[Last Updated: June 15, 9.14am)] Check back daily for the latest updates on school and education-related information in light of COVID-19.
(6/15 9.09am) Decision for Students in Remaining Grades
Yesterday Beijing News reported that the decision for students in the remaining grades to continue going to classes on campus is entirely voluntary. Beijing Municipal Education Commission has already made the announcement canceling the return to campus for students in Grades 1 – 3 which was originally scheduled for today.
(6/12 4.54pm) Grades 1-3 Will Return to School Cancelled
Plans to send Grades 1 through 3 back to school this Monday (June 15) have been put on indefinite hold due to a reappearance of COVID-19 in Beijing, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission announced today.
(6/10 9.11am) Grades 1-3 Will Return to School
China Daily shared the news that the Beijing Municipal Education Commission has announced that students in Grades 1 – 3 will finally be able to return to campus on Monday, June 15. The remaining grades have already been given permission to return to campus.
(6/9 10.22am) WAB Shares Photos of Students First Day
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) shared photos of their Grades 4 and 5 students’ first day back through the school’s official WeChat account.
There was lots of joy and laughter on the WAB campus as Elementary School students and staff returned to campus for the first time since January. Students in Grades 4 and 5 reunited for the final week of the school year, having the opportunity to finish their year of learning together at school.
(6/9 10.15am) CISB Shares Photos of Students First Day Back
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) shared photos of their Grades 4 and 5 students’ first day back through the school’s official WeChat account.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome you back to your CISB campus,” says Head of School/Superintendent Mr. Douglas K. Prescott, adding: “Last week we had a chance to welcome back the Middle-High students on June 1, but I would like to wish you all a belated Happy International Children’s Day.”
(6/8 9.47am) More Grades Return to School
As per the announcement made by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission (BMEC) on May 13, kindergartens and Grades 4 and 5 students have returned back to school today.
(6/3 5.43pm) Atelier Says Good-Bye
Atelier’s founder and director Marianne Daquet issued a farewell to the Beijing community through the school’s WeChat account. Daquet opened Atelier eight years ago and the school has been a beloved part of the Beijing family community.
“If you have ideas for cooperations, a space to share, opportunities that you would like to discuss with us, or if you just wish to help by sharing our classes or this message, we would be so grateful and so happy to meet you to think together the future of Atelier.”
(6/3 3.59pm) Kindergarten Reopening Date Announced
According to an announcement from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, starting from June 8 kindergartens in this city will be allowed to open. The decision to send your child back to kindergarten is completely voluntary.
(6/2 8.52am) CISB Welcomes Back Grades 6, 7, 9, 10, 11
Yesterday CISB shared photos of their grades 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 students’ first day back on campus through the school’s official WeChat account.
(6/1 11.47am) AISB- Hope International Welcomes Back Students and Faculty
AISB- Hope International welcomed back its students and faculty today. Headmaster Mr. Eplin shared a statement with beijingkids about his excitement of the kids’ return as well as their new location for the new school year. “It has been over four months since we have seen our students, and our faculty and staff look forward to welcoming our students back on campus to finish out the 2019-2020 in style. We are also excited as we move to a new location for the 2020-2021 school year. For more information, contact us at admissions@hopeintlschool.org.”
(5/29 9.24am) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(5/25 10.25am) No Set Return Date for Grades 1 – 3
On Friday the Beijing Education Commission’s official WeChat account stated: “On June 8 (Monday), the Grades 4 – 5 of primary school will return to school. Students from Grade 1 to Grade 3 should prepare for the new semester, but the specific time for them to start will be announced later.”
(5/21 9.22am) MOE Issues Statement Regarding PE
Yesterday the Ministry of Education issued an official statement on their position regarding physical education in schools. They stressed that the important mission and goal of school physical education in the new era is to help students have fun, strengthen their physique, improve their personality, and cultivate a comprehensive development of moral, intellectual, physical, mental, and physical skills. Sports activities for teachers and students should be arranged in outdoor or well-ventilated sports venues, generally maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters, or the spacing should be maximized to minimize contact. N95 masks are not allowed for sports. Students in low-risk areas do not need to wear masks when participating in sports at school.
(5/19 12.40pm) Yunnan Kindergartens to Start on May 25
Yesterday Beijing News reported that the Yunnan Provincial Department of Education issued a notice that kindergartens and special education schools that meet the requirements of epidemic prevention can start school on May 25. Parents and decide whether to send children back or not. If the requirements for the start of school are not met, the start of school will be postponed.
(5/16 8.09pm) ISB Shares Photos of Campus LIfe
International School of Beijing (ISB) shared photos of their Grade 8 students back on campus through the school’s official WeChat account.
(5/14 9.23am) Most Beijing Students to Return by June 8, While Others Still Await Dates
At a press conference yesterday, Tues May 13, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission (BMEC) announced the latest round of class return dates, this time for Grades 11, 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and Kindergarten. With high school seniors already back in class since Apr 27, and Grade 9 students back this Monday, May 11, the announcement provides further welcome news to Beijing parents of school-aged students.
(5/13 11am) Press Conference to Announce School Opening
Tune in today at 4pm as Deputy Secretary of the Education and Work Committee of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee Li Yi tackles the questions that’s on every parent’s mind. When can the graduates of college return to school? In what order will each grade of primary and secondary school return to school and resume classes? When can the kindergarten be opened?
(5/13 10.57am) Beijing Primary Schools Not Likely to Reopen This Term
In a press conference yesterday Beijing Municipal Education Committee Deputy Secretary Li Yi said that it’s very unlikely that Beijing’s primary schools will not reopen for this term.
(5/12 9.22am) CISB Welcomes Back Grade 8 Students
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) shared photos of their grade 8 students’ return to campus through the school’s official WeChat account. “We are very excited to resume on-site classes for our Grade 8 students today. This on-site experience will include a combination of online and in class learning. Hopefully in the future we may be able to welcome other grades and students back to CISB. We are hopeful that our caring and safe environment will allow them to thrive during their return to our campus.”
(5/12 9.21am) BIBA Welcomes Back Students
Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) shared photos and of their students’ first day back on campus through the school’s official WeChat account. “r. Pang is holding the Welcome-back sign with his signature smiles. Math teacher Naysan is playing guitar with delightful melodies. Hand by hand, every student received a Long-waited welcome-back letter and bright heart-warming sunflowers from the teachers. Back to BIBA, everyone rejoices and is exhilarated.”
(5/11 2.43pm) Students to Wear Intelligent Watches
Global Times Tweeted that “Schools in #Beijing have asked students to wear intelligent watches to collect their temperature data twice a day starting Monday amid the resumption of schools. @COVID19” Currently the pilot program was carried out in 18 high schools in Fengtai district among senior students and faculty members from April 30 to May 8, according to Beijing Municipal Education Commission.
(5/11 10.14am) Zhejiang Kindergartens Have Return Date
People’s Daily announced that kindergartens in Zhejiang will start to open starting on May 18. At the moment there’s currently no announcement regarding kindergarten reopening date for Beijing.
(5/8 5.37pm) Masks Still Required for Beijing Students
Contrary to the announcement made by the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Education that students in low-risk areas are now no longer required to wear masks on campus, the Beijing Education Commission issued a statement saying that masks will still be required to be worn when entering school campus and during class.
(5/8 4.42pm) No Masks Required for Students in Low-Risk Areas
Students and teachers in schools in low-risk areas are now no longer required to wear masks on campus, according to a joint statement made by the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Education today. Currently all of Beijing (as well as most other parts of China) is classified as low risk. Additionally the statement clarified that it is not recommended for infants and young kindergarten age children to wear masks.
(5/7 2.10pm) Most Tianjin Students to Return to Class by May 18
All Tianjin students in grades 4th and above will be back in session by May 18, reports Beijing News. However, no timeline has yet been set for grades 1 to 3, kindergartens, preschools, or after-school activities. Over the course of the coronavirus, Tianjin has seen a total of 190 infections and three deaths. The city saw its last new infection on Apr 24, and only one patient still remains under care. Tianjin’s seniors and 9th graders were the first grades to return to class on Apr 20, one week before Beijing opened their schools to the same grades.
(5/4 9.36pm) MOE Recommends Universities Refund Housing Fees
The Ministry of Education of China issued a statement recommending universities to refund accommodation fees. At the moment the statement issued by MOE serves as a recommendation to universities in China but not a requirement.
(5/2 9.05pm) Dulwich Shares Photos of Students’ Return to Campus
Dulwich College shared photos of their students’ return to campus through the school’s official WeChat account.
“For the first time in three months, students got off the DCB buses, entered the iron gates, and crossed the bridge to see the familiar Dulwich shield on the red building revealing beyond the now green trees. This, of course, was all after a stringent travel history check and a temperature check inside an unfamiliar tent, and a squirt of hand sanitiser to boot.”
(4/30 10.22pm) ISB Shares Preparations and Protocols for Campus Return
International School of Beijing (ISB) welcomed back its grade 12 students this week. The school shared its excitement along with preparations and protocols thought its WeChat platform.
“The decision to re-open campus to select grades was taken upon instruction from the authorities to whom we are accountable, and our risk mitigation plan for this moment was developed by the ISB Leadership Team in conjunction with the Board of Trustees and in very close collaboration with these authorities.
We have been meticulous in our preparation putting measures in place to provide for community safety as campus re-opens. All students in Grades 12 and 8 and their parents have received detailed “return to school” communications to make clear the many practical requirements of this situation. The two-week return-to-school protocol for Grade 12 students and staff who have now returned to campus included training, mandatory Zoom meetings with information briefings and instructions, and – most importantly – daily temperature checks twice a day for 14 days, to ensure none were showing any fever-related symptoms.”
