Chuzhou No. 2 Primary School Pioneers Student-Led Physical education

on the afternoon of December 2nd, a reporter visited the campus of Chuzhou no. 2 Primary school. On the playground, “physical education classes” comprised of students from different classes within the same grade where engaged in focused training. The air buzzed with cheers, encouragement, adn laughter.Students seamlessly moved through football drills – dribbling, circling, and shooting. Basketball classes focused on shooting, dribbling, and passing with precise technique. Tennis students swung, caught, and spiked with agility. Martial arts classes demonstrated powerful punches and kicks, while roller skating classes accelerated, turned, and sprinted with energy.

This innovative approach stems from the “Opinions of the Ministry of Education and other five departments on the implementation of the student physical fitness plan,” issued in November. The document advocates for exploring methods like class systems and clubs, enabling students to master at least one sport and cultivate lifelong exercise habits. Chuzhou No. 2 primary School began piloting this shift in 2023, officially implementing the “shift system” for physical education in the second and third grades in March.This breaks from traditional class teaching, allowing children to choose physical education classes aligned with their interests and hobbies, guided by professional teachers three times a week.

“Physical education classes shouldn’t be ‘one-size-fits-all’ physical training, but shoudl become fertile ground for discovering interests and cultivating specialties,” explained Xu Hanping, Secretary of the Chuzhou No. 2 Party Branch. Previously, traditional physical education focused on basic training and general knowledge, sometimes leading students to disengage due to a lack of personal connection and hindering skill progress.

the school sought to transform physical education from “uniformity” to a system where “each student can shine,” ultimately achieving the goal of “one skill for life.” Through student and parent surveys, and careful consideration of venue suitability, skill practicality, and long-term relevance, the school curated 11 courses: figure skipping, football, basketball, badminton, fun track and field, roller skating, hip-hop, martial arts, baduanjin, and tennis.

To dismantle class barriers, the school restructured the schedule, offering three dedicated classes weekly. Students independently select courses based on their interests, creating an innovative “fixed classes + physical education classes” model. A tiered teaching approach was also implemented: lower grades focus on sparking interest and building foundational skills, while middle and upper grades emphasize skill advancement and competition. Staggered class times ensure a smooth transition and continuous learning loop of “teaching, practice, and competition.” Such as, the third grade divides 10 traditional classes into 22 “physical education classes,” with each class capped at 25-28 students to guarantee individualized attention.

“The ‘Physical Education Class’ complements existing regular physical education classes, alongside inter-class and after-school services, ensuring each student receives at least two hours of physical activity daily, with basic sports and specialized projects working in tandem,” Xu Hanping stated.

“Not only did I learn double jump,” one student shared, “but I could also lead the group in choreographing routines!”