Professor urges removal of English as graded core subject in Chinese schools

A university professor has publicly urged Chinese education authorities to remove English from the list of graded core subjects in primary and secondary schools, arguing that the mandatory assessment framework places undue pressure on students and diverts resources from subjects deemed more directly relevant to national development. The professor, who teaches at a leading Chinese university, contends that English instruction should be offered as an elective or extracurricular activity rather than a high‑stakes exam subject, and that the current system contributes to a narrow focus on rote memorisation rather than communicative competence.

Opponents of the proposal, including teachers’ unions, parents and several policy analysts, counter that proficiency in English remains a strategic asset in a globalised economy, facilitating international trade, academic collaboration and career advancement for Chinese graduates. They cite data showing that English‑speaking skills correlate with higher employment rates and that many multinational firms operating in China require a baseline of English ability. The debate continues as the Ministry of Education reviews curriculum reforms, with stakeholders awaiting a decision that balances linguistic competence with broader educational objectives.