BEIJING: In an effort to optimize class schedules, primary and secondary schools in Beijing introduced a 15-minute break period in the fall semester of 2024 – an extension of 5 minutes compared to the previous schedule.
This additional break time provides children with more opportunities for physical activity and recreation, allowing an environment conducive to their healthy physical and mental development.
“After the exercises, I feel full of energy,” said Zhou Lezhi, a junior high student in Beijing. “It’s really fun to do different kinds of exercises during the break, and it feels really different to do the activities created by ourselves.”
Beyond Beijing, local governments across China have introduced policies to ensure students have proper recess activities and sufficient PE classes to improve their overall well-being and growth, in response to the country’s call for the coordinated development of academic learning and physical exercise among Chinese youngsters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has always believed that children’s health and all-round development are important matters.
As a staunch supporter of an educational philosophy that places health as the foremost priority, Xi has on many occasions called for greater efforts to build up children’s physical strength through sports and exercise.
To President Xi, physical fitness for young people, who are “the future of the country and the hope of the nation,” holds vital importance nationwide. He has regularly found time to talk to children, visit schools, participate in children-focused events, and respond to letters from children.
Visiting Beijing Yuying School in 2023 ahead of International Children’s Day, Xi emphasized the importance of children’s sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills. Physical growth comes first for juveniles, said Xi, adding that sports and exercise are the most effective means to build up the physique of teenagers and children.
At a symposium attended by experts and representatives from China’s education, culture, health and sports sectors in 2020, Xi urged efforts to adhere to the educational philosophy of health first and promote the coordinated development of youth cultural learning and physical exercise.
His concern for children has been reflected in various policies and initiatives implemented by the top authorities. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
