With phrases such as “entrenched privilege” and “apartheid education system” being bandied about more and more often, and some folks even questioning the existence of private schools altogether, the divide between public and private school students is more present than ever. We constantly hear comparisons between – and stereotypes of – the less disciplined and less demanding environment of private schools starkly contrasted with the tense and rigorous atmosphere of public schools, but the question stands: Are these presumptions true?

After interviewing several students and parents of students who attend Chinese public schools, here are some common ideas they have regarding private schools:

High fees

This is expected as private schools are generally synonymous with smaller class sizes, and teachers who specialize in individual development rather than being wholly responsible for an entire class. Despite this, many see it as a sign of inequality: “The higher fees only open private schools towards elitist groups, preventing middle- or lower-class families from admission,” one parent stated. Others directly correlate private schools with higher-income families: “They are wealthier,” a local student added. Although there is truth to this, many people disregard the many foreign expat families enrolled in private schools who negotiate school fees into their employment contracts.

Less work

While speaking to sources for this article, I heard a similar refrain:‘“The workload is lighter in private schools.”  On the surface, many may be quick to agree with this, especially those who witness the highly intense 中考 zhōngkǎo Middle School National Exams and 高考 gāokǎo High School National Exams, both of which are standardized tests that have the power to drastically alter a student’s future. However, as a recent graduate of an international school remarked, “International students experience the same level of an intense academic curriculum. For instance, the International Baccalaureate (IB) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which in my opinion, is as hard as the zhongkao and gaokao. Especially considering the Internal Assessments (IA’s), research essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and the 3 (Higher Level) HLs and 3 (Standard Level) SLs that IB candidates need to complete throughout two years.” This leads me to believe that it is not the category of schooling, rather the societal pressure surrounding students that decides the academic intensity of schools.

More liberty

Many students of public schools have commented on how private schools allow for more “freedom” in terms of time management and physical appearance. On the topic of time management, it is noticeable that public schools tend to create concise schedules, attempting to achieve a more disciplined learning environment that is crucial for larger student bodies. On the other hand, private schools tend to encourage independence, teaching students how to formulate and organize their own time accordingly. It is also true that most public schools don’t allow piercings, hair color, manicures, and some also limit female students’ hair length. This is antithetical to some international schools that allow or even embrace a student’s decision to change their looks. All of which is to say, this presumption might actually fit.

End goals

Several responses, in particular, struck me and were reminiscent of the Chinese adage: “Losing before the race has begun.” Many parents of public school children have to resign themselves to the fact that by sending their children to public schools, their end goal will almost certainly be to pass the local gaokao. One parent described it thusly: “The goals of the schools are different. Those who attend public schools aim to pass the gaokao, whilst those in private schools aim to go abroad.” Even though the “better option” is still up debatable, for parents who want their children to receive a more international education but can’t due to financial reasons, this exemplifies a sense of inequality.  

KEEP READING: Honest Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a School for Your Child

Images: Unsplash

Beijingkids has been an essential family resource for Beijing international families since 2006. And just as kids grow up in the blink of an eye, Beijing has grown and changed almost beyond recognition in that time. In Throwback Thursday we jump in the time machine, traveling through our 15 year-strong blog archives to dig out the most entertaining, fascinating, and thought-provoking stories for your reading pleasure. Ready? Let’s go…

A few months ago my husband needed me to call an ambulance to rush him to the hospital. It was at that moment that I realized that I had no idea who to call… In the US it’s straightforward, you call 911 and a dispatcher will send either the police, fire department, or ambulance to your location based on your needs.

Here, it’s not just one emergency number to remember, you need to know them all.

• Police: 110
• Fire: 119
• Traffic accidents: 122
• Ambulance (English hotline): 999
• Ambulance (Chinese hotline): 120
• Foreign Emergency Services: 6525 5486

As the Beijinger‘s writer Annie Wang recently wrote in an article, there are different policies pertaining to common emergencies.

Theft
Thefts can be more common than one would like in Beijing. Below are some of the commonly seized items and what to do post-theft:

– If you lose your passport, report the theft at both the police station and the division of Exit/Entry Administration at the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau or at the exit-entry department of the public security bureau branch nearest to where the passport was lost. A new passport can be acquired at your embassy or consulate using the Confirmation of Passport Loss document. Don’t forget to apply for a new visa!

– In the event that your property is stolen, call the police at 110 and report the theft immediately. Then wait for the police to arrive and cooperate with them, which may include going to the station.

Missing Persons
A missing persons’ report can be filed 48 hours after that persons’ disappearance. The report can be filed both at your country’s embassy location in Beijing or at the local police department.

Embassies
You should locate the embassy nearest to your residence before arriving, and keep their contact information with you. Embassies often send out alerts or other important information that their citizens should know about while in Beijing. At the embassy, you can file a missing person’s report and vote in your home country’s elections.

KEEP READING: Throwback Thursday: No More DIY Bowlcuts!