(4/30 9.33am) Remaining Grades Return Date Coming Soon
The Beijing Education Commission made the announcement on the heels of yesterday’s city press conference that indicated that the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for most domestic arrivals to Beijing would now be lifted. However, all indications are that school staff and students will still be required to observe a 14-day home quarantine before returning to campus. While they didn’t offer specifics, the Beijing Education Commission did say that a schedule for the return of the remaining grades will be released soon.
(4/29 6.15pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(4/28 12.12pm) May Holiday Travel Suggestions for Students and Teachers
Beijing News reported that some Beijing schools have recommended teachers and students not to leave Beijing during the upcoming May Holiday. It’s recommended that parents and teachers should stick to inner-city activities and avoid crowded places.
Other cities like Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province have issued a notice prohibiting teachers and students from leaving Jingdezhen City.
(4/27 8.10pm) WAB Head of School’s Welcomes Back Message
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) Head of School Marta Medved Karjnovic shared a message through the school’s official WeChat account with the highlights of the school’s Grade 12 students’ first day back.
“My hope is that in returning to campus, our Grade 12 students find a sense of comfort, closure, and normalcy even though they have completed their academic requirements and are beginning to turn their focus to university and beyond. We are so thrilled that they could collect their graduation jackets today and leave for the Great Wall of China for WAB’s traditional graduation photo – a chance to create more memories together as the Class of 2020.
While on campus, our students and teachers followed all the regulations and procedures to ensure a healthy return to school and, looking ahead, have helped us set the stage for the rest of our grade levels to return. We will take what we have learned from our Grade 12’s return and apply these procedures to prepare for a safe return for our Grade 8’s and, eventually, our entire school community. I encourage everyone to take a look through our stories today that explain and show in detail our return-to-campus preparations and the procedures in place to keep our community safe.”
(4/27 8.06pm) CISB Shares Photos of First Day Back
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) shared the message “Having our senior students back on campus was certainly cause for celebration among staff who have been preparing and eagerly awaiting their return since the lockdown began.” through their official WeChat account today along with photos of their Grade 12 students’ first day back on campus.
(4/27 11.49am) MOE Recommends Saving Summer Vacation
The Beijing News reports today that China’s Ministry of Education recommends that schools do not add extra classes to vacation periods. Instead, schools should use the regular Monday through Friday class schedule and online classes to make up for any classwork lost to COVID-19. If classwork genuinely cannot be completed within the remaining regular school days, the ministry suggests moving some assignments into the next school year.
(4/27 8.55am) Shanxi Middle and High School to Return in May
Shanxi has announced that it’s made plans for the rest of middle and high school students to return back to campus May 11, 4th-6th graders on May 18, 3rd grades, and under no earlier than May 25.
(4/27 8.54am) Chongqing Plans For All Grades to Return Before End of May
Chongqing plans to have all grades back in class before the end of May, the megacity’s education department announced yesterday. Ninth and 12th graders resumed school on Apr 20 and Grades 4-6 are set to return today. That implies a 6-week process of gradually returning to campus for students in one of China’s largest cities, a pattern that may give us in Beijing a clue as to how long it will take to get all students back. Beijing’s seniors start today; if the same pattern is followed the city could see all students back by June 8.
(4/25 9.15pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(4/24 12.37pm) Changes to 2020 School Enrollment Policy
According to a notice published by the Beijing Education Committee, this year private and public schools must follow a simultaneous enrollment schedule. The specific details for the new plan is expected to follow in the coming days, but it does not seem to affect international schools.
(4/23 4.48pm) Beijing High School Seniors Stats
With high school seniors heading back to school on Monday, the city government sent some stats our way:
- There are 51,226 high school seniors in Beijing
- Currently, 1,200 will be unable to start Monday
- 800 have not completed their quarantine in Beijing
- Another 300 have yet to return
(4/23 1.39pm) Hangzhou Cancels May Day Holiday for Middle and Elementary Students
According to a notice issued yesterday by the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Education, the 2020 Spring holiday break, which includes May Day, will be canceled for middle and elementary school students. As a result, those students will be attending regular classes between Apr 30 and May 6.
The bureau cited COVID-19’s disruption to the Spring semester as its reason for canceling the holiday.
(4/20 5.56pm) Shanghai Announces the Return of More Grades
Following the news earlier this month that 9th and 12th graders would return to school on Apr 27, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission announced today that 8th and 11th graders would be welcomed back on May 6, with the rest of students down to grade 4 returning on May 18.
Elementary schools and kindergartens will be announced at a later date.
(4/20 11.27am) Nucleic Acid Test Required for Students
Gao Xiaojun, spokesperson for the municipal health commission announced on Sunday (April 19) that a 14-day isolation and nucleic acid tests are mandatory for eight groups of people, amongst whom include graduating classes in middles school and high school, teachers, and school staff. Though the post specifies these two grades (the only ones with official opening dates in Beijing so far), the presumption is that all other returning personnel will be required to take the test as well.
(4/20 10.50am) Hubei Becomes Last Province to Reopen Schools
Hubei Province, the epicenter of China’s battle with COVID-19, officially announced today that high school graduating classes, or grade 12, will return to school on May 6. As the last region to make such an announcement, the news marks a historic day since the virus first emerged late last year.
Although many grade levels across the country still have no return date, it’s only a matter of time before all of the country’s students are back in the classroom.
Of the 68,128 diagnoses across Hubei, 4,512 people lost their lives and 105 remain hospitalized. The last infection was diagnosed on Apr 3.
(4/20 10.28am) Beijing Schools Conduct Back to School Drills
Beijing schools have began school reopening drills meant to introduce students and teachers to the new protocols to be followed once schools reopen. The drills cover everything from entry into the school premises, what is to be done if a student displays symptoms such as a fever and how many masks a student is expected to have on their person on a school day. The drills also make provisions for school lunches, bathroom breaks for students, and guidelines for students in boarding schools to follow. This is meant to ensure a smooth running of the school day once schools reopen on April 27 for high school students and May 11 for grade nine students. Despite all these preparations being made for the return to school, no date has been announced for the return of middle-schoolers and elementary school students.
(4/18 9.22 am) Chengdu to Extend Spring Semester Into the Summer Holidays
Chengdu’s education bureau released a statement on April 15 announcing the extension of the spring 2020 semester for elementary and high school teaching schedule well into the summer, with elementary schools closing for summer on July 6. Middle and high school students are expected to go on their summer holidays on July 16.
In the meantime, all group activities such as research trips and sports festivals are to remain suspended until the summer, when students are expected to resume such activities under close school and parental supervision. Chengdu’s education bureau also emphasized the need for schools to streamline the education process for their students, to avoid burdening children, parents and teachers with extra homework. It promised to strictly control make-up lessons with every grade being prohibited from taking makeup lessons over the weekend and the holidays apart from those in the third grade.
In terms of improving teaching quality, the education bureau of Chengdu requires schools to make teaching plans to improve the effectiveness of classroom teaching and ensure students to complete the learning objectives. We will coordinate and control the amount and time of homework in different grades and disciplines, prevent students’ homework from becoming parents’ homework or require parents to check and correct homework, and prevent additional burden on students and parents.
(4/18 9.22 am) Hainan Announces Expected Summer Vacation Dates
Hainan’s department of education announced that elementary and high schools are to make adjustments to their school calendars, extending the Spring semester 2020 into the summer holiday, with Elementary school students expected to go on their summer holidays on July 31 and high school students expected to do the same on August 10.
In a bid to increase learning efficacy, Hainan’s department of education has also proposed schools increasing the school day by one hour, or having classes for half a day on Saturdays to compensate for the reduced amount of time in order to ensure the spring/summer curriculum is successfully completed. The provincial educational department has also stipulated that kindergartens’ and special schools’ opening and closing dates depend upon the respective cities and counties. However, they further stipulated that the opening dates should not be earlier than April 20 while summer vacations should not commence later than August 20.
(4/17 8.12pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(4/15 9.47am) BSB Shunyi “Delighted” to Welcome Students Back
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi’s (BSB Shunyi) principal, Richard Thornhill, released the following statement to beijingkids:
“We are delighted to start welcoming students back to our school. This process will commence with our Graduating Class of 2020, our Year 13’s on Apr 27, and be followed shortly afterwards by our Year 10’s who will return on May 11. It will be a joy to have students back at our school and all staff at BSB Shunyi are looking forward to this event. BSB Shunyi staff are working closely with the Beijing and Shunyi education authorities to ensure our students return to a safe environment.
The students I have mentioned above will return to a full timetable but of course some year groups will need to wait a little longer so the Nord Anglia Virtual School will continue alongside the return to classroom teaching. At BSB Shunyi, we are fortunate to have the majority of teaching staff here in Beijing and they have completed their 14-day quarantine period, so we are fully able to open for all year groups as and when it is deemed safe to do so and we have approval.
As I say we are very much looking forward to welcoming students back to our school.”
(4/14 6.41pm) New School Hours Announced
During a press conference today Li Yi, deputy secretary of the Education and Work Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and spokesperson of the Municipal Education Committee announced that when students return to school, their school day will start at 9.30am and end at 3.30pm to minimize the contact between students and society.
(4/14 6.26pm) Kindergartens Return Date is Still Yet to Be Announced
In a press conference held this afternoon Li Yi, deputy secretary of the Municipal Education Commission and spokesperson of the Municipal Education Commission reiterated that at this time there is still no specific arrangement for return dates of other grades, colleges, and kindergartens. He said that while the pressure for parents to return to work is high, he hopes that everyone will continue to work together for the benefit of the next generation.
(4/14 1.50pm) DCB Looks to Gain “Important Closure and Celebration” Upon Students’ Return
Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) Headmaster, Simon Herbert, sent a notice to parents and faculty today, announcing the “limited, staggered start” of the Spring 2020 on campus semester, “beginning with Grade 12s (that is our Year 13) from Apr 27 and ‘graduating middle school class’ (our Year 10s) from May 11.”
