Education | Many schools continue classes through summer vacation

The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) has said in a statement that approximately 30 percent of non-tertiary schools are yet to cancel classes during the summer vacation. Leong Lai, Director of the DSEJ, claimed that her department continues to negotiate with these schools on the suspension of courses during summer time, according to a report by All About Macau.
Last week, the Macau Concealers revealed that Hou Kong middle-school reportedly forced students to participate in summer courses. In cases where the applicant was not enrolled in the summer program, the school requires the students to give a valid reason for not being present. Moreover, parents and students are also informed that the students are required to pay a monthly fee even if they only want to attend half of the program.
The DSEJ stressed that the Curriculum Framework for Formal Education of Local Education System states that no more than 195 school days can be assigned during one year.  The DSEJ claimed that it has reminded local schools to gradually cancel summer courses, further declaring that current summer programs should be optional.
Director Leong reaffirmed on Saturday that the system limiting the number of school days to 195 intends to assist students in completing their studies within each semester. She also remarked that the department will keep in touch with schools to encourage them to arrange additional non-classroom activities for students in summer.