Beijing Schools to Launch AI Classes
Starting this autumn semester, general education on artificial intelligence will be introduced in primary and middle schools across China’s capital, Beijing. According to a new regulation issued by the Beijing Education Commission, students will receive at least eight class hours of AI education each academic year.
Announced at the end of June, the “2025 Curriculum Outline for Artificial Intelligence Education in Primary and Secondary Schools in Beijing (Trial)” will focus on three main areas: AI awareness and cognitive abilities, AI applications and innovation capacity, and ethics and social responsibility related to AI. The aim of the curriculum is to help students develop skills ranging from a basic understanding of AI to advanced problem-solving and creative thinking, enabling them to use AI consciously.
Under the plan, AI-related skills will also be included in students’ overall performance evaluations. Schools will have the freedom to implement the program by either offering dedicated courses or integrating AI into information technology, science, or technology subjects. Authorities emphasize the importance of integrated design to avoid redundancy and overlap.