Students in the flexible school day scheme do homework together. [Photo/Xinhua]

Huangfu Litong, an experienced high school teacher from northern Jiangsu, said the scheme has led to some new problems, particularly the students’ safety problems, as well as those concerning the diversity of after-school activities and the added cost for teachers. 

Tang Jiangpeng, principal of the Jiangsu Xishan Senior High School, shared his idea as the after-school services should focus from helping students finish their homework to encouraging them engage in various cultural and sports activities.

Minister of Education Chen Baosheng also took Beijing, Shanghai and Guangxi as examples. 

Shanghai’s local authority required all its middle and primary schools to provide after-school services from 3:30 to 5 pm. Beijing provides subsidies of 700 yuan ($110) to 900 yuan per year for each student, from 3 to 5 pm, mainly for after-school activities. Guangxi has sought help from surrounding communities. 

“We will discuss this with related departments and work together in solving the problems,” Chen said.