Students in China currently have only two breaks - usually two months in summer and one month in winter - in addition to national holidays.

 

　　The suggestion comes from the Outline on Developing National Tourism and Leisure which is approved by the State Council recently to boost the domestic tourism industry and improve the quality of travel and leisure. But the addition of a spring and autumn break will not increase the total number of students' vacations.

 

　　The outline also encouraged primary and high school students to take part in organized tour groups to expand their horizons.

 

　　But the suggestion has drawn mixed views.

 

　　For:

 

　　"As a senior high school student, I am under great pressure to study. The test-oriented education just makes us into slaves of the text books. If spring and autumn breaks are approved, I will have more time to enjoy nature and will be able to relax."

 

　　"Those who study far sway from home can only go back home during the long vacations. The added breaks will give them more chances to return home."

 

　　"The longer the break is, the more difficult it will be for the students to concentrate on their study. The addition of spring and autumn breaks can shorten the length of summer and winter breaks."

 

　　Agasint:

 

　　"The added breaks will disrupt the school's teaching plans, and possibly involved changes in textbooks and examination arrangement."

 

　　"The first one or two weeks before and after holidays are students' 'happy hours.' It is also the period when teachers have to take the pain to rein in students' hearts and make them concentrate on studying instead of thinking of playing around."

 

　　"Summer and winter breaks actually have already become a headache for parents. They have to work. So who's going to take care of their children? I suggest reducing students' holidays and arranging more extracurricular activities instead."