AGES 6 TO 18

THE CHINESE CURRICULUM

The Chinese National Curriculum is a comprehensive syllabus that Chinese students study through primary school (six years), lower secondary school (three years), and senior secondary school (three years). By law, every child must study for nine years of compulsory education, which equates to primary and lower secondary school.

A DYNAMIC AND FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM

Since 1988, the Ministry of Education in China has approved various resources and texts so that the standardised curriculum has become more dynamic and flexible.

There remains a focus on studying for various exams, which are the Zhongkao (senior secondary school entrance exams), Huikao (senior secondary school graduation exams), and Gaokao (national college entrance exams). However, ongoing curriculum reform has recently placed more emphasis on holistic learning.

THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM IN CHINA EXPLAINED

The Chinese National Curriculum covers primary, lower secondary, and senior secondary school.

The Chinese National Curriculum encourages an enriching, cross-curricular approach that develops inquisitive thinkers rather than solely preparing students for exams. While testing remains an important aspect of Chinese education and progression, most schools now appreciate the need to help students develop into more rounded citizens.

The curriculum is split into eight ‘learning domains’, which are as follows:

Language and Literature.
Mathematics.
Natural Science.
Social Sciences.
Arts.
Technology.
Physical Education.
A Practicum (Specialised Course).

A MORE STUDENT-CENTRIC APPROACH

Chinese educational standards, as well as competition for the best senior secondary schools and universities, remain high, but the focus has shifted to a more student-centric approach. Pupils are taught to become critical thinkers and problem solvers, rather than simply rote learners for the purpose of passing exams. This ultimately leads to higher-performing students.

Much of this reform has been pioneered in Shanghai, through the Shanghai National Curriculum, where schools are implementing a set of eight core competencies developed by the United Nations Education Committee.

The eight core competencies are:

Social Responsibility.
Civic Pride.
International Awareness.
Culture and Humanity.
Science and Technology.
Aesthetics.
Innovations.
Learning to Learn.

THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Primary school students follow a basic pre-school education (also known as kindergarten) that typically spans three years. Children then begin primary school (also known as elementary school), where the focus is on academic development and progression in a supportive environment.

Primary students are assessed according to the Chinese National Curriculum and complementary bilingual curricula. This means the standards can be measured against both Chinese and international students around the world.

Primary children studying the Chinese National Curriculum at our bilingual schools in China are taught the following subjects:

Mathematics.
Chinese Studies (Language, Literature and Culture).
English Language.
Thematic Learning (Art and Humanities).
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
Physical Education (Sports and Swimming).
Music.

THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Secondary school in China is split into lower and senior levels. Lower secondary school students work towards the Zhongkao senior secondary school entry exam, while senior secondary school students' sit the Huikao senior secondary school graduation exam and Gaokao college entry exam.

At Nord Anglia Chinese International School Shanghai, for example, students follow the secondary school Chinese National Curriculum, which is blended with international curricula, educational philosophy and teaching. Pupils are taught Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and a Modern Foreign Language, in addition to those studied at primary level.

Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics are taught in English and Chinese, with the added option to study a further Modern Foreign Language where appropriate.

NORD ANGLIA'S CHINESE CURRICULUM SCHOOLS

The Chinese National Curriculum is taught at all six of our bilingual schools in China. We offer a progressive blend of the Chinese National Curriculum and other leading international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is taught to students aged 16 to 18-years-old.

We combine the best of Chinese and international teaching methods and learning styles to provide a bespoke programme. All our Chinese bilingual schools accommodate both day and boarding students aged 6 to 18-years-old.

Our bilingual schools in China:

Nord Anglia School Ningbo.
Nord Anglia Chinese International School Shanghai.
Nord Anglia School Beijing, Fangshan.
Nord Anglia School Foshan.
Nord Anglia School Nantong.
Nord Anglia School Shenzhen.

OUR SCHOOLS IN CHINA