South Korea ends '7-year-old exam'

GD&TĐ - The '7-Year-Old Exam' is raising concerns that the South Korean education system is dominated by excessive competition...

The National Human Rights Commission of South Korea is urging the Ministry of Education to address the issue of excessively early tutoring, particularly the "7-year-old exam" organized by prestigious private schools and academies (hagwon) for preschool children.

According to the committee, testing young children's abilities in subjects such as English, Math, or Programming before school enrollment violates fundamental children's rights, including the right to rest, play, and holistic development. These rights are enshrined in the South Korean Constitution as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In its appeal, the Human Rights Commission emphasized that the pressure to learn too early deprives young children of age-appropriate experiences. The Commission proposed a nationwide survey of private preschool education, the widespread publication of results, and stricter regulations for intensive curricula, particularly foreign languages.

The survey revealed that over 74% of kindergartens in Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa districts of Seoul teach English, with 10 schools using elementary school curricula for preschool children. Only one school steadfastly chose a game-based educational model.

The "Seven-Year-Old Exam" is raising concerns that the South Korean education system is dominated by excessive competition, depriving children of their right to natural development. The committee emphasized the need for measures to protect the system and ensure that all children receive education in a healthy and developmental environment.

According to The Korea Herald

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/han-quoc-cham-dut-ky-thi-7-tuoi-post746130.html