FOUNDED in 1912, the Beijing First Experimental Primary School located in the Chinese capital’s Xicheng District has provided a group of international journalists on a media exchange program, an invaluable insight into China’s holistic approach to human resource development at the primary school level.
Under this approach, Physical Education (PE) is emphasized as an equally important subject as other subjects in the national primary school curriculum. In line with this policy approach, the Beijing First Experimental Primary School is dedicated to transforming its students into well-rounded citizens.
Other subjects offered by the school includes Chinese Studies, including Calligraphy, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, English Language, Ideological Morality, Mathematics, Corporate Practice and Music.
On our arrival at the school, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, on the afternoon of Monday 10 June, we were welcomed by the Principal Guo Xueli, Vice-Principal and other staff members. They introduced us to the institution’s history and educational approach, before two 12-year-old students with the assistance of teachers took us on a tour of the different departmental sections, including the memorabilia gallery containing historical photographs of the school.
At the school of music, we were accorded a number of orchestra performances by the students’ brass band, at the indoor tennis court and outdoor track-and-field court, we witnessed students undergoing training, at the concert hall, a short video titled ‘Chasing Dreams’ was screened for us. The video showcased the school’s holistic educational approach to the development of its students to empower them to achieve their dreams.
The Beijing First Experimental Primary School is affiliated to the Beijing Normal University (BNU). It is called an “Experimental” school because it puts into practice the education reform put together by the BNU. In 2019, the Beijing First Experimental Primary School was selected as one of the first batch of compulsory education school management standards in Beijing.
“Our school’s digital educational curriculum is integrated into our school facilities, and teaching staff and students’ interests. In line with this curriculum, our school meticulously offers a variety of specialized [Physical Education] courses such as basketball, track and field, martial arts, table tennis, sports stairs and football.
“These [Physical Education] lessons take full consideration of both popularity and leveraging practical skills in the different sports. Football utilises standard values and culture, and teamwork skills, track-and-field strengthens physical fitness and enhances will power, martial art promotes traditional culture and increases mental health, table tennis and sports stairs leverage the advantages of cultural values.
“The combined competitiveness and odyssey of our different students provide a rich and diverse sports experience greatly beneficial to their health, and moreover, reinforces the value of Physical Education in developing well-rounded individuals.
“Under the guidance of professional teachers, students not only master sports skills, but also discover the joy of sports,” Principal Guo said.
As a free education service provider, the Beijing First Experimental Primary School is attended by children who live nearby. In line with the Chinese education policy, the school provides six years of primary education for children from the age of 6 to 12.
“We guide our students’ with soft skills, but the most important part of our educational approach is allowing them to practice by themselves, and to observe and study by themselves,” the principal said.
The school has a dining hall because it provides nutritious lunch for students in keeping with the Free Lunch for Children Initiate introduced by the state in 2011 to allow parents to focus on other family necessities and to guarantee the nutrition of students. The lunch menu includes rice, noodles, meat like chicken and fish, and vegetables, yogurt and cupcakes.
The school has sister relations with Eitham College in the United Kingdom, Milgate Primary School in Australia, Excelsior Elementary School in the United States, Japan’s Niigata University’s attached Primary School and Tao Nan School in Singapore.
What stood during the visit was the high ethical standards observed by teachers, staff and students and their dedication to excellence.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
In Beijing, China
