Living
Education
A good education is highly prized in Chinese culture, but in recent years has been harder for local families to pay for due to rising costs and lowered government spending. A nine-year compulsory education system is in place for citizens (from age 6 to 15), and the local school curriculum keeps most Chinese parents bragging about their child’s study habits. During the period of compulsory education, tuition is free for Chinese citizens, although parents still need to pay for some small fees such as books.
In recent years a number of local schools have opened up to expat children, and some expats without education allowances are giving it a go. Not only can local schools be easier on the wallet by ¥8,000 per month, but they present an ideal opportunity for children to become immersed in the language and culture. Children aged six and older should have a good grasp on Mandarin before entering, as everything is conducted in Chinese. Local schools have class sizes ranging from 20 to 30 pupils. Registration procedures must be handled by parents in person at whichever authorised local school they choose. Necessary items to bring include your child’s passport and a Chinese-issued health form. Also, the parent should bring his or her work and residence permits.
The Chinese school system concludes with the intense National University Entrance Examinations, which are recognised internationally. In general, foreigners stop attending Chinese schools some time in early primary stages due to China’s teaching methodologies, which conflict with western techniques.
For expat families wanting a more international education, there is a diverse range of international schools offering International Baccalaureate programmes, the English National Curriculum and American-based curricula. Class sizes change according to age, with younger children getting more one-on-one attention. An average class can contain anywhere beteween 12 and 25 students.
With more and more expats arriving in Shanghai, the most popular schools are finding themselves increasingly in demand, and waiting lists are a constant presence in the admissions process. You should send in your child’s application by early March, as most schools begin finalising their rosters at that time. Enrolment procedures differ according to the school, but most ask for your child’s passport information, medical records, previous school records and sometimes a copy of their birth certificate.
If you have a child of pre-school age and you move to Shanghai in the middle of an academic year, you should have no problem enrolling them. Most pre-schools that have space are open to taking in a new student any time of the year. Primary and secondary schools usually require students to start at the beginning of a school year.
Shanghai has a good number of after-school activities to keep your kids busy too. Local after-school programmes called ‘children’s palaces’ were established after the Cultural Revolution to help entertain offspring of working parents, and many are still running today. There are also various scout groups that have social get-togethers, which can be a valuable use of time (www.shanghaiscouts.org).
In recent years a number of local schools have opened up to expat children, and some expats without education allowances are giving it a go. Not only can local schools be easier on the wallet by ¥8,000 per month, but they present an ideal opportunity for children to become immersed in the language and culture. Children aged six and older should have a good grasp on Mandarin before entering, as everything is conducted in Chinese. Local schools have class sizes ranging from 20 to 30 pupils. Registration procedures must be handled by parents in person at whichever authorised local school they choose. Necessary items to bring include your child’s passport and a Chinese-issued health form. Also, the parent should bring his or her work and residence permits.
The Chinese school system concludes with the intense National University Entrance Examinations, which are recognised internationally. In general, foreigners stop attending Chinese schools some time in early primary stages due to China’s teaching methodologies, which conflict with western techniques.
For expat families wanting a more international education, there is a diverse range of international schools offering International Baccalaureate programmes, the English National Curriculum and American-based curricula. Class sizes change according to age, with younger children getting more one-on-one attention. An average class can contain anywhere beteween 12 and 25 students.
With more and more expats arriving in Shanghai, the most popular schools are finding themselves increasingly in demand, and waiting lists are a constant presence in the admissions process. You should send in your child’s application by early March, as most schools begin finalising their rosters at that time. Enrolment procedures differ according to the school, but most ask for your child’s passport information, medical records, previous school records and sometimes a copy of their birth certificate.
If you have a child of pre-school age and you move to Shanghai in the middle of an academic year, you should have no problem enrolling them. Most pre-schools that have space are open to taking in a new student any time of the year. Primary and secondary schools usually require students to start at the beginning of a school year.
Shanghai has a good number of after-school activities to keep your kids busy too. Local after-school programmes called ‘children’s palaces’ were established after the Cultural Revolution to help entertain offspring of working parents, and many are still running today. There are also various scout groups that have social get-togethers, which can be a valuable use of time (www.shanghaiscouts.org).
