Nanyang reveals education improvement plans

Nanyang will eliminate overcrowded classes of more than 66 students by the end of 2018. [Photo/nydt.cn]

Nanyang will comprehensively improve its education standards by adding more schools, adjusting classes to smaller size, integrating local elements into textbooks and easing burdens on students, according to a conference held by local education authority on March 9.

In 2018, Nanyang plans to invest 554 million yuan ($87.65 million) to build 84 public kindergartens and support 180 private ones, increasing the overall enrollment to 61,600 children.

Eighty-eight new compulsory education schools will also be built or renovated to enroll another 51,091 students. By year's end, the overcrowded classes of more than 66 students will be eliminated in Nanyang, the authority said.

Another highlight is the new curriculum additions of local art, culture, history and characteristic industries, including the south-to-north water diversion project, roses, traditional Chinese medicine and operas to help students better understand their backgrounds.

Textbooks in relation to dance, pottery and handcraft will also be promoted to enrich the educational careers of student and help them develop into an all-rounded person.

Moreover, Nanyang will ease burdens on students by cutting school hours of junior and middle school students to no more than six and seven respectively while also reducing the daily amount of assignments, according to the conference.