Opera and robotics add a little spark to Beijing's exam-oriented education system

The audience had a hard time recognizing Huang Xiaoping, dressed up like a butterfly as she gave a delicate dance performance. This wasn't the same shy girl whose hands would sweat and whose face would turn red when talking in front of crowds.

The change occurred after the fifth grade primary student signed up an opera class organized by her school - Baijiazhuang Primary School.

"I love dancing and want to become a professional dancer," she said.

For years the Chinese educational system, which was based on hierarchy and obedience, led only to exams. Students cultivated under the system were accused of a lack of creativity.

But with appeals from parents and experts to produce courses that could develop an individual's potential, authorities started to shift their focus to more varied types of education.

The work continues. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Education kicked off an opera trial program in 12 primary schools this semester.

The schools include Shijia Primary School, Cuiwei Primary School and Baijiazhuang Primary School.

Each school will select students from grade three to five to practice singing, dancing, and literature. Students can design and make their own stages and costumes, said an official from the commission who asked not to be named.

"We encourage student participation in the appreciation of arts," he said.

Ren Xue, a music teacher with Baijiazhuang Primary School, said the project was voluntary.

"Our students can decide if they want to be involved in the course. Music teachers then select applicants with beautiful voices or acting potential to become formal members," said Ren.

She added that the wannabe actors will gather every Tuesday to practice lines, acting, singing and dancing.

"Some students have started to admire them, which makes the class more confident and eager to prove itself in front of others," Ren said.

The school also plans to sign up the class for an art contest organized by the education commission to be held next year.

"If they win prizes they will become stars on campus."

Parents hailed the potential of the program, which they believed would help students discover their true interests.

Wang Ying, mother of a student in Huis Primary School in Dongcheng district, said her daughter had never learned singing or dancing before but was catching up quickly.

"I was a little worried it might affect my daughter's studies when she first joined, but it has actually made her more confident and her marks have improved too," she said.

Opera isn't the only skill that educators have started offering to students. Many schools have also set up interest groups in the fields of science, literature and sports.

After several sleepless nights and intense discussions with team members, Wu Shuhan, 11, designed a robot that hammered the competition in the final of the 10th China Adolescent Robotics Competition in July.

The fifth grade student from the Primary School Attached to Beijing Institute of Technology spent all her spare time making the robot. She described it as a "very interesting and rewarding experience".

And since 2005, Beijing Education Authority has introduced science classes for every primary school in town.

"After-school activities are as important as formal classes. They strengthen willpower and shape personalities," said Xu Yuqian, an expert in education.

"Schools should increase class hours for interest group," he added.

China Daily

(China Daily 09/21/2010 page)