School Guide

Discipline in Chinese Schools: Caning and Strict Timetables?

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jan 30, 2015

Caning

There is a common belief that rule enforcement in a Chinese school is more strict and at higher levels of discipline. Some parents conjure images of scowling teachers walking around with cane in hand, ready to strike at students who fail to recite their multiplication tables.While some parents may reflect on this style as 'military', many other parents are reportedly okay with this type of strict discipline."At home I also make sure I explain to my children why I am caning them and what they have done wrong.”"As long as the caning is done properly, not in anger and without causing harm to the children, it is all right because it's a good way of instilling discipline.""I'm fine with it as long as the child is caned with good reason, and the punishment isn't excessive."Parents who are against corporal punishment have their own opinion about this issue:“I find that teachers are more prone to caning boys rather than girls.”“My son was being caned because he kept scoring Cs for Mathematics. I found this to be unnecessarily harsh, and it didn't help to improve his grades.”“There are studies where there are long-term harms connected to corporal punishment!”However, many parents are now reporting that Chinese schools are abandoning the cane for a more heart-to-heart style of discipline (counselling etc)“If my daughter had good reason for not handing in work, the teacher understands and gives her extra time to finish it.”“The teachers carry the cane only for show, it's tradition.”“There are many kinds of teachers, some kind and playful while some just look scary but are actually cheerful and funny.”

School Hours

In Chinese schools, academic hours are usually from 7.25am until 1.25pm and a majority of schools offer optional after school tuition up to 3.30pm or even night classes.A comparison of sample timetables between different types of primary schools:

Chinese School		National School		Private School
Subject	Duration	Subject	Duration	Subject	Duration
Mandarin	5 hours	Mandarin (elective)	1.5 hours	Visual Art	1 hour
B. Malaysia	4.5 hours	B. Malaysia	6 hours	B. Malaysia	6 hours
English	1 hour	English	5 hours	Speech and Drama	1 hour
Math in English	2 hours	Math	3 hours	Science	1 hour
Math in Mandarin	3 hours	Science and Technology	1 hour	Science in English	1 hour
Science in English	1.5 hours	Moral or Religious Studies	3 hours	Science in Mandarin	3.5 hours
Science in Mandarin	1.5 hours	IT	1 hour	Moral or Religious Studies	2 hours
Moral or Religious Studies	2 hours	Gym	½ hour	Math	3 hours
IT	1 hour	Music	½ hour	IT	1 hour
Gym	1 hour	Art	1 hour	SPA2*	1 hour
Music	1 hour	NILAM1*	1.5 hours	CCA3*	2 hours
Art	1 hour

1* Nadi Ilmu Amalan Membaca (Campaign to Encourage Reading as a Habit)2* Structured Performance Art (lesssons on violin, piano, etc)3* Curriculum Activities (Divided into Clubs & Societes and Sports & Games)As you can see, there is not a lot of difference between school hours for Chinese, government and private schools. If the school is very academic with lots of homework, you can balance it at home with more play and relaxation. Children are very adaptable as long as parents are ready to be by their side and provide support and encouragement.Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook and receive updates and consultation on all matters related to Private and International schools in Malaysia.