Likewise, Herbert went on to say that, “For Year 13s, with this recent news, we now have a chance to be together and to complete the year appropriately, gaining important closure and celebration, even if social distancing and such like will be the new norm at school.”
To read the full notice, click here.
(4/14 10.07am) YCIS Beijing “Waiting on Confirmation” for Year 12 and Year 13 Situation
In a statement released to beijingkids, the Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) said that “As per the announcement by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission (BEC), schools around Beijing will resume soon for some year levels after almost three months of a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The information was addressed to public schools, however this directive will apply to the Yew Chung International School of Beijing as well.”
YCIS Beijing added, “The school is waiting for confirmation from BEC whether our Year 12 and Year 13 would be allowed to resume classes together, or just Year 13 for the time being, on Apr 27. Dates for other year levels have not been confirmed yet.”
Lastly, “According to the School Leadership Team (SLT): ‘Students and teachers who have been in Beijing for 14 consecutive days for medical observations without symptoms will be allowed to enter campus.’ However, for those who have recently returned to Beijing from other cities or countries, we advise them to follow the local requirements to communicate with their residential communities in Beijing prior to coming back.”
(4/14 9.53am) WAB “Excited” to Begin Reopening Campus
Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic, Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB) Head of School took to WeChat yesterday to share the good news regarding grade 12 and grade 8 students return to campus, which will happen on Apr 27 and May 11, respectively.
As they await word on when other grades can resume onsite learning, and sensitive to the fact that some students and faculty are still abroad, Dr. Krajnovic pointed out that the school is “committed to providing a blend of on-campus and online learning activities throughout the remainder of this school year.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(4/14 9.43am) CISB “Looking Forward” to Welcoming Back Students
In a message posted on their WeChat yesterday, Canadian International School of Beijing’s (CISB) Head of School/Superintendent, Douglas K. Prescott, said that they’ve been given the green light to welcome grade 12 students back on Apr 27, and grade 8 students on May 11.
Moreover, Prescott said that, “It is important for you to know that we will begin transitioning from 100% online learning to blended [onsite and digital]learning when students return,” as some faculty and pupils are still abroad.
To read the full statement, click here.
(4/13 2.02pm) Beijing Education Commission FAQ on Restarting School
The Beijing Education Commission sent out a list of 30 FAQs regarding restarting school. Click here to read the translations by beijingkids. Click here to see the original post in Chinese.
(4/13 10.40am) School Sports Competitions Out for Now
Though Beijing schools have just received the green light to restart later this month, things will not be like they once were. For one, the city’s education commission re-emphasized that group events such as school sports are not be be resumed until further notice. This also likely spells bad news for spring rituals such as fun fairs and graduation ceremonies.
(4/12 4.37pm) Beijing Announces Return Date
Beijing has finally announced a return date for students. High school seniors will return to school on Monday, April 27 with 9th graders follow on May 11. The return date for the remaining grades are yet to be announced.
(4/11 10.51pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(4/9 5.44pm) Chongqing 9th and 12th Graders Resume School, Apr 20
On Apr 7, the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission officially announced that 9th and 12th graders would resume school on Apr 20. Grades 4-6 are set to return one week later, on Apr 27, with grades 1-3 returning some time in early-May.
Chongqing Province has had 579 diagnoses and six deaths. There are still three people suffering from the disease, the most recent of which went to hospital on Mar 31.
(4/9 5.22pm) Guangdong Announces Apr 27 Return for Seniors, 9th Graders
In what is shaping up to be a big day for school announcements, Guangdong Province has set Apr 27 as a return date for High School seniors and 9th graders. All other grades will be welcomed back in stages after May 11, while kindergartens will have to continue waiting for a timeline.
Of Guangdong’s 1,539 infections, 108 remain in hospital, the most recent of which was admitted on Apr 6. The last death occurred in the region on Feb 16, which brought the total to eight.
(4/9 4.15pm) Hebei High School Seniors Return to School, Apr 23
According to the Hebei Provincial Department of Education, high school seniors will resume onsite learning on Apr 23, with 9th grade students to follow on May 7. An official announcement for other grades is yet to be made.
There have been a total of 327 infections in Hebei Province and six deaths. Eight individuals remain hospitalized, and the two most recent were admitted on Apr 4.
(4/9 3.03pm) Shanghai Eyes End of Month Return for 9th and 12th Graders
The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission announced today that High School seniors and 9th graders would return to class on Apr 27, bringing the list of provinces awaiting school news down to five.
As those students are ushered back into the classroom, other grade levels will be making preparations to invite their students back sometime after May 6, though an official date is yet to be determined.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, Shanghai has had 552 infections, 123 are still in hospital, and the last diagnoses were on Apr 6. Of seven deaths in the region, the last one occurred on Mar 31.
(4/8 8.09pm) Chengdu Adjusts Schedule of Return to Classes
The Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Education has announced that it will adjust the return date for students from the previously scheduled date of April 13. Grades 8 and 11 students will return to school as scheduled on April 13. Grades 7 and 10 students will follow on April 20, Grades 5 and 6 students on April 27, Grades 1 through 4 students on May 5. Afterschool programs will not be allowed to open earlier than May 6. Preschool and other special programs will have an opening date to be announced at a later time.
(4/7 4.02pm) Beijing Education Commission Quashes Sep 1 Rumor, Hints at Announcement in “Near Future”
Today, the Beijing Education Commission dispelled another rumor circulating through social media which stated that, “the education committee of a certain district in Beijing was notified that school would not resume before Sept 1.”
This date and information is patently false, however as we reported last week, the Municipal Education Committee is preparing for the start of school and formulating detailed plans based on grade levels.
Moreover, for the first time, Beijing’s Education Commission did hint that the announcement of an official date is on the horizon, saying, “in the near future, the Municipal Education Commission will announce the specific school start time.”
(4/7 1.54pm) Tianjin Students Resume Class Apr 20
Tianjin’s Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters announced today that 9th and 12th graders will return to school on Apr 20. It was noted that the region’s universities and colleges would resume onsite learning in early- or mid-May, though no specific date was mentioned. Additionally, there was no news regarding other grade levels.
Tianjin has experienced 181 infections, three of which resulted in death. The last death occurred on Feb 13. Of the 26 infections still in the region, the four most recent were diagnosed on Apr 4.
(4/7 12.38pm) Two Cities in Gansu Province Announce Detailed Plan for Students’ Return
Pingling City in Gansu announced that high school seniors will resume on Apr 9 with other junior high grades to follow on April 13, elementary school grades 4 – 6 on Apr 16, and grades 1 – 3 on Apr 19.
Likewise, in Jiuquan City, high school seniors will return on Apr 9 with the remaining high school classes to follow on Apr 13. Students in grades 4 – 6 and junior high school students will begin to return on Apr 20, with elementary school grades 1 – 3 students to follow on Apr 27.
(4/7 11.20am) MOE Releases Guidelines on Reopening Schools, No Date Announced
On Apr 4, The Beijing Municipal Education Commission issued a document that lays out comprehensive guidelines for the reopening of schools and transitioning to onsite learning. It is incumbent upon all schools and departments to carefully read the guidelines, and make the necessary preparations to ensure that their facilities will not pose a risk to students and faculty upon their return.
It’s also important to point out that the document makes no mention of when schools will reopen, and that no one is allowed on campus without the approval of school leaders before the school is officially opened.
(4/7 10.21am) Nine Provinces Welcome Back Students Today
High schoolers in nine provinces returned to the classroom today, making it the single largest return to school since COVID-19 began.
The nine provinces include Heilongjiang, Jilin, Henan, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hainan, Guangxi, and Hunan.
While there’s still no news regarding Beijing students’ return to campus, it’s a welcome sight to see so many other regions beginning to open their schools.
(4/4 8.06pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(4/3 9.48pm) Gansu Announces Set Return Date for High School Seniors
Gansu announces April 9 as the return date for high school seniors with rest of the grades to follow.
(4/3 3.58pm)Students in Zhejiang Return to School
In Zhejiang 9th graders and seniors will return to school starting April 13 with 4th – 8th graders to follow on April 20, and 1st – 3rd graders starting on April 26. Kindergarteners will return to school after May 6.
(4/3 2.45pm) Shandong Province 12th Graders Resume School Apr 15
The Education Department of Shandong Province announced today that High School seniors would resume onsite learning on Apr 15. Students aiming to graduate from Junior High will be the next to return, though their start time is to be determined. Then follows the other grades of Junior High and High Schools, as well as Primary Schools, Kindergartens, and Special Education institutions.
(4/2 10.40am) ‘No Timetable for Schools to Reopen’: Beijing’s Education Commission
Yesterday, Beijing’s Education Commission again stated that the time still isn’t right to announce a plan for a return to schools in the Capital. However the Commission did offer some insights regarding a tentative timetable, and making up for lost class time.
According to Li Yi, Deputy Secretary of Beijing’s Education Commission, with the exception of students in graduating classes, there is no intention to carry the school year into Summer, or require kids to attend school on Saturdays and Sundays.
Moreover, Li reiterated the fact that schools will be opened gradually, by grade, and that preschools will likely be the last to open, due to higher standards of virus protection. Additionally, parents should talk directly to schools regarding refund policies.
As for extracurricular learning facilities, the ministry also indicated that after-school and private part-time education organizations shall remain closed until further notice.
(4/1 2.01pm) Hainan Announces Plans to Reopen More Grade Levels
While 9th and 12th graders in Hainan are set to return to school next week, the Education Department of Hainan Province announced today the reopening of more grades throughout the month.
The remaining grades in Junior High School and High School, including 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th, will be welcomed back to campus on Apr 13, and Elementary School students will make their return to the classroom on Apr 20.
In keeping with the Ministry of Education’s longstanding guidelines, Kindergartens will be the last to return, and as such, have no official return date.
