context: 29 provinces have implemented gaokao (national university entrance exam) reform in five stages since 2014. Aiming to make the gaokao assessment more holistic, the initial two groups of pilot cities adopted the ‘3+3’ model to replace the old subject divide between humanities and science. Met with unforeseen consequences, the Ministry of Education proceeded the reform with the ‘3+1+2’ model with specific undergraduate subject prerequisites to cultivate STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) majors.
The first batch of city pilot zones to carry out gaokao (national university entrance exam) reforms (Shanghai, Zhejiang, Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong and Hainan) adopted the ‘3+3’ elective model where students had to take three mandatory subjects (Chinese, maths and a foreign language) and three elective subjects (among ideology and politics, history, geography, physics, chemistry and biology). This aimed to promote a more holistic education.
However, this model led to
- students stop taking physics, favouring other subjects easier to score high
- inequity in educational access as regions lacking teachers and resources struggle to offer diverse combinations of classes
Recognising the downsides of the ‘3+3’ model, the ‘3+1+2’ model is now being promoted, with 23 provinces adopting it
- ‘3’ compulsory subjects: Chinese, mathematics, a foreign language
- ‘1’ mandatory elective: history or physics
- ‘2’ additional electives: politics, geography, chemistry or biology
The ‘3+1+2’ model is seen by some as a return to the previous humanities/science divide, but Sun Jinming 孙锦明 Jiangxi Normal University professor and Foundation Research Institute director points out the differences, including
- not differentiating maths level for all students
- more diverse combination of subjects
- more specific requirements on electives tailored by different undergraduate majors
Students began avoiding taking chemistry under the ‘3+1+2’ model, which led the MoE (Ministry of Education) to release 'Guidelines for required elective subjects' in 2021. Chen Zhiwen 陈志文 National Education Examination Steering Committee expert explains that the PRC is enforcing more students to take physics and chemistry as
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) talents are crucial for national development and technological competition
- there is higher STEM demand in universities
- better employment prospects compared to humanities and social sciences