USA
What are “extracurriculars?”
Extracurriculars are organized activities that you do outside of classes, usually after school and on the weekends. Common extracurriculars include sports, performing arts (theatre, singing, dancing), competitions (speech and debate, science olympiad), and other special interest clubs (cooking club, movie club).
True or False: Chinese students have a dress code in schools.
True. Most schools require a uniform. This is intended to help the students focus and not be distracted.
What is one safety concern for many American high school students?
The threat of school shootings. All schools have "active shooter" drills several times a year to help students prepare for this scenario.
True or False: Chinese students get a better lunch at school than American students.
True. Chinese high schools usually have huge lunches with many options like soup, dumplings, noodles, vegetables and meats. American high schools typically offer food that is low quality and cheap.
When does an average school day start and end?
Classes usually begin at 8 am and end at 3:30 pm. Students who participate in sports may arrive at school as early as 6 am and leave as late as 6 pm for practice and training. Other activities and clubs will take place after school.
When does an average school day start and end?
Classes begin around 7:30 am and end at 5:30 pm. This is a longer day than classes in America and Bulgaria. After classes finish, most students will attend an after-school studying club that can last until around 9 pm.
Why are sports so important in American high schools?
For many students, excelling in a sport in high school can be their path to playing professionally. Universities across the country send scouts to high school basketball, football, and baseball games, looking for talented teenagers to recruit to play for their universities. Sports at the university level are highly competitive and many star athletes will play pro after graduation.
Chinese students begin preparing as children for what event at the end of high school?
The national high school exam, or the Gao Kao. It is a very long and very difficult exam that Chinese students must take in 12th grade to attend university.
What is a “pep rally?”
A pep rally is a big celebration held at the beginning of the school year, usually mid-September. Also called a “homecoming pep rally,” the pep rally celebrates students returning for another year of school. There are usually cheerleaders who will perform, a student band that will play live music, and special activities for the 12th graders.
Why is the Gao Kao, national high school exam, so important?
Succeeding on this exam is the only way to get into university, which makes it an extremely stressful experience. Many students begin preparing for the exam at the age of 10, and high school students spend their entire time in high school studying for this test.