Shanghai bans primary school final exams for the subject of English amid education reform drive

Shanghai similarly banned exams for English classes in 2004, and that decision was widely ignored

The subject is still extremely important for Shanghai parents and schools

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Shanghai tried to ban English-proficiency exams in 2004, but those changes were largely ignored. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:00pm, 11 Aug 2021Updated: 7:01pm, 11 Aug 2021

Pupils in Shanghai will not be taking final English-proficiency exams as Chinese authorities continue to implement sweeping reforms to ease the academic burden placed on students.

Primary school pupils will only take final exams in the subjects of mathematics and Chinese-language aptitude. The exams will be limited for students in grade three (about nine years old) and grade five (about 11 years old), according to a notice released by the city’s education commission last week.

The notice did say that all other subjects, including English, should still be evaluated, just not via a final exam.

Pupils get ready for the daily flag hoisting ceremony at a school in Shanghai. Photo: Getty Images

The changes come despite English being a highly valued subject and are part of the municipal government’s response to a recent nationwide campaign to reduce the workload for Chinese students.

English is a major part of a Shanghai student’s academic requirements, even though Shanghai officials banned examinations for English in 2004 – a move that was widely ignored.

Shanghai bans primary school final exams for the subject of English amid education reform drive

Shanghai similarly banned exams for English classes in 2004, and that decision was widely ignored The subject is still extremely important for Shanghai parents and schools

Shanghai similarly banned exams for English classes in 2004, and that decision was widely ignored

The subject is still extremely important for Shanghai parents and schools