What Has Quality Education Delivered?
The real-life footage captured in the documentary shows that the first two years before college entrance exams are indeed free and open—but ultimately, the exam-oriented system prevails.
At the end of the gaokao, it’s all about scores, and scores have short-term impact. Everyone wants them—students, parents, and society alike. Not a single person doesn’t want them.
But what sets them apart is that they start thinking early:
Not knowing what they’re good at, or how they’ll make a living in the future.
Whether they can become like their parents, or surpass them.
For most people, getting good grades and achieving social mobility may be the more critical choice. (Persisting with time-consuming, exam-focused study routines.)
Peking University High School’s guestbook message: After leaving Peking University High School, life becomes a long process of disillusionment. If we’re ultimately going back to the gaokao track, then those two years of self-discovery in high school will only create more inner conflict.
Those from affluent families may still not be able to bear such a costly trial-and-error process—what about those from ordinary backgrounds?
