Hefei City has rolled out a new set of 16 measures aimed at promoting the healthy and happy growth of primary and secondary school students. The newly released document, “Measures to Promote the Healthy and Happy Growth of Primary and Secondary School Students in Hefei City,” emphasizes the principle of “health first” in education. Among the key initiatives are the introduction of homework-free days, a ban on unstructured or low-activity PE classes, and the launch of a 24-hour citywide psychological assistance hotline.

📘 One Homework-Free Day Each Week

Addressing one of the biggest concerns of students and parents, Hefei’s education authorities will gradually implement a system where primary schools will have one day each week with no homework, and junior high schools will have one day each week without written assignments.

Students will be encouraged to learn from nature and society — using “everything as a textbook” and “society as a classroom.” They will be guided to spend more time outdoors, visit museums, and participate in real-world learning experiences.

Teachers will need approval from homeroom teachers before assigning homework, ensuring that workloads do not exceed the prescribed limits. The city will also create a “basic + practical + flexible” homework database and issue a negative list for homework management to ensure students get enough rest and time for self-development.

🏀 Stronger and More Active PE Classes

To promote physical health, Hefei will require that primary and junior high schools include at least one of the “three major ball sports” (basketball, football, volleyball) in their compulsory physical education curriculum. High schools will adopt an “elective module” PE system with similar sports options.

Each PE class must include at least 10 minutes of physical conditioning and at least 20 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise, with proper monitoring to prevent passive or ineffective classes (“no sweat” lessons).

Schools will organize two 30-minute recess activities (morning and afternoon) daily, with diverse programs such as traditional games, fun sports, and modern fitness activities. A “rotating and optional” model will allow each class or grade to select and adjust activities dynamically, maximizing the use of school spaces like corridors and playgrounds.

💬 24-Hour Psychological Support

A 24-hour psychological assistance hotline will be established across Hefei, providing counseling and support to students in need. The initiative also includes training to improve teachers’ professional competence and parents’ educational awareness, aiming to build students’ mental resilience and prevent psychological risks.

This comprehensive set of measures reflects Hefei’s ongoing commitment to fostering balanced, healthy, and joyful student development.

Source: Hefei City Government via The Paper (Pengpai News)

Original Title: “One Homework-Free Day Each Week! Hefei Announces New Measures”