New English Curriculum for Chinese Primary Schools and

Junior/Senior Middle Schools

Experimental Version drafted by the Education Ministry of the PRC

Part 1: Introduction

With the advent of the information age and the global economy, English has become increasingly important. English is the dominant carrier of information and the most widely spoken language in the world. Many countries have made English a cornerstone of quality education when developing strategies for basic education.

Since China’s reform and opening, the scale of its English education has continually grown, attended by significant achievements in teaching and learning. However, English education in its current form is failing to meet the needs of contemporary social and economic development.

The current round of reforms to the English curriculum aim to end the following practices:

Over-emphasizing the transmission and explanation of knowledge about grammar and vocabulary Neglecting to develop students’ ability to use language for real

In their place, the reforms aim to establish a curriculum that:

Develops students’ comprehensive language competence

Motivates students, is relevant to their life experiences and cognitive level

Promotes task-based teaching methods

Involves students in experiential, practical, participatory and cooperative learning

Develops students’ positive attitudes, thinking skills, practical abilities, cultural awareness and autonomy through the language learning process