Deepen reform to ease students' burden

Chinese students have been busy with exams this week, and many of the questions in their papers have left even their parents puzzled. Just a few days ago, a mother with a PhD was reportedly perplexed by her child's homework.

Amid all this comes the news that British education authorities have required students to learn the 12 by 12 multiplication table only before passing out of primary schools, something that is mandatory for pupils in grade 2 in China, raising the question: Is it necessary for Chinese students to study so much ahead of British children?

Many people have been appealing to education authorities to ease Chinese students' burden. The education authorities have responded by banning extra classes and reducing the number of tests.