Education system in search of reforms

The college entrance exam (or gaokao) has put "super high schools" in the spotlight. And by portraying some shocking scenes from such schools, the popular documentary film A Bite of China has sparked a debate on special high schools such as Lu'an Maotanchang School in Anhui province.

Lu'an Maotanchang High School is known for preparing students for the gaokao, success in which is seen as a ticket to prestigious universities and high-paying jobs. Last year, 22.3 percent of the students of this school secured enough marks in the gaokao to enter key universities, and 82.3 percent cleared the all-important exam. The school has been known as the "biggest college entrance exam factory in Asia" because its only goal is to ensure that its students excel in the gaokao.

The majority of the huge Maotanchang High School students are those preparing to take the gaokao a second time after having failed to clear it in their first attempt or simply to secure better marks to enter a better university.