Wang Yuanyuan

cheekywang@hotmail.com

A total of 612 students began their studies at Shenzhen Science High School on September 9.

Located in Bantian, Longgang District, the school, formerly known as Shenzhen No. 6 Senior High School, is the first of its kind in China.

It offers high school students specialized courses in science, technology and engineering, Principal Wang Zhanbao said.

At present, there are 85 teachers at the school and the number is expected to grow.

The school, jointly operated with Shenzhen Middle School (SMS), one of the city’s leading high schools, integrates SMS’s advanced education concepts and international high school education system.

“It is the country’s first high school to specialize in science, aiming at exploring new modes for high school education and professional training,” Wang said.

Although the school focuses on studies of science and technology, arts education will play a significant role in students’ studies, too.

“Most of the world’s leading scientists and technology experts have a good grounding in the arts. This increases their ability to think creatively,” Wang said.

The school is part of a science program in high schools that has been promoted around the world since 2000. For example, 145 high schools have been designated to introduce the program in Japan, while the number in South Korea has reached 18.