morning (about 7 am) to early evening (4 pm or later). On Saturdays, many schools hold required morning classes in science and math. Many students also attend 補習班 (buxiban), or cram school, in the evening and on weekends.

Children start schools at age six (seven in some areas). The language of instruction is Mandarin Chinese with the exception of the primary schools that mainly admit ethnic minority students. A typical school year is comprised of two semesters and runs from the month of September to July.