Pupils tested on holding bowl on head  

广东惠州一小学期中考“顶碗” 站10秒算合格

(ECNS) – A private primary school in Huizhou, Guangdong province, conducted a comprehensive quality assessment on second grade students on Wednesday, in which the children were tested on their ability to stand up straight with a bowl on their heads.

Students who lasted 10 seconds with the bowls on their heads passed the test.

The test was to evaluate whether students can stand straight and be still, a staffer at Nanshan School said.

A teacher came up with the test after watching an acrobatic performance of "Pagoda of Bowls," and students thought it was fun, he added.

Other evaluations included arranging desks and chairs, sitting posture, lining-up, and personal hygiene condition.

The assessment plan was launched in September after China's Ministry of Education proposed reducing primary school students' study load.

The plan was intended to encourage students to participate in social activities and physical exercise, as well as to develop good behavior by cutting the proportion of academic scores to 20 percent in comprehensive quality assessments for students in grades 1 and 2.

Zhou Hong, director of the school, said it's more important for primary school students to develop good habits and a healthy mind.

An educator in Huizhou, who declined to be named, said as a private school, Nanshan has more autonomy to reform its educational mode. "It can be a lesson for other schools in Huizhou to reform their educational style."