Spring & Autumn School Breaks

In China, students usually have summer and winter vacations and public holidays. But now, thanks to a government action plan introduced in March, many schools are adding extra days off. The idea is that some primary and secondary schools could add spring and autumn breaks for students according to their own needs.

In Guangzhou, 310 students from Yuyan Middle School enjoyed a five-day spring break in March. They learnt about history and science at sites like the Museum of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and Zhuhai Aerospace Land. "While others are stuck in classrooms, we're out enjoying ourselves," one of the students told Xinhua.

Yin Xianwen, Party chief of the school, sees it as a great way to learn. "Watching plants grow is a lesson in nature, visiting historical sites is a history lesson, and travelling together is a lesson in social skills," Yin told People's Daily. "It offers students the chance to get the most precious growth experiences during the most beautiful season."

Also, students can enjoy their spring break with families. It can help bring families much closer to each other and reduce stress in studying, said Xinhua.

However, there are some challenges. Not all parents can take time off when their kids do, so some children may end up staying home and playing on their phones. Schools also need to find a way to fit all their lessons into the new schedule. To make these breaks work well, the government, schools, parents and communities need to work together, noted People's Daily.