Interesting Happenings -- Isaiah's Big Tests, Part II

This picture was taken at 8:24 this morning with the "cheerleaders" from Isaiah's junior high school.  There were groups like this walking all around the hallways on every floor.  My hands were loaded down with bags of brochures and items that were passed out as we walked from the scooter to the school!

At 8:30, the bell rang and the kids walked in. They had their ID and their test notification with their seat assignment. They were asked to carry only a clear plastic pencil pouch.  All parents were asked to leave the area. We were ushered into the gym where seats were set up on the basketball court. Again, there were red signs everywhere. Here are just a few pictures --

Each school had tables set up. The principal, the Academic Dean, and at least 10 teachers were present. They were there to assist the parents in any way. They had bottled water ready. And they would order lunch boxes for the students and the parents.  Ten minutes before the end of the first session, the parents got up and filed out. I followed. Where were they going?  

They proceeded to these doors which were closed and guarded. They were waiting for the test to end and the students could come out for a one hour break. The parents were ready with refreshment and study books. (Hence you see the bags the parents had!)

At lunch time, many of the parents who were super serious about their children's welfare, took their kids home for lunch and a power nap and study time. Alan and Abby came and we had a "picnic" in the gym.

At 1:30, the kids were ready to be back in the classroom for the afternoon exams -- Chinese and Essay Writing.  This first day of exams would be finished by 5:10.  Sunday would be half day -- from 8:30 to 12:10 with two more subjects.  Social Studies would be the first exam followed by 50 minutes of "rest" and then Mathematics, which would last 80 minutes.  Now, rest did not mean "rest". The kids would come out for a restroom break and then take out their review books.  Or else they would talk about the previous exam and what others wrote as the correct answer.  The atmosphere was all very intense. Just before the Math Exam, I got some of Isaiah's old classmates together and got this picture (notice the study booklets in their hand) --

While Isaiah was in this last session, I walked around and took pictures of the different signs. I know some of you might not be able to read Chinese, but this is just to show you that there were signs like these posted on every floor and in every available space. 

Every sign had words of encouragement.  You felt loved and cared for.  When the tests finally ended, the kids walked out and there again were the "cheerleaders" from Isaiah's school as well as every other junior high schools which had students there taking the tests.  They were smiling and waving at the students, and shouting encouraging slogans and words.  I asked Isaiah to stop so that I could take a few more pictures.

The four adults in this picture were the principal, the Academic Dean, the General Affairs Group Leader and a teacher.  They had stayed the whole time!  The sign says, XiHu students achieve top schools.

Many of his classmates went out to see a movie. Others just wanted to have fun and hang out.  Isaiah came home and took a nap.  We went to church and now, this is what he is doing --

Yes, he finally has time to get on the computer and FB people or play computer games.  For some of the top students, if they don't get into one of the top schools, they will have to join another weekend of exams. Thus, they cannot relax.  The test scores will be out on June 5th! 

Seek Him First!