Of the 168 infections and six deaths to have occurred in the region, there are currently no more cases, with the last diagnosis having been cleared on Mar 24.
(3/31 4.17pm) Third Hardest Hit Province to Resume Some Classes Next Week
High School seniors in Henan Province will resume onsite learning on Apr 7, the Henan Provincial Department of Education announced today.
This is pretty big news considering that with 1,276 infections, Henan has had the third most COVID-19 cases, behind Hubei and Guangdong. Of those infected, all but three have left hospital care and the death toll has stood at 22.
(3/30 2.04pm) Heilongjiang Schools Join Seven Other Provinces in Opening Next Week
Today, the Heilongjiang Department of Education announced that High School seniors will return to school next week, on Apr 7. 9th graders will return some time between Apr 13 and Apr 17, while other middle school and high school grades, as well as primary schools and kindergartens await further notice.
Heilongjiang hasn’t seen a locally transmitted case since Mar 2, however there have been two imported cases reported during the intervening weeks. That brings the total number of infections to 484, with 13 deaths.
(3/29 9.41am) Two More Provinces Announce Return Date for Students
Ningxia and Hunan have announced return dates for 9th and 12th graders. Ningxia students have returned to school on Mar 25 with other grades to follow. Hunan 9th and 12th graders will return to school on Apr 7.
(3/28 3.27pm) Yunnan Adjusts Previously Announced Return Date
Last night (Mar 27) the Yunnan Provincial Department of Education issued an announcement to adjust the previously set starting date. With the exception of 9th and 12th graders who returned to school on Monday (Mar 23), the remaining grades’ return date will be postponed until an unspecified time instead of the originally intended date of Mar 30.
Since all but eradicating local transmission and releasing the last remaining hospitalized patient in the province on Mar 14, Yunnan has seen 6 new infections reported, all of which are overseas returnees.
(3/27 4.54pm) Jilin High School Seniors Have Set Return Date
The Jilin Provincial Education Department announced that high school seniors will start returning to school on Apr 7, with the grades to follow.
Jilin has 95 total cases, 1 death, and 2 under treatment as of March 25.
(3/27 9.09am) All Schools in Jiangsu Are Set to Resume
Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government announced that all schools across the procaine will start resuming in batches and staggered peaks starting fro Mar 30 with colleges and universities preparing to restart again on Apr 13.
(3/26 11.58am) Two More Provinces Set to Reopen Schools
Two more provinces announced today their intentions to reopen schools next month.
In Sichuan Province, 12th graders will return to campus on Apr 1, with 9th graders returning one week later, on Apr 7. All other grade levels as well as universities are yet to announce their return.
Sichuan has seen 547 infections since the outbreak began, with three deaths. To date, there are still eight existing cases, the most recent of which are two that were diagnosed on Mar 24.
Meanwhile, In Fujian Province, 12th graders will be allowed to resume onsite learning Apr 7. 9th graders will be the next to return, with other grades following suit, however no date has been given for those students.
Fujian has had a total of 328 cases and one death. There are still 32 cases in the region, with six new cases having been diagnosed just yesterday.
(3/26 8.19am) Anhui Announces Return Date
Anhui senior high school students will restart classes April 7, with 9th graders going back April 13 and other grades to return no earlier than April 20, the province’s education ministry announced yesterday. The province has seen 990 total infections and six deaths. The last reported new infection entered the hospital on Feb 27, and the last patient left care on Mar 8.
(3/25 3.50pm) Guangxi Announces School Dates for More Grade Levels
After announcing last week that high school seniors and 9th graders would return to school on Apr 7, Guangxi unveiled plans today to bring even more grade levels back to campus. Elementary school grades 4 to 6 as well as junior high grades 7 and 8 will return to class on Apr 14, along with all public high schools.
Additionally, Guangxi is the first to announce a return for some university students, with medical college departments, medical colleges, and college students in their final year being the first to return on Apr 14, and all other university students staggering their return beginning Apr 21.
Unfortunately, for primary school grades 1 to 3 and kindergartens, a return date is yet to be announced, noting that the specific start time will be determined by the districts and cities.
(3/25 2.57pm) Stop Spreading Misinformation: Beijing Municipal Education Commission
The Beijing Municipal Education Commission sent another reminder today ensuring people that, despite what they’ve heard, there is still no date for schools to reopen in the Capital. All told, they addressed four points, and provided the following explanations:
- Worldwide infections continue to rise, and are complicating the Capital’s return to “business as usual”. As student and teacher health is top priority, it is not advisable to reopen schools until the flow of people flying in from affected areas slows down.
- The Municipal Education Committee is reviewing e-learning protocols and standards, and may make some revisions to the way online learning is conducted. Any adjustments will be communicated to teachers and students as soon as possible.
- The Municipal Education Committee is still working diligently to figure out when schools can re-open. There’s no date yet, but teachers and parents can rest assured they’ll receive adequate notice before schools open so they can prepare.
- Please stop spreading rumors.
You can follow the official Beijing Municipal Education Commission WeChat account at bjedunews, or scan the QR code below
(3/24 7.52am) High School Seniors Will Return to School Mid-April in Liaoning
Senior high schoolers in Liaoning will head back to school in mid-April, the province’s education commission announced Mar 23. Other grades will follow as the epidemic situation develops. Unlike other provinces, Liaoning did not mention a specific start date in April. Home to cities such as Shenyang and Dalian, Liaoning has reported 127 total infections, two deaths, and 124 recoveries. One patient remains under care in a local hospital. Their latest infection, coming in from abroad, was reported Mar 22. Prior to that, the province hadn’t had a new infection for 20 days.
(3/24 7.30am) Cambridge Assessment Cancels Exams
Cambridge Assessment has announced that Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, Cambridge AICE Diploma, and Cambridge Pre-U will be canceled this year due to COVID-19. Cambridge Assessment will continue to offer support and resources for schools, teachers, and students through their website.
(3/24 7.27am) IB Exams Cancelled
International Baccalaureate Organization has announced that this year’s IB Diploma Programme, originally scheduled between April 30 and May 22 will no longer be held. “As an organization, it is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our global community of IB World schools are based on compassion for our students and teachers and, fairness for the difficult circumstances our students and educators are experiencing. We are grateful for your patience and consideration. As a result, the IB with considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe including schools, students, universities and official bodies has determined the most responsible and ethical way forward.” The full list of FAQs can be found here.
(3/22 12.06pm) Students in Jiangsu Province Have Set Return Date
Jiangsu seniors and 9th graders will return to school on March 30 and other grades should be prepared to return to school gradually after April 7, the province’s education ministry announced yesterday. Home to Nanjing and Suzhou, Jiangsu has reported 631 total infections and zero fatalities. The province’s last new infection was reported on Feb 18 and the last patient under treatment left the hospital on Mar 14.
(3/21 10.33pm) High School Students in Jiangxi Province Have Set Return Date
High School seniors and 9th graders in Jiangxi Province will go back to school on April 7 with other grades to follow at a later date, the provincial Department of Education announced today. All teachers, staff, and students will be required to wear masks on campus
Jiangxi, the province just southeast of hard-hit Hubei, has reported 935 total infections and one death. The province saw its last new infection on Feb 27 and its last patient left hospital care on Mar 10.
(3/21 1.03pm) Some Students in Hainan Now Have Set Return Date
Hainan’s senior high schoolers and 9th graders will return to campus April 7, with other grades to follow, the province’s education bureau announced on Mar 19. All grades will be given at least one week’s notice before their return date, they added. Hainan has reported a total of 168 infections, with 161 recoveries, 6 deaths and one person remaining under treatment.
(3/20 10.11pm) LFIP Asks Staff and Families to Return to Beijing
French International School of Beijing (LFIP)’s Headmaster issued a statement through the school’s WeChat to parents informing them that although it’s still uncertain when schools in Beijing will be allowed to reopen, “in China, health conditions no longer justify today that people whose center of interests is in China remain far away from it, especially as the situation is very deteriorated almost everywhere else, particularly in France.” The shool has asked staff and LFIP families to return to Beijing over the next few weeks.
“In the meantime, distance learning will resume on Monday, March 23rd. I will soon organize a vote of the governing board so that the May holidays will be moved back to April, probably with an alternation of 2 weeks of distance learning courses / 1 week of holidays while waiting for the reopening.”
(3/20 11am) Inner Mongolia Joins List of Schools to Reopen
Inner Mongolia’s Education Department announced yesterday that they would be reopening schools for high school seniors and 9th graders next Monday, Mar 30. Per Ministry of Education guidelines, other grades and schools will gradually reopen thereafter.
(3/19 11.38am) Beijing CDC Urges Overseas Students to Stay Put
Due to the fact that worldwide COVID-19 cases have outpaced domestic transmissions, Beijing’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention has asked students currently overseas to delay their return to the country.
During a press conference yesterday, CDC deputy director, Pang Xinghuo, reminded students to continue following “good faith” measures such as cooperating with local laws and regulations abroad, seeking medical attention if feeling symptomatic, refraining from all non-essential travel, and cooperating with Chinese customs and health quarantine procedures upon returning to the country.
(3/19 10.23am) Hong Kong Rescinds Plans to Reopen Schools
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, announced Tuesday that schools will not be able to reopen on Apr 20, as previously planned, RTHK reports. Going one step further, Lam said that “very young kids” returning to school within the next month or two “will be quite slim”.
Whereas Hong Kong initially pegged March 16 as a return date, and subsequently pushed it to Apr 20, Lam gave no indication on Tuesday as to what the new date would be.
As of Monday, Hong Kong had 38 COVID-19 patients.
(3/19 12.47am) Guangxi Seniors, 9th Graders Return to Class Apr 7
Guangxi Province announced Wednesday the timetable for students returning to in-person classes, according to the Beijing News. High school seniors and 9th graders will return on April 7, with other grades to follow based on the outbreak situation over time. Guangxi has reported 253 infections to date. Two have died from the disease and 250 have recovered, while one remains under treatment.
