Ever wondered what the difference is between the Canadian education system and that of China?
As the children head back into school full-time, one Richmond parent, who has experience of both, spoke to the Richmond News about the contrast.
Connie Huang, a long-time Richmond resident, immigrated to Canada in 1995 and has three children, one born in China and two in Canada. One is in Grade 8, one in Grade 12 and one having graduated from university already.
Huang said her kids were always seen doing extracurricular activities, playing games and hanging out with friends with little homework until later high school years.
The biggest difference between the education systems of Canada and China, she added, are the opportunities given to students who find it difficult to enter university.
“Even if you don’t graduate from university, you still can find a job and Canada gives these kids different options to succeed in life,” said Huang.
“China on the other hand, you need to get into university to be able to find a decent job. If not, you’ll be working hard with no life.
“I think Canada’s education system is greater than China’s because the kids have a life and their health is also prioritized.”
While visiting China in 2018, Huang noticed her relative’s children, who were in elementary school, would leave home for school as early as 7 a.m. and wouldn’t return until after nightfall.
“The education system in China is very stressful and intense because you wouldn’t see your kids for more than two-thirds of the day,” said Huang.
“Students are expected to be at school for the day, then go to tutoring class to finish their homework before they go home.”
Huang told the News many students studying China are often stressed, not only due to long study hours, but also the grading system.
Unlike Canada, which uses letter grades, students in China are marked on a scaled system, with everyone’s grades posted on the wall, she explained.
“Marks for every exam and also final scores for the year are posted on a paper and in the classrooms for everyone to see,” said Huang.
“There’s no hiding your marks from anyone with students being ranked first to 100 in your class and that adds to the stress China’s education has on kids.”
As a parent who studied in the Chinese education system, Huang said she is glad to have her kids studying here in Canada, where there is more care and focus on the health of students.
“No school system is without stress, but if there is no care for students’ health and success, how can they thrive?”
