Chengdu is piloting 12-year through-schools where students can enter high school without taking the Zhongkao, drawing both controversy and expectations from society.

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《English Translation》

陈花: Honey, did you see that education news from Chengdu? Some schools have started piloting a 12-year through-school system. Students can skip the high school entrance exam and move straight from primary school to high school.
黄刚: I saw it. As long as a child gets into such a school in first grade—and is selected by lottery—then later on there’s no need to worry about the transition to junior high or the Zhongkao. It’s a seamless pathway. Parents will definitely scramble for spots.
陈花: Indeed, it reduces a lot of pressure. In the past, everyone was most afraid of being tracked by the Zhongkao, worried their kids wouldn’t get into a regular high school. Now with through-school classes, many people feel it’s an opportunity.
黄刚: But some are worried that this might create new educational inequality. Some parents say only a portion of students can benefit, the spots are limited, and it still depends on luck.
陈花: Actually, Beijing and Xi’an also have similar pilots, but they seem to mainly select top-performing students. This time Chengdu is putting more emphasis on equal opportunity.
黄刚: Right, it’s not about cherry-picking the best students, but random lottery. In theory, every child has a chance. It’s just that the college entrance exam in the end is still unavoidable.
陈花: Still, even so, it can greatly reduce anxiety for families and students. I hope more schools will join in the future so that everyone has one more path to choose.
黄刚: Yes, education reform can’t be one-size-fits-all, but someone has to be the first to ‘eat the crab’. When this first batch of through-school students graduates, people will naturally see the results.