(3/18 11.17am) Shaanxi (陕西) High School Seniors Return March 30, Other Grades to Follow
Shaanxi (陕西) senior high schoolers will return to class on March 30 and 9th graders will start April 7, the provincial education commission reported this morning. The rest of the grades will be opened gradually after that date, starting from other middle and senior grades, then elementary, and then international schools. Per the guidelines laid out by the Ministry of Education last week, university students will be the last to return.
Shaanxi has reported 246 total infections and three deaths. Seven patients remain under treatment.
(3/17 9.17pm) Hangzhou Begins Preparations to Resume School
Hangzhou today asked all schools to complete all necessary preparations for the opening of school before March 25, Beijing News reports. While the edict does not mention when schools there will start, it is an indication that an announcement could be coming soon.
Hangzhou has had a total of 183 COVID-19 cases, with only two remaining in the hospital.
(3/17 3.59pm) Students Begin to Return to School
While there’s no return date for schools in Beijing, some other provinces have announced the reopening of schools. In Guizhou, the 9th and 12th graders have officially started their classes on Mar 16. In Shanxi, schools are required to make all the preparations for 12th graders to start classes on Mar 25. In Qinghai, high schools and secondary vocational schools have resumed, while middle schools will reopen starting between Mar 16 – 20. All schools in Tibet are tentatively scheduled to reopen in late March. In Xinjiang, 9th, 12th graders, and secondary vocational schools have resumed classes on Mar 16.
(3/17 9.06am) No Official Return Date Yet for Schools: Beijing Education Commission
Beijing Education Commission once again stated in a message sent via their official WeChat account this morning that there is no specific date set yet for a return to school. The commission urges all parents to avoid rumors and await word from official sources.
(3/16 7.12pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(3/14 1.30pm) K-12 Schools Will Open Before Universities: Ministry of Education
China’s Ministry of Education said yesterday the nation’s universities will open only after K-12 schools, Beijing News reports. Of the more than 40 million college students across China, more than 10 million are to attend school outside their home province, presenting a huge potential risk in terms of virus control, the ministry said. Adding all levels of schooling, reopening schools will involve movement of over 300 million students.
(3/13 11.07pm) Xinjiang Province First to Announce Return to School for All Grade Levels
Two days after announcing that 9th and 12th graders would return on March 16, Xinjiang Province has now announced that all remaining grades will start classes by Mar 23, Beijing News reports.
(3/13 3.00pm) Ministry of Education Releases A Guide to the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Epidemic in Foreign Languages
According to a statement, the Guide, which was translated into eight languages and contains 50 sentences commonly used in daily life, at customs, and in hospitals, “was developed for medical institutions, educational institutions, airports, airlines, foreign affairs agencies, the customs, and community centers, as well as for international students and foreign nationals living in China.”
The guide is currently available in Korean, Japanese, Farsi, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and English, with more languages expected to be rolled out soon.
In addition to the 50 sentences, there are also mini-films with information about daily precautions and protocols at six ports of entry.
(3/12 9.44pm) LFIP Urges Parents, Staff to Return by Month’s End
French International School of Beijing (LFIP) sent a WeChat message to their entire educational community asking for those who’ve left Beijing to organize themselves to return by end of March by the latest. The school does not yet have a confirmed restarting date, but says that it “seems reasonable, in the current context of a sharp decline in the epidemic in China, to consider a resumption in April.”
(3/12 1.30pm) Ministry of Education Releases New Guidelines for Schools
Today, the Ministry of Education released their ‘Guidelines on COVID-19 Prevention and Control’ for kindergartens, primary, middle, and high schools, as well as higher education institutes. The guidelines contain basic information about COVID-19, steps schools must take to prepare for reopening, and regulations once students return to campus.
Under the guidelines, parents are not allowed to escort their children directly into the kindergarten classroom, they are only allowed to walk their kids to their teacher at a designated drop-off area. Additionally, parents of primary and secondary schools are advised to prepare age-appropriate masks for their children, and avoid taking public transportation. Students of every grade should avoid large gatherings, and schools should cancel all field trips beyond Beijing’s borders.
(3/12 9.44am) WAB’s E-Learning Efforts Profiled in Australian Media
Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB) Elementary School Principal, Angela Steinmann, and physics teacher and grade 9 mentor, Jaima Holland, were interviewed by Australia’s ABC News about WAB’s swift transition to e-learning after the announcement of school closures last month.
Classes have already been canceled in two of Australia’s territories, New South Wales and Victoria, and e-learning is becoming increasingly inevitable. The article sheds light on the realities and challenges of online teaching for Australian educators.
In New South Wales and Victoria, Australia schools already canceled classes and it’s starting to look like e-learning might become the new solution. The article sheds light on the realities and challenges of online teaching for Australian educators.
(3/11 10.05pm) Yunnan Joins Growing List of Provinces to Announce School Dates
Yunnan becomes yet another inland province to announce the reopening of schools. Today they announced that high school seniors and 9th graders will start March 23, with other grades following on March 30. Yunnan has seen 174 total infections, with the latest one entering the hospital on Feb 20. Two patients remain under treatment.
(3/11 9.53pm) Education Commission Quashes Another Round of Rumors
The Beijing Municipal Education Commission issued a statement through their Weibo account tonight putting a stop to rumors that Beijing’s universities down to middle schools will resume on April 6 or that primary schools and kindergartens will resume on April 20.
The following statement was issued on Weibo: “Beijing’s current situation is still serious and complex. In particular, the situation outside China is changing rapidly and has become a new challenge for the capital’s prevention and control. In this most difficult critical stage, no measures can be relaxed and no details can be neglected. Beijing’s school opening time is still subject to the development of the epidemic.”
(3/11 6.20pm) Xinjiang Province Becomes Third to Reopen Schools
Xinjiang Province announced today that high school seniors and 9th graders will return to school on March 16, according to Beijing News.
The area has reported 76 total infections since the beginning of the outbreak. The last reported new infection occurred on Feb 17, and the last hospitalized patient was released March 8.
This is the third such announcement after Guizhou announced a March 16 return to school late last month, and Qinghai announced a March 11 return last week.
(3/11 3.30pm) No news from the Ministry of Education today. Check back later as stories develop.
(3/10 9.57am) WAB Looks at Ways to Make Up Lost Class Time, Moves Spring Break
Like many schools revising their schedules based on the newest information from local authorities, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) will be moving their Spring Break to next week, March 16-20, in an effort to give students a much-needed rest from screens and online learning.
Additionally, WAB is no longer asking families and staff to return to Beijing until they receive further instruction from the municipal education authorities. As a result, some students may be returning to the city when onsite learning resumes, and WAB will integrate a “hybrid online and offline learning approach so that we can reach all of our student population during the transition to Beijing and the quarantine period.”
Lastly, school leadership is looking at various ways to make up for lost class time, including:
- moving the spring break into the online learning period (5 days)
- canceling teacher Professional Development (PD) days (2.5 days)
- canceling Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences (PSTCs) (1 day)
- canceling events that require students and staff travel (1-2 weeks, depending on the school section)
- canceling World of Work and Infinity Week, as well as other special curricular days like Francophonie Day, Pura Vida, MADDF, Languages Week, and Track & Field days)
To read the full statement, click here.
(3/10 9.40am) MOE Announces New Regulations Before Schools Can Reopen
Yesterday, The Ministry of Education announced on Weibo that the reopening of schools is contingent upon the following three criteria:
- The epidemic has almost been controlled;
- Society and most parents think it is safe to open schools;
- Schools have enough prevention products available and qualified prevention conditions in place.
(3/9 3.47pm) YCIS Beijing Announces Steps to Sanitize Campus
Despite the fact that there’s no definitive return-to-school date, the Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) sent out a comprehensive primer on all the steps they’re taking to ensure a sanitized campus that’s equipped to safely welcome students.
According to Delia Wang, head of the department tasked with school operations, “all the preparations strictly follow the rules and regulations set by the School, local Food and Drug Administration, Beijing Emergency Management Bureau and Honglingjin Park.”
Some of those preparations include regularly disinfecting school premises and purchasing protective gear, thermometers, hand-sanitizer, gloves, etc.
As for when YCIS reopens, Wang says that, “We will ensure that public areas are disinfected every two hours, such as doorways, floor mats, doorknobs, banisters, etc., and keep records. We will also ensure that the temperature of the school staff is monitored twice a day and recorded.”
To read more, click here.
(3/9 3.40pm) ISB Urges Staff, Families Abroad to Stay Put
Patrick Hurworth, Head of School at International School of Beijing (ISB) sent a notice to staff and families who are currently overseas, reminding them that per recent media reports, “it is highly recommended that ISB community members who are outside of Beijing at this time reduce travel as much as possible and do not return to Beijing before receiving the school’s opening notice.”
Hurworth also provided guidance with regards to the travel and quarantine surveys that folks are being asked to submit upon their return to Beijing.
To read the full statement, click here.
(3/9 2.07pm) MOE Unveils New Mental Health Service Platform
While there hasn’t been any news from the Ministry of Education (MOE) regarding the reopening of schools, they have been working with other governmental agencies, as well as China Central Normal University on a mental health service hotline. The platform, while open to everyone, is geared towards medical staff, patients and their relatives, police officers and security professionals.
To date, “More than 4,000 qualified psychological consultants have volunteered to participate in this project, among whom more than 1,000 are now working in shifts.”
To read the full statement, click here.
For a list of English-language hotline services, check out our blog.
(3/9 11.45am) MSB Moves Spring Break, Looks at Ways to Make Up Lost Class Time
Benjamin Farrell, Head of School at International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) sent a letter to parents announcing that Spring Break would be moved to next week, March 16 to April 3, “so that our teachers and staff have the adequate time to return to Beijing to fulfill their quarantine requirements in preparation for a return to campus.”
