Some Netizens Urge Early Introduction of English Courses in Primary Schools, Lanzhou, Chengdu, and Other Regions Respond

Recently, some parents have called for English classes to be introduced earlier in primary schools.
A netizen from Lanzhou, Gansu, recently反映ed via the “Leadership Message Board” on People’s Daily Online that in Chengguan District and Qilihe District of Lanzhou, English classes are offered in the first grade of primary school using the People’s Education Press textbook (starting from the first grade), with three English classes per week. However, in Anning District and Xigu District, English classes only start in the third grade, using the People’s Education Press textbook (starting from the third grade). Although a few schools offer English classes in the first grade, the effect is not significant with only one class per week. This has resulted in an unfair situation where the starting point for English learning is not the same across Chengguan District, Qilihe District, Anning District, and Xigu District.
On November 26, after investigation and research, the Lanzhou Municipal Education Bureau replied that the “Compulsory Education Curriculum Plan (2022 Edition)” issued by the Ministry of Education clearly states that English classes should be introduced in primary school, starting from the third grade; however, regions and schools with the necessary conditions can offer English classes in the first and second grades, focusing on listening and speaking. Based on this and relevant requirements from the Gansu Provincial Department of Education, all primary schools in Lanzhou offer English classes starting from the third grade. Some primary schools with stronger teaching and research capabilities and the ability to support the offering of classes have introduced oral English courses in the first and second grades. Upon inquiry, the netizen is located in Anning District of Lanzhou. Currently, some primary schools in Anning District have introduced English classes in the first grade. The main reason for not offering classes in other schools is the shortage of English teachers, which is insufficient to support the offering of classes.
Earlier, a netizen from Chengdu, Sichuan also raised the issue that they recently learned that the primary school English curriculum has been revised, with English classes now starting from the third grade. It seems that English classes are offered in the first and second grades in regions of Chengdu other than Longquanyi District.
On November 5, the Chengdu Jingkai District (Longquanyi District) Education Bureau stated that according to the “Compulsory Education Curriculum Plan (2022 Edition)” formulated by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, English classes should be introduced in primary school, starting from the third grade; however, regions and schools with the necessary conditions can offer English classes in the first and second grades, focusing on listening and speaking. The “Sichuan Province Compulsory Education Curriculum Schedule (2022 Edition)” formulated by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education stipulates that English classes should be uniformly offered in the third grade.
The reply stated that the Chengdu Longquanyi District Education Bureau strictly implements the curriculum plan and curriculum schedule of the superior educational authorities, with English classes uniformly offered in the third grade. Individual primary schools, if conditions permit, can develop English courses as school-based courses, starting from the first grade.
Another netizen from Zhangzhou, Fujian expressed that basically all districts in Xiamen have started teaching English from the first grade, but in Zhangzhou, it only starts from the third grade. The content of the textbook is difficult right from the start, so it would be better to give children a transition period of two years earlier. Learning a language earlier is also beneficial for cultivating children’s language abilities.
In response, the Xiangcheng District Education Bureau of Zhangzhou stated that in the relevant policies for curriculum setting in the compulsory education stage in Fujian Province, the “Compulsory Education Curriculum Plan (2022 Edition)” stipulates the curriculum setting, and the “Notice on Issuing the Fujian Province Compulsory Education New Curriculum Implementation Plan” (Min Jiao Ji [2024] No. 9) issued by the Fujian Provincial Department of Education clearly states that the starting grade for English subjects in primary school is the third grade. Within the total weekly class hours, various subjects are offered in accordance with the prescribed proportion. The main situation is that the total weekly class hours for the first and second grades are 26 (including Chinese, mathematics, morality and law, science, physical education and health, art, labor, comprehensive practical activities, local/school-based courses); the total weekly class hours for the third to sixth grades are 30, with the addition of English and information technology courses.
The Xiangcheng District Education Bureau also stated that the suggestions made by the netizen have certain reference significance, and we will promptly reflect them to the superior educational administrative department. In the next step, we will also conduct surveys and investigations among the district’s primary schools. Schools with the necessary conditions can offer school-based courses focusing on listening and speaking in the first and second grades of primary school based on the school’s actual situation and the interests and wishes of students, as well as enrich students’ learning life through English club activities, English corners, etc.
The Paper noted that with the new edition of primary and middle school English textbooks being put into use in the autumn semester of this year, discussions about the difficulty of the textbooks have appeared on social media.
A report from Cover News mentioned that searching for “new English textbook” on various social platforms reveals many complaints and grievances from parents and teachers, such as “the opening is a long sentence, which children can’t understand or learn,” “it’s not friendly to children with zero starting point and weak foundation,” “there’s too much content, which is too much for children to handle,” etc. In summary, many parents and teachers have the same evaluation of the new English textbook: it’s become more difficult.
In the report, Xue Yulan, a member of the Chengdu Basic Education Research Association and an English researcher at the Jinjiang District Education and Science Research Institute in Chengdu, explained using the new edition of the People’s Education Press textbook for primary and middle schools used in Chengdu as an example, “The most representative aspect is the addition of practical application and extended reading sections. The purpose is also very clear, focusing more on children’s practical use of language rather than just preparing for exams.” Xue Yulan summarized that based on these general directions, the new English textbook features an increased number of vocabulary and sentences, with greater emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing, while reducing grammar, phonetic symbols, and other knowledge points. “This is where many people feel that the textbook has become more difficult.”
Regarding the new textbook, Xue Yulan mentioned that the textbook is only a teaching tool and a part of teaching. However, for the entire teaching process, regardless of how the tool changes, teachers must adhere to student-centeredness. “The new textbook has a fast pace, so teachers need to be more patient to ensure that all students understand.”
In a report by Information Times, some parents found the third-grade English “difficult.” “When you open the book, it’s sentences instead of words, and phonetic symbols are not taught. Can children really handle it?” In response, Cheng Kexin, an English teacher in the third grade at Chaotian Primary School in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, believes that parents think it’s “difficult” because they believe that everything in the textbook must be learned, which is not actually the case. “As a language, English requires a lot of listening, speaking, and reading. The textbook is illustrated with text and pictures, and teachers will teach in the classroom. After class, students are fully capable of reading the sentences, even children who are learning English in their first year can grasp them. Moreover, the evaluation requirements for third-grade English are not high, and not all the content of the textbook needs to be examined. Parents should not worry too much.”