All 45 students of Shenzhen's newly-established South University of Science and Technology of China (SUSTC) did not attend the college entrance examination yesterday.
SUSTC, a pilot university for Chinese education reform, was established in 2009. The university enrolled 45 students in March even though they did not take the national exam. This year, the school launched its own system of examinations and diplomas, though the diplomas are not recognized by the Chinese government currently.
"Refusal is not a denial"
Yesterday morning, with all 45 SUSTC students absent from the national entrance examination, the university was forced to cancel it..nbsp.
After hearing the news Zhu Shiqing, president of SUSTC, said, “Their refusal to take the entrance examination is not a denial of the current education system. The college entrance examination is still the one and only fair way to select talent. But it should not be a sweeping approach. The education system should allow 'all flowers to bloom together’, and SUSTC is one of these flowers."
Zhu added, “It does not mean that it is time to cancel the entrance examination-based education system, but various methods of selecting talent should be considered, and there should be a little space left for variety.”
Under China's current education system, students have to pass the national university entrance exam before they can be admitted into a university, but the SUSTC piloted its reform by recruiting students and granting diplomas independently.
"When these students grow up, they will be very proud of their experience at SUSTC. This is not a sacrifice, but the gaining of a wealth of experience," said Zhu.
No Comment from Ministry of Education
Till now, the Ministry of Education has made no response regarding the absence of the students from the exam.
At an earlier news conference Xu Mei, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said, "The ministry approved of the establishment of the SUSTC, and it hopes the university will carry out some reforms of the education system."
Xu also pointed out, "The university must ensure that its reforms conform to the law and protect the legal rights of students."
The Education Bureau of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province was contacted yesterday, but an official there said they were not authorized to comment on the SUSTC matter.
SUSTC students stand by their decision
The SUSTC dormitory was quiet around 9pm yesterday. Many students had moved to a hotel due to the controversy surrounding their refusal to take the exam.
When asked about their studies and leisure time, one student said he was satisfied, and that he and his fellow students lived life to the fullest. He said he liked the way his professors taught, because it improved divergent thinking and creativity.
Regarding their absence from the national entrance examination, the students said they refused to take it because they are happier with the current educational method at SUSTC.
They added that despite what the university and the Education Bureau think, the decision was made according to their own personal desires, and they should stand by it.