Of course, this is all contingent upon news and updates from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission.
Also addressed in the announcement were plans to make up for lost class time when students return to campus. According to Farrell, “we will add one hour to each of our school days. Also, we will add a half-day Saturday program, we do this to acknowledge that so much of our learning happens when we are together. As a community we need to find the time and space to create these opportunities.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(3/8 10.39pm) There have been no new updates about classes resuming from the Ministry of Education or local authorities.
(3/7 1.28pm) Qinghai Province is First to Invite Students Back to Campus
High school seniors in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, will officially become the first students on the mainland to return to school on Wednesday, Mar 11, the Beijing News reports. Seniors will start on Mar 11, juniors will report Mar 12, and sophomores on Mar 13. Middle school 9th graders will start Mar 18, followed by 8th graders on the 19th and 7th graders on the 20th. No dates have yet been set for elementary, preschool and after school training programs
Qinghai has had 18 total infections reported, with 15 of them in Xining. The last new infection to be reported in the province was Feb 5, and the last patient was released from the hospital Feb 21.
(3/7 11.45am) DCB Reverses Course, Asks Staff and Families Not to Return to Beijing Yet
In an email to parents yesterday, Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) Headmaster, Simon Herbert, reversed a previous decision to have all staff and families return to Beijing by March 15. According to Herbert, “despite DCB and DCI’s best intentions and rationale, the situation with regard to advice for those Beijing educators currently overseas has changed rapidly and drastically. Indeed, the school has been in consultation with advisory bodies and many involved parties at length. Therefore, we must resume our former advice and ask that staff wait for school notification on re-opening before planning their return.”
Additionally, in an effort to give their students a much-needed break from screens and e-learning, DCB has decided to move their Spring Break to next week, March 9-13.
(3/6 3.10pm) Various Provinces Release Return Date Policies
Although an official school reopening date has yet to be announced, some provinces have begun planning their return date policies. Henan, Zhejiang, Shanxi, and Jiangsu have said they will give parents a one week notice, whereas Hainan will inform parents 18 days prior.
(3/5 3.56pm) Jiangsu Education Department Hopes to Reopen Schools Soon
In an announcement dated Mar 3, Jiangsu Education Department has hinted that schools may be given the green light to open soon, reminding all provincial schools to get ready for reopening by following the 25 criteria set forth by the ministry of education. The department said that in principle, all schools in the same areas should be able to be prepared to open in two weeks. However, no specific date of opening was mentioned.
Jiangsu, home to Suzhou and Nanjing, has had a total of 631 infections, with 51 remaining under treatment. Their last reported infections were reported Feb 18.
(3/5 10.45am) HoK Tacks Three Weeks Onto School Year
Earlier last month, House of Knowledge (HoK) Group Education Director, Russell O’Neill, sent a message to the community announcing a three-week addition to the school year.
According to O’Neill, “We will extend the end of the school year from Friday, June 19, until Friday, July 3. This will provide an additional 2 weeks. April 3 will remain a public holiday but the Spring Break that was scheduled from April 6 to 10, will now be a normal school week with students attending class.”
Additionally, “The May Day holiday will be extended from 3 to 5 days, and will now take place from May 1 to May 5, which is in line with the revised Chinese public holiday schedule. This is also the mid-point of the revised semester.”
Of course, with no official policy announcements from the government, the school’s plans are subject to change.
(3/4 7.00pm) Qinghai Province Announces Return for High Schools, Middle Schools
On Feb 28, the Qinghai Provincial People’s Government announced that High School students would return to class the week of March 9-13, with Middle School students returning March 16-20, and no return date set for Elementary and Preschool students.
The last patient diagnosed in Qinghai was on Feb 5, however all patients have been discharged from the hospital since Feb 20, with a mere 18 cases having struck the province in total.
(3/3 5.20pm) There have been no new updates about classes resuming from the Ministry of Education or local authorities.
(3/3 2.20pm) DCB Moves Spring Break, Asks Families to Return by March 15
Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) sent a letter to parents and staff today asking that everyone return to Beijing by March 15, despite no official announcement regarding a return to campus. This is to ensure that everyone has the requisite 14-day quarantine period when schools reopen. Likewise, if the school does “not have evidence that a child has been in Beijing and completed quarantine, he/she will not be able to come to school when it reopens.”
In other news, DCB has decided to move their Spring Break to next week, March 9 – 13. According to the statement, “This will allow for a much needed break in e-learning and a chance for students and teachers to take a break from their screens. It will also allow teachers travel time uninterrupted by the need to focus on their classes.”
Lastly, May holiday will be moved to May 1 – 6, so that folks who remained in Beijing throughout the crisis have a chance to leave for a little bit, depending on the severity of the outbreak both here and abroad.
To read the full statement, click here.
(3/2 3.45pm) There was no news from the Ministry of Education today. Scroll below for policy updates from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, released over the weekend.
(3/2 3.30pm) ISB Warns Against “Speculation” and Worldwide COVID-19 Spread
International School of Beijing’s (ISB) Head of School, Patrick Hurworth, sent a WeChat message to parents yesterday explaining that, despite proactively working with authorities, there is “no new information regarding a return to campus date,” adding, “Speculation remains rife – please rely on information forthcoming from ISB as the days and weeks progress.”
Similarly, Hurworth noted that quarantine procedures for families returning to Beijing remains entirely fluid and subject to change. “It seems distinctly possible with the spread of the virus in other parts of the world that quarantine expectations might yet change again. Our ability to communicate anything firm on these matters remains in the hands of the authorities. Once more, my commitment to all families is to proactively seek accurate and reliable information and to share it as soon as I can.”
The WeChat message also reminded parents to consult their ISB Weekly for news on bus fee savings, a 0% tuition increase for the 2020-2021 school year, the cancellation of parent teacher conferences, and the Board of Trustees election.
(3/2 12.59pm) Education Commission Offers Financial Relief for Some Schools
Over the weekend the Beijing Municipal Education Commission announced that it will provide government subsidies for any commercial landlord who waives or reduces the rent for all private after-school programs that are approved by the Municipal Education Commission, bringing some much needed financial relief to kindergartens and private education training institutions.
(3/1 9.26pm) Schools in Tibet Remain Shuttered
Tibet’s Education Commission today announced that schools shall remain closed until at least Mar 20, according to a report in the Beijing News. Tibet has been one of the lightest-hit areas of China, with only one infection. That one individual was admitted to the hospital on Jan 29 and was released on Feb 12. To date, there is still no date of resumption for Beijing.
(2/29 12.51pm) MOE Advises Schools to Stagger Reopening by Grade Level
In a directive issued yesterday, China’s Ministry of Education said that schools should stagger their opening by grade (错时错峰开学). This appears to be a method for minimizing the risk of an outbreak at any one school. Click here to read more.
(2/28 2.59pm) There have been no new updates about classes resuming from the Ministry of Education or local authorities. Check back throughout the weekend as stories develop.
(2/28 12.45pm) Schools in Inner Mongolia Remain Closed
Beijing’s nearby province of Inner Mongolia announced this morning that school reopening would not be before March 15.
The announcement from the provincial education commission notes that the restriction covers all levels of formal schooling as well as after-school activities. A date of resumption will be determined as disease control progresses, they stated.
To date, Inner Mongolia has had 75 cases of the virus, with 32 under remaining under treatment. They last reported a new infection 10 days ago, on Feb 18.
(2/28 10.47am) YCIS Beijing Addresses E-Learning Concerns
The School Leadership Team at the Yew Chung International School Beijing (YCIS Beijing) sent a letter to parents this week stating that, “According to the government’s notices, online learning should not be considered to be a normal school day; we will follow that decision. At the same time, we will learn from our day to day experiences and will continue to provide high-quality online learning and support for students during this time of school closure. The eLearning is optional for students to attend, we will not record attendance, and no new contents will be taught.”
Moreover, YCIS Beijing is continuing to wait for news from the Beijing Municipal Government and Education Commission to resume classes, at which point they will “make adjustments to the daily curriculum or school calendar as appropriate and will inform [parents]as soon as possible.”
(2/27 8.56pm) Reopening of Schools Still Postponed: Li Keqiang
Premier Li Keqiang was quoted as saying in a central government committee meeting today that “in principle” the reopening of schools will continue to be postponed — though no new date was mentioned.
(2/27 8:36pm) Guizhou Province Set to Reopen Some Grades, March 16
In what appears to be one of the first back-to-school announcements nationwide, Guizhou Province announced today that high school seniors and middle school 9th graders will begin school on March 16. Start dates for the remaining grades will be determined according to the next stage of epidemic prevention and control situation, the Guizhou Education Department announced.
Guizhou has had 168 cases of Covid-19 so far, with 32 remaining under treatment. There have been no new infections reported there for the last 10 days.
As of today, still no word on a date for Beijing schools.
(2/27 3.27pm) There have been no new updates from the Ministry of Education or local authorities. Check back later as stories develop.
(2/27 10.51am) Overseas Study Agency Fees Should be Waived for First Responders: China Education International Exchange Association
According to Beijing News, on Feb 26, the China Education International Exchange Association suggested waiving overseas study agency service fees for first-line medical care staff and their children.
(2/27 10.39am) Government Issues Notice on “Epidemic Prevention and Control in Schools”
On Feb 25, China’s government issued a notice regarding epidemic prevention and control in schools, and proposed that primary and secondary schools should “set up (temporary) quarantine rooms with a relatively independent location before opening, to prepare urgent but temporary isolation when people have a fever or other symptoms (设立(临时)隔离室，位置相对独立，以备人员出现发热等症状时立即进行暂时隔离)”. After the school’s opening, all staff and students’ health conditions should be reported on a daily basis.
