As COVID-19 restrictions ease across the Chinese mainland, high school seniors are returning to classrooms with renewed determination. At the high school affiliated with Shandong Normal University, Grade 12 teacher Gou Qiang witnesses firsthand the resilience and dedication of his students as they prepare for the rigorous national college entrance examination, known as Gaokao.
Grade 12 is renowned for its intense competition and heavy workload. Students spend long hours mastering subjects, driven by the aspiration to secure a place in top universities. This year, their journey has been compounded by the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.
During the peak of COVID-19, classes shifted online, requiring students and teachers to adapt swiftly to new modes of learning. With the return to in-person education, safety remains a paramount concern. Educators like Gou implement stringent health protocols to ensure academic pursuits do not compromise well-being.
“Returning to the classroom felt like coming home,” says one student. “But we know we must stay vigilant.”
As the Gaokao approaches, students across the country balance their academic ambitions with a heightened sense of responsibility towards health and safety. Their perseverance amid adversity exemplifies the spirit of a generation determined to overcome obstacles.
Reference(s):
How Chinese prepare for national college entrance exams amid pandemic
cgtn.com
