75more than 130 children aged from 4 to 6 years old, in one of the central primary
schools. This creates a crowded and noisy environment where systematic learning
is unlikely. In this case the children had no school bags or books and the activity
appeared to consist of little more than child minding.
The legal age of entry to school in Zhaojue County remains at 7 years old. The
records show that some do start schooling at the age of six, especially in the town-
ships. But many do not enter school until they are eight or more years old. This
means from the outset these children are at least a year behind those in Tongzhou
and other parts of China who start at six years old. A substantial issue remains
with both age of initial enrolment, and the on-age progression through the grades.
It is clear from the data in Fig. 4.4 that many children enter school late. In fact
over 31 % are 8 years or older and 16 % are 9 years or older. By grade 6 nearly
40 % are 14 years or older and 19 % are 15 years or older, or 2 years above the
normal age in grade. At junior secondary level, similarly, about 40 % of children
are overage. The numbers of overage have remained largely unchanged over the
last five years across the county. There is evidence that since 2007 more children
are entering the central primary school at the age of 7 years, but this change does
not seem to have reached the majority of village schools where most are enrolled.
The reasons for overage entry and progression vary in Zhaojue. Amongst the
reasons given were that since households often have three of more children it is
often the case that older children have to take care of younger children. They may
also have to contribute labour to household agriculture. This can delay school
entry for some children. The culture of school going is argued to be weak and
there is no sense of urgency amongst parents to enrol children, especially if they
are small for their age. Many children appear stunted and thus look younger than
they are. Repetition of grades is also fairly common according to teachers leading
0102030405060708090100Grade1 Grade2Grade3Grade4Grade5Grade6
GradeEnrolmentFig. 4.3 Central primary school class sizes
4.3 The Evolution of Nine Year Compulsory ...