(2/26 2.22pm) DCI Chairman Hints at Spring Break Move, Offers Some Refunds
On Feb 24, the Chairman and CEO of Dulwich College International (parent organization of Dulwich College Beijing (DCB)), Fraser White, sent an email to parents with a number of new updates. For instance, given the unpredictable nature of the situation, DCB may be required to move their Spring Break holiday, and families are thus urged not to make any plans or commitments until further notice. Moreover, the school will be offering the refunds for school bus costs, boarding, and paid co-curricular activities.
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/26 11.31am) MOE Attempts to Stop Onsite Learning Rumors
The Beijing Education Ministry tried once again to dispel rumors yesterday that onsite learning would resume in early March. This comes on the heels of a similar statement released on Feb 19 which seemingly did little to stop the spread of misinformation.
In fact, given the suggested 14-day quarantine period for returning folks, many schools have committed to giving their community at least three weeks’ notice before regular classes resume, so that everyone has ample time to transition back into campus life.
(2/26 8.51am) 25 Requirements in Place to Safeguard Schools
State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism Against Covid-19 has announced 25 requirements for K-12 schools need to follow to reopen. Click here to read the full list of requirements.
(2/25 5.44pm) Hong Kong Pushes Potential School Reopening to April 20
Though it’s not administered by China’s Ministry of Education, an announcement today from Hong Kong may be a harbinger of things to come closer to home — the Hong Kong Education Bureau decided this afternoon to postpone the previously announced March 16 opening time again to April 20, according to the Beijing News.
Hong Kong currently has 60 infected patients still under treatment to Beijing’s 181. In the mean time, still no word on a Beiijng start date from either the MOE or the city’s education commission.
(2/25 8.50am) ISB Cancels Parent-Teacher Conferences
In a message sent via WeChat, International School of Beijing (ISB) Head of School, Patrick Hurworth announced the cancellation of the school’s scheduled vacation day on Feb 28 and the parent-teacher conferences originally scheduled for March 23 – 24. The full message can be read here.
(2/24 6.50pm) WAB’s Head of School Addresses Staff, Families Returning to Beijing
In a message posted to WeChat, Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB) Head of School, Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic addressed the 14-day quarantine for students returning to Beijing.
Krajnovic writes, “As many of you will have seen on Friday, the authorities announced that the 14-day quarantine would not apply to people flying directly into either of the two Beijing airports if they have spent 14 or more days overseas.
Following discussions with authorities, we have had clarification on how this relates to our school community – staff, students, and parents. While the above exemption does apply, there is an additional measure required for schools and their communities to follow: Anyone returning to Beijing from overseas will not be allowed on school campus for 14 days following their return to Beijing. During these 14 days, there is no requirement for home quarantine or observation, only a restriction on coming onto campus.
For those returning to Beijing from another city in China, please note that the 14-day home quarantine still applies.”
Krajnovic goes on to explain that, “As so many members of our community are currently overseas, the information shared in my email last week remains the same. We will still give three weeks’ notice of a return to school date to allow time to travel back to Beijing and the 14-day off-campus requirement.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/24 10.50am) Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there have been no new updates about schools reopening from either the Ministry of Education (MOE) or local authorities. Check back regularly though, as we are continuing to monitor all relevant websites and social media platforms while the situation develops.
(2/24 10.35am) 3e International School Sends Message to Students, Parents
3e International School sent the following email to parents, which they shared with beijingkids:
“3e & UFH Support Family Mental & Physical Health
During this continued period of quarantine and uncertainty, families can face undue stress regarding how to cope with mental and physical issues which may arise.
3e International School ensures all families are supported throughout this time with access and resources provided by our experienced mental health specialist, and close collaboration with our health services partner, United Family Healthcare.
As an extension of his usual supportive role to 3e families as our 3e Learning Support Specialist, Dr. Ira Canada has made himself available for online consultations for 3e children and families in need. For children experiencing any adverse reactions to home quarantine or other issues during this period, parents can directly request advice from Dr. Canada. He has also written a social-story to help their understanding of the situation.
As the providers of our daily school nursing services, United Family Healthcare has contacted all 3e families to inform them of the launch of a complimentary telephone consultation service. From Feb 14, school parents, students, and staff can contact them directly for medically-related questions.
3e International School is committed to safeguarding all students and families’ mental and physical health in these uncertain times.”
(2/21 2.15 pm) According to an email sent to parents, Beijing City International School (BCIS) has decided not to cancel Spring Break, scheduled to take place from March 30-April 6, for two reasons; “i) students, teachers and parents have been working extremely hard to adapt to the online learning environment and engage in high quality learning experiences. Everybody will need a well-deserved break to rest and reflect before resuming learning after the holiday. ii) The logistics of re-opening our campus and returning to normal school life will take time. It will take time for our teachers to arrange flights and travel back to China, and to get settled back into their homes in Beijing. As things currently stand, they will then need to complete 14 days of self-quarantine. We therefore will also need the Spring Break as a time for teachers to relocate back to Beijing”
The school did stress however that, “we need to remain flexible. When we receive more information about the date that schools can reopen, we may need to change the holiday date accordingly.”
Additionally, they have decided to make Feb 28 a Wellbeing / Screen-Free Day, stating, “We ask that all students and teachers use this day to further their learning and experiences by doing physical and mindfulness activities, reading real books, journaling or story-writing, for example. Students will receive guidance from our counselors and their teachers on a variety of things to do. This day will give us an opportunity to focus on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and help everyone have a much-needed break from their devices.”
(2/21 12.55pm) 3e International School began home learning on Feb 5. In an email to parents, 3e Head of School, Mr. Gary Bradshaw, stated, “The home learning feedback so far has been positive, with families uploading wonderful videos and pictures of their children at work and at play. It has been really amazing to see the level of support, collaboration and commitment the teachers have shown in the face of this challenge. The government authorities have been very clear with all the schools that we will not return until they say it is clear to do so. We have asked them specifically to give us sufficient notice so families and staff can return to Beijing in time. The school is not in a position to make any decisions on this until we have clarity of the extent and duration of this situation. Any decisions made, will be done in conjunction with the wider 3e community, staff and families and at the appropriate time.”
(2/21 10.10am) A number of high-profile exams that were set to take place in February and March will be postponed, Beijing’s Education Commission announced on Thursday. While none of the dates have officially been rescheduled as yet, those affected are both the English listening and written test for college entrance exams, the professional sports team admission test, the National Computer Rank Examination, and teaching qualification exam for primary and secondary school teachers, amongst others.
(2/21 9.27am) Citing a meeting held on Feb 20, Beijing Daily announced that, “According to the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, schools are required to encourage students not to leave home or return to school, and strengthen campus closure management.”
(2/20 4.25pm) On Feb 19, the Ministry of Education (MOE) published a series of opinions released by the CPC Central Committee and State Council that encourages education institutions to, amongst other things, improve and refine established procedures as new details about Covid-19 and its containment efforts emerge, strengthen the bonds between education administrators and party leadership on both a local and national level, and strengthen supervision and management of staff, students, and parents.
(2/20 10.30am) Canadian International School of Beijing’s (CISB) Head of School and Superintendent, Douglas K. Prescott, sent a notice to parents stating that despite their constant communication with the Education Bureau and local authorities, there is still no news regarding when school will reopen.
Prescott also cited various options to make up for lost in-class time when school resumes, including; the extension of school days, the removal of early dismissal on Fridays, adjusting the length of lunch breaks, canceling field trips, and summer school, amongst other options.
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/19 7.01pm) Early March Start Rumor Squashed: The Beijing Municipal Education Commission shot down a rumor circulating today stating that primary and middle schools would open in early March. At present, prevention and control of the epidemic is the top priority, the commission said via its official Weibo account, and thus it is still too early to tell when schools will restart.
(2/19 2.30pm) Yesterday, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced a new slate of inspections that will hit local education administrative departments and schools at all levels, including kindergartens, beginning in March.
As such, schools will have until the end of February to figure out a plan for the following three areas:
- Leadership organization and structure
- Virus prevention and control efforts, including regular temperature checks, distribution of epidemic prevention materials, contact between returning students and off-campus students, prohibition of off-line teaching activities and training, etc. More specifically, schools should strengthen the management of health services for teachers and students returning from severely affected areas such as Hubei.
- Contingency plans for school term extensions and standardized online training.
(2/18 2.21pm) According to China’s Ministry of Education (MOE) on Feb 17, China’s national free online learning cloud platform “Eduyun” for national public primary and secondary schools is now available for all students. This platform provides learning resources of 6 modules, including epidemic prevention education, moral education, specific topic education, course learning, electronic textbooks, and video education.
(2/18 1.47pm) The International Montessori School of Beijing’s (MSB) Head of School, Benjamin Farrell, sent a letter to parents, students, and staff, reiterating the school’s commitment to online learning and providing necessary support to their community. Despite the fact that their teachers are currently based all over the globe, they are available for students and parents from 8am-4.30pm Beijing time.
Additionally, Farrell reminded parents that MSB falls within the purview of the Chaoyang District Education Bureau, and that, “While many of the policies and procedures that we are obligated to follow are similar to other schools in the city, they might be different based on location.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/18 11.33am) In a letter sent to parents on Feb 15, Dulwich College International‘s Chairman and CEO, Fraser White, addressed the 14 day self-quarantine protocols: “Our aim is to give three weeks’ advance notice as far as possible before the date that our school will reopen. This three-week period gives our staff, parents and students a week to arrange for travel back to the city, followed by a 14-day self-quarantine period at home. The above provision is, of course, subject to further guidance by the authorities.”
In terms of online learning, White explained, “I am confident you will also see continued enhancement to the learning experience in the coming weeks.”
(2/18 9.12am) The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun’s (BSB Sanlitun) principal, John Brett, sent a letter to parents on Feb 17 explaining that teachers, staff, and families stuck abroad will be given three weeks’ notice, prior to the start of onsite learning. This will ensure that everyone can self-quarantine in Beijing for the requisite 14 days before returning to work.
