Shanghai school adopts ancient Chinese methods

SHANGHAI, July 12 (Reuters) A controversial new school in Shanghai is turning to ancient Chinese teaching methods, including rote memorisation and recitation of the classics, to prepare its students for China's competitive economy.

The students, aged between four and 12, spend two thirds of their time reciting Confucian classics such as the Book of Changes and the Analects, much as their ancestors did for thousands of years under China's imperial system, one of the school's founders, Lu Liwei, said today.

The young students do not understand most of the texts, but the memorisation is meant to familiarise them with a key body of knowledge. In addition, they study mathematics, music, sports and calligraphy.

''I think our model is better for children than the current educational system,'' said Lu, a parent of one of the students at the Meng Mu Tang school, named after the mother of famed Chinese philosopher Mencius.

The school, which now has 12 students and was set up last year in a house provided by another parent, is pricy by Chinese standards at 30,000 yuan per year.

Shanghai media have quoted some education experts as saying the school could harm children's minds with an outmoded approach, and might contravene the country's education regulations.

But Lu said she hadn't received any negative feedback from authorities.

Reuters SHB GC1738