At the Fifth Session of the 13th National People’s Congress, a deputy put forward a proposal to “reduce the proportion of English teaching and points in examinations”.
On September 23, the official website of the Chinese Ministry of Education published a reply to the proposal stating that the proportion of foreign language classes in primary and secondary schools is lower than that of Chinese language and other subjects.
In its reply, the Ministry of Education said that the proportion of foreign language class hours in primary and secondary schools is lower than that of subjects such as Chinese language. Specifically, the Compulsory Education Curriculum Program (2022 Edition) stipulates that the proportion of class hours in each subject is: 20%-22% in Chinese, 13%-15% in mathematics, 10%-11% in Physical Education and Health, and 6%-8% in foreign languages. Foreign language classes are significantly lower than those in Chinese, mathematics, physical education, arts and other subjects.
The Ministry said in recent years, attention has been paid to examining the relevant content of China’s excellent traditional culture through various forms, guiding students to enhance their sense of national identity and pride, and strengthening their ideals and beliefs.