Nanjing recently started to pilot the “flexible school-off” program for primary schools.
Primary schools are closed early in the day, which makes it difficult for some parents to pick up their children in time. This pilot program eyes to address this issue.
Five primary schools in Nanjing have begun to take the lead in this trial project on Oct 21. The education authority of Nanjing city will also introduce the “Implementation Scheme on Flexible School-off” to further standardize this measure.
There are three major types of “courses” after school: self-study courses; elective activity courses where one interest class is given everyday, with contents varying weekly and cycling monthly; and credit courses, according to Li Wanqing, a teacher from Youfu West Street Primary School.
Only a minority of students at the pilot schools have chosen to delay leaving school so far. The program is based on non-profitability and efforts of teacher volunteers and no expenses in any form will be charged from parents.