Shanghai works out plans to build 'world-class' education system by 2035

Shanghai has worked out two plans to help the city achieve education modernization, the city’s Party Secretary Li Qiang said on Friday at the Shanghai Education Conference.

Li said the key goals are to realize overall education modernization by 2020, and bring education to a higher level with higher quality by 2035. 

By that time, the city should have built up a world-class education system that matches its status as a "modern socialist metropolis with global influence."

He highlighted that the key requirement for the city is to ensure every learner has equal chance at success with the help of a world-class education system.

On top of that, schools are asked to carry out more sports education, and to cultivate students’ artistic interests, helping each of them develop one or two artistic skills.

Li added that young local students should learn history, widen their global vision and cultivate innovative thinking to become a generation able to "shoulder the responsibility of national rejuvenation."

But educational institutions cannot do it alone, so Li called for strengthened cooperation among families, schools, government and society to provide support for education.

Minister of Education Chen Baosheng said Shanghai has made great progress in education development and the Ministry of Education will provide more support, including policies, funding and experiences to support Shanghai’s educational reform.