Why Chinese teachers are being flown in to teach English children maths

Up to 60 mathematics teachers from Shanghai, China will teach students in England to raise standards.

17:03 12 March 2014

In an effort to raise academic standards, the Department of Education has arranged for an exchange that will see up to 60 mathematics teachers from Shanghai flown in to tutor English children. Their task is to provide ‘master classes’ in 30 math clubs, which are planned as a network of ‘centres of excellence’.

Education minister Elizabeth Truss, who had recently visited Shanghai accompanied by head teachers from England, said: "We have some brilliant maths teachers in this country but what I saw in Shanghai - and other Chinese cities - has only strengthened my belief that we can learn from them.

"They have a can-do attitude to maths - and I want us to match that, and their performance."

Meanwhile, Christine Blower, leader of the National Union of Teachers, issued a warning about the move. She said: "The suggestion that all of China's students perform well in mathematics is a myth.

“The government's evidence for this comes from the Pisa findings of 2012 data which is based on the results of one particular province of China: Shanghai. This is home to the wealthiest and most highly educated Chinese citizens."