Students at the Zhangjiagang Experimental Primary School participate in after-class activities. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

The Zhangjiagang Experimental Primary School in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province was recently included in a list of 16 districts and schools that have been recognized by the Provincial Department of Education as exemplary models in alleviating the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring on students.

The primary school has launched a personalized learning program. It allows students to choose one compulsory subject, such as Chinese, Math, English, Science, Music and Art, that they require additional help with from 3:30 to 4:30 pm every school day. Between 4:30 and 5:30 pm, students can attend various extracurricular classes related to reading, horticulture, pottery, robotics, and acting.

The five campuses of the school are currently providing more than 200 elective courses.

In addition, the school has formed a team comprising teachers, parents and experts that is responsible for collecting information about students' interests, needs and learning habits. The team also helps students draw up study plans and study times, and decide on the best learning methods.

To date, about 9,000 students have participated in the personalized learning program. A total of 176 students have held solo concerts or exhibitions since 2018.