Students are back in schools Thursday, September 1 in China. A return to school marked by new programs leaving more room for activities such as cooking and gardening.
With our correspondent in Beijing, Stephane Lagarde
A kitchen area, then stairs that go up to the classrooms and students happy to find their classmates and their teachers. Like most establishments, the Franco-Chinese Montessori school in beijing was worried before the summer about the departure of foreigners, families, but also of certain teachers, tired of confinements and online courses.
“ There have been several schools that have closed, there are also, as we have seen, many schools that are reopening with fairly low numbers.remarks Tristan Macquet, director of the school. It’s true that we had a slightly larger number than usual of families leaving Beijing for good. »
Finally, the Montessori school reopened with an extra class this year and a teaching that corresponds to the spirit of the times. The focus for this fall being put on different courses ” and an “ quality education says state media. More cultural and sporting outings in particular.
” I think an effort is being made to rethink and improve the public system, environmental issues, health issues, where ten years ago we were much more “I learn characters by heart and I do math “ “, continues Tristan Macquet.
The Chinese system has long been criticized for its standardized tests disconnected from reality. Learn to peel vegetables, cook, repair a household appliance or garden, more than ten new activities related to ” work » and the « practical life are on the program from this start of the school year.
It remains to be seen whether these innovations are applicable: we are not going to cook without equipment, said this Thursday morning a skeptical mother of a student in front of the gate of a primary school in the center of Beijing.