Elementary schools in Pingtan, E. China's Fujian province went ahead with its final exam week. It is the first exam and the most anticipated since "Double Reduction," the surprising volte-face of 2021. Apparently, the policy has set a new impetus to ease the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring for young students. As students celebrate, they are in for another surprise as their test papers get replaced with interactive exams- Trivia Games! 

At Pingtan Chengguan Primary School, the lecture hall and the indoor basketball court turned into exam halls. And the exam papers became score sheets of evaluation.

Students were tested on Pinyin, Chinese characters, reading, calculation, etc. Examiners were waiting for the arrival of the children while holding onto a seal.

First graders pictured lining up for academic games [Photo courtesy of Pingtan Chengguan Primary School ]

Each student was graded based on their performance while examiners put a stamp on the score sheets. The test the students enjoy most is "Little Painters," where students were required to create original artwork with shells. The first-graders selected assorted shells and spliced them into interesting patterns. Everyone had fun and broke into rapturous applause.

A pupil told reporters that it’s just so much fun. He was able to put the knowledge that he had learnt into practice.

After previous publicity from each school, parents also gave a thumbs-up to the paperless test. Most parents place much faith in the new exam system, trusting it to be a more comprehensive and well-rounded assessment for their kid's progress.

Paperless final exam at Aodong Central Primary School of Pingtan [Photo courtesy of Aodong Central Primary School of Pingtan]

After finishing all the challenges, the school will give a comprehensive evaluation based on the students' performance in the game and their usual performance in class. "This is not only an effective test to see how students fare academically but a great extra-curriculum that polishes one's character and ability." Chen Yan, vice-principal of Chengguan Primary School, said that the school would proceed with the "double reduction" policy, provide multiple evaluations, and inject fresh vitality to form a well-rounded curriculum for the education system.  

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