Today in China: The Zhong Kao

You may remember my previous post about the Gao Kao, an intense college entrance examination that all Senior 3 students must take. Today it is the Junior 3s (and to a lesser extent, the Junior 2s) turn. They are tested on nine subjects total: English, Chinese, math, chemistry, physics, biology, geography, history, and one other subject that has slipped my mind. The students spend all year preparing for this exam, and their score on the exam will determine which high school they will attend. The Junior 3s are tested on seven subjects, while the Junior 2s take only the geography and biology exams (to help lesson the load during their Junior 3 year – nine subjects in one year is a bit much).



As you can tell, exams (and the student’s success – or lack thereof – on said exam) are hugely important and play a huge role in determining their future. I could easily get into a debate about the Chinese education system, and how the exams help shape it (or are shaped by it), but I will save that for another post…