New courses are being introduced into the curricula of Macao schools, covering pride in the nation’s achievements, history, national security, mental health and protecting the environment.
The topics will be introduced in phases, starting with the first three grades of primary school from the academic year, which kicks off mid-August, reports Jornal Tribuna de Macau. The paper cited a government order published in the Official Gazette.
Students will also be given lessons in morality, civics, the Basic Law, the constitution and the “one country, two systems” principle. The new curriculum will be taught to every grade from the following school year.
[See more: A guide to international schools in Macao]
Primary schoolers will be encouraged to develop “a feeling of love for the motherland and Macao, allowing them to value and appreciate the excellent traditional Chinese culture,” according to the dispatch. In addition, they must be able to sing the national anthem and be familiar with a map of the country. That age group will also be taught about the harmful effects of war and the importance of protecting world peace.
Secondary students, meanwhile, will learn how the country has overcome historical adversity and gain an understanding of the Communist Party of China’s founding and its historical significance. China-Portuguese relations will be covered, too.
The changes are the result of the new patriotic education law, which came into effect at the start of this year. It stipulates how Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan should promote national identity through their education systems.