Moreover, in light of the class time lost due to COVID-19 restrictions, the school is looking at various ways to make up that time. Although no measures have been confirmed, BSB Sanlitun is looking at options such as extending the school day on Mondays and Thursdays by one hour, holding short Saturday morning classes, and/or keeping school open during Spring Break, while still taking April 3 off for the National holiday.
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/18 9.05am) The SAT College Board sent out an announcement that states, “In accordance with the guidance issued by international health organizations…we’ve canceled the March 14 SAT administration in China and the registration of students who appear to be traveling from China to other countries to take the SAT.”
(2/18 8.40am) Too Early to Tell When School Will Start: Li Yi, spokesman for the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, said yesterday that it was not yet time to think about when or how school would start. “Right now, epidemic prevention and control is our top priority,” Li said in a message sent via the commission’s official WeChat account.
(2/17 2.15pm) SENIA-Beijing (Special Education Network & Inclusion Association) officially cancelled their Spring 2020 Conference today. It a brief letter to vendors and participants, the SENIA-Beijing board wrote that, “Due to the affects of COVID-19, the SENIA-Beijing Spring 2020 Conference and Resource Fair scheduled April 17, 2020 at Keystone Academy is cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.”
(2/17 11.36am) Harrow Beijing’s Head Master, David Shinkfield, sent a WeChat message informing parents and the community that, “We are working very closely with the Chaoyang EDB and other local authorities to ensure the school environment and our wider community are kept as safe as possible. Given the fluid nature of the situation it is understandable that there is as yet no concrete news about a reopening date. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments as soon as they reach us.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/15 8.55pm) House of Knoweldge (HoK) has sent out a WeChat message to parents and members of the HoK community announcing that they will add three additional weeks to the school year.
“We will extend the end of the school year from Friday, June 19, until Friday, July 3. This will provide an additional two weeks. April 3 will remain a public holiday but the Spring Break that was scheduled from April 6 to 10, will now be a normal school week with students attending class. The May Day holiday will be extended from three to five days, and will now take place from May 1 to May 5, which is in line with the revised Chinese public holiday schedule. This is also the mid-point of the revised semester. In order to provide your children with more face-to-face contact time at school and to compensate our teachers for working an extra three weeks, online lessons will cease and the next three weeks will be designated a school holiday break. Therefore, there will be no online lessons provided between Monday February 17 and Sunday March 8, inclusive. We will plan to be ready for students to resume classes on Monday March 9. This scenario is based on the latest information that we have from the Education Bureau and local government authorities.”
The full message can be read here.
(2/14 9.16pm) Still No Word on Start Date: The Beijing Municipal Education Commission, the city’s highest ranking department overseeing all educational entities in the city, has yet to issue word on when schools may restart normal off-line classes. This evening, a message sent via their official WeChat account confirms that as of Feb 14, there is still no proposed restart date. “As to the date of restarting classes, we will make a determination based on the development of the epidemic situation (具体什么时间开学，要根据疫情形势发展确定)” the message stated.
(2/14 6.31pm) Today the State Council’s Education Steering Committee re-emphasized that all after-school programs nationwide are forbidden from holding any off-line activities until further notice, The Beijing News reports the committee spokesperson was quoted as saying “The most severe punishment will be given to those who buck this trend”.
(2/14 4.44pm) Beijing City International School (BCIS) has successfully completed two weeks of online learning following the delayed start of the Spring semester. Julie Lawton, BCIS Head of School, is in regular contact with BCIS parents, highlighting two clear priorities: to maintain a highly controlled, low-risk health environment for our community members and ensure minimal disruption to our students’ education.
Regarding the delayed onsite start date, BCIS Leadership is in daily contact with the relevant authorities and is awaiting a decision to be given by the Chaoyang Education Committee. At present, BCIS is unable to release an onsite start date. In an email to parents, Ms. Lawton made it clear that BCIS will give at least 16 days notice before classes resume on campus to allow time for travel and self-quarantine, and expressed her appreciation for the BCIS community’s support during this time.
(2/14 1.11pm) The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun’s (BSB Sanlitun) principal, John Brett, sent an email to parents today with the following information. “We are still waiting for a decision from the Beijing Education Commission as to when we can reopen. We are in daily contact with them as well as the Chaoyang Education Committee, in whose jurisdiction we operate, but at the time of writing they are unable to confirm a reopening date. ”
In terms of what the delayed onsite start date means for the inevitable loss in traditional learning, Brett explained, “we are looking at a range of options to make up teaching time when our school reopens. These options will naturally be partially dependent on the timing of our re-opening but may include a slightly longer school day, a longer term and/or Saturday morning lessons. Needless to say, we will continue to keep you informed about school opening dates and provide precise details as soon as they have been confirmed.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/14 12.16pm) The British School of Beijing, Shunyi’s (BSB Shunyi) principal, Mr. Thornhill, informed parents on Feb 12 that BSB Shunyi is still waiting for a date from the Beijing and Shunyi Education Commissions as to when the school can reopen. Online learning began on Feb 4, and teachers have been working hard at providing learning and feedback to all students.
(2/14 11.50am) The Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) successfully finished their first week of e-learning. According to an official statement on their website, “The upcoming weeks will continue focusing highly on non-school based learning which may be technical, however, the welfare of our students takes precedence in all areas. Our students’ education, health and safety remain key priorities for us hence the measures by the school and cooperation with the Local Beijing Education Commission.”
To read the full statement, click here.
(2/13 3.06pm) According to Beijing News, as of Feb 13, 66 universities in Beijing including Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Capital Medical University have announced their online teaching plans which will begin on Feb 17 at the earliest.
(2/13 2.55pm) Beijing Foreign Studies University, in a notice dated 1/09/2020, has informed students that the overall teaching arrangement is tentative: Online teaching will start on March 2; The specific time for the resumption of normal classroom teaching shall be separately notified in accordance with the requirements of the state for epidemic prevention.
(2/13 11.14am) Learning Frontier has sent out a WeChat message to parents saying “Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus situation, the Learning Frontier decided to remain closed until further notice, as directed by the China’s Ministry of Education to control and ensure the health and safety of our clients. Our therapists, mentors and counsellors are continuing to refine and develop various remote strategies to help each individual client for a personalized guidance and support services for children and families.”
(2/13 10.24am) Keystone Academy’s website now features the following message: “In light of the recent developments concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Keystone Academy will be closed until advised to do so by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. During this period, however, the Academy will use e-learning platforms in which all students will need to participate. We shall not bring our boarding students back to campus until further notice. We ask parents to check their registered email address regularly for information from the School Leadership Team. Keep your spirits high. Our community is a strong and resilient one.”
(2/10 11.42am) Blossom Montessori began e-learning on Feb 10, however all workshops and events are still cancelled. At the moment, onsite learning is indefinitely postponed.
(2/10 11.19am) International School of Beijing (ISB)‘s Head of School, Patrick Hurworth has released a statement to the parents and faculty of the school, confirming that the campus will not re-open, and onsite classes will not resume, before March 2. Moreover, there is a possibility that online learning will continue beyond that date. Learning via the schools’ e-learning portal began on Feb 3.
(02/10 11.14am) Beijing BISS International School started online learning on Feb 3. They are yet to announce an official start date, and are continuing to act based on directives from the Education Department. In any case, their services are still functioning, albeit in an online capacity.
(2/07 12.18pm) Beijing Daily announced that “All primary and middle schools in Beijing will postpone the opening of the 2020 Spring semester, and online courses will be provided via the Internet, cable TV, etc. Online courses have been recorded and study plans have been made, and schools can instruct their students to study online from February 17, which is the previously scheduled date of the Spring semester. The municipal education authorities also prohibit schools from teaching new courses to students in any organized way or organizing any offline teaching or group activities.”
(2/06 9.45pm) Dulwich College Beijing has informed parents that the campus will be closed until further notice.
Photos: Unsplash
11 Comments
Hello! That text could use some revision 🙂
“(3/7 1.28pm) High school seniors in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, will officially become the first students on the mainland to return to school on Wednesday, Mar 11, the Beijing News report”
The link to the story is dead!
Another source for the Xining news:
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1660377872547295331&wfr=spider&for=pc
原标题：西宁高中、初中开学时间定了
从市教育部门获悉，根据青海省人民政府第15号通告、省教育主管部门要求和市委办公室、市政府办公室印发的《关于进一步统筹做好学校新冠肺炎疫情防控和春季学期开学工作的通知》精神，西宁地区各类学校在做好“分区分级、精准施策”疫情防控工作的基础上，在经过辖区政府“一地一策”“一校一案”科学全面进行开学评估的前提下，高三年级于3月11日报到并上课、高二年级于3月12日报到并上课、高一年级和中职学校于3月13日报到并上课；初三年级于3月18日报到并上课、初二年级于3月19日报到并上课、初一年级于3月20日报到并上课。小学、幼儿园和社会各类教育培训机构依疫情形势和上级教育主管部门要求，另行确定并通知开学时间。各方面将进一步落实疫情防控和校园安全的各项措施，全力维护师生健康安全和教育教学秩序。
You need to stop using smart quotes in your articles i.e. ‘’ and “”
It plays havoc with formatting – paste your articles in WeChat to see what happens. Computers don’t like smart quotes, please use straight quotes!
Beijing seems to be sufferine capital paralysis. Being under the eye of world and government, no one wants to make a mistake. The only way to avoid possibility of error is do nothing.
Great map! You haven’t included Liaoning (mid-April start), which takes the total to 18/31.
Hi. What about Guangdong province. I hear April start too?
Thanks for this
Thanks for this motivational post.
Beijing Municipal Education Commission – you are a hole of the arse!
Hello to all
In this baffling time, I honey you all
Prize your strain and friends