Beijing semester kicks off with a scientific focus

Beijing's new school semester has begun with a strong emphasis on science and innovation as local authorities roll out new courses and schools highlight programs designed to inspire future scientists.

According to the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, artificial intelligence will now be part of the general curriculum in all of the city's more than 1,400 primary and secondary schools, covering about 1.83 million students. Each school is required to provide at least eight class hours of AI education per academic year, either as stand-alone courses or integrated into subjects such as information technology, science and practical activities.

The move comes as Beijing strengthens broader science education programs. Most schools opened on Thursday, a day after nationwide commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Students across the capital were required by their schools to watch the commemoration at Tian'anmen Square on TV a day before their campuses opened.

At Beijing Academy, one of the city's largest school groups, a new campus was inaugurated in Chaoyang district on Thursday. Nobel Prize laureate Thomas Suedhof sent a congratulatory video message to mark the occasion, praising students' creativity and urging them to prepare for careers in science and technology.

"I was truly impressed by the level of learning and the thoughtfulness of the students. Their independent thinking was quite amazing," he said.

He also welcomed the establishment of a new Nobel Prize Innovation Class and encouraged "more outstanding students to join the class and prepare for careers in science and technology".

The new campus, covering more than 13.3 hectares, will serve as the main campus of the academy. Xia Qingfeng, principal of Beijing Academy, said the long-term goal is for all member schools to participate in the Nobel Prize Innovation Class, with AI and advanced science courses to be offered throughout the group.

Zhong Yixin, former vice-president of the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, delivered the first lesson of the semester for the Beijing Academy Group.

"AI-enhanced education and stronger science courses present a tremendous opportunity to advance Chinese culture and civilization," he said.

Other schools also spotlighted innovation during opening celebrations. At the Baiyang branch of Hujialou Central Primary School, students showcased robots that won a national award earlier this year, while students at its main campus in Beijing's central business district presented an AI-powered environmental project displayed at an international education conference in Finland in August.

The expansion of new campuses in districts such as Chaoyang, Haidian, Daxing and Fangshan reflects Beijing's broader strategy to balance resources and raise standards across the city.

Yin Yuan, deputy district head of Chaoyang, said the new Beijing Academy campus "is expected to invigorate the Dongba area, which is traditionally weaker in its educational capacity, and inject new vitality into the district".