In Today’s Talking Points: World Bank: China’s Education System Shows Significant Progress,Belt and Road Initiative to change China’s role in education market, Relevance of ATAR in university admissions is questioned, Victorian Government to spend $240 Million on buying new land for schools
World Bank: China’s Education System Shows Significant Progress
A World Bank report has praised China’s school system as showing ‘significant progress’ in developing an equitable education system in the region. The report highlighted the need for high quality education in sustaining economic growth, and highlighted China’s long-term strategy as highly effective in achieving this goal. China has the largest education system in the region, with 182 million students enrolled in basic education, and with net enrolment in primary schools reaching 99.9% in 2016. Michael Crawford – co-author of the report stated that: “China provides several examples of how to equalize resources across the system, such as prioritizing the enhancement of the teacher-support system across the country”.
Read More: Xinhua
Belt and Road Initiative to change China’s role in education market
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is set to change China’s role in the global higher education market. Through BRI, China is offering 10,000 higher education scholarships for countries under the umbrella of BRI – mainly from developing countries. BRI is also promoting language training courses within China for countries where BRI projects are taking place. Tsinghua University is also launching an Executive MBA course for business leaders from BRI countries. This is sure to change the role of Chinese higher education institutions.
Read More: University World News
Relevance of ATAR in university admissions is questioned
In a recent report it was found that universities are placing less importance on ATAR scores, instead looking towards alternatives measures such as Higher Education Courses, VET award courses, bridging courses and other selection processes such as interviews, portfolios and essays. This stems from the evolving higher education sector where multiple pathways are being used to access tertiary study, and aligns with policy goals that aim to increase access for students from non-traditional backgrounds.
Read More: ABC
Victorian Government to spend $240 Million on buying new land for schools
With Victoria predicted to need an extra 220 schools by 2026, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced plans to fund land purchases for 14 schools in Hume, Whittlesea, Melton, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Casey and Cardinia – all areas which are considered growth areas. As the purchase has yet to be made it is still unclear when the schools would open, however it is predicted that 2 years will be spent on designing, funding and building the school. The announcement was made in light of the expectation that Victoria will need to accommodate an additional 90,000 students by 2022.
Read More: ABC