Gyeongbuk Provincial Office of Education Expands Support for Small Enrollment Subjects to Target Customized College Admissions

20 Billion Won Support for 'Student-Selected Classes' in Over 100 Schools

Yecheon Gyeongbuk Ilgo High School 'Small Number of Students Subject' class scene.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongwook Park] The Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education announced on the 20th that it will expand support for the establishment of 'small-group subjects' to provide general high school students with opportunities to explore career paths and to strengthen the suitability of majors and fields in the comprehensive student record screening process.

'Small-group subjects' refer to student-centered elective classes, usually operated with fewer than 13 students, which are established when students voluntarily apply for subjects related to their career aspirations or intellectual curiosity, with schools and the Office of Education supporting teachers and instructor fees.

To lay the foundation for the introduction of the high school credit system this year, the Gyeongbuk Office of Education is investing 7.5 billion KRW from the Ministry of Education's special grants and its own budget to develop and establish a Gyeongbuk-type high school credit system tailored to the region's environment and characteristics.

The establishment of 'small-group subjects' considering the comprehensive student record screening is one of the Gyeongbuk Office of Education's key projects to strengthen the capabilities of general high schools. It is providing 2 billion KRW to about 100 schools to support class operation and enhance the capabilities of supervising teachers.

Currently, Gyeongbuk operates about 250 small-group subjects in over 50 high schools. These include distinctive subjects related to students' career aspirations such as early childhood play guidance, broadcasting, and 3D printing; advanced subjects that maximize academic capabilities such as advanced mathematics and AP microeconomics; as well as arts and physical education subjects like basic practical skills in physical education majors and music and art creation.

For example, Yecheon Girls' High School has gained popularity by inviting a nearby university professor to teach an agricultural management subject covering the value and functions of urban agriculture and cultivation methods for high-income tropical crops. Kwon Mijeong, a third-year student at this school, shared, "I applied for this class because I want to become a landscape architect, and I especially enjoy the practical sessions on decorating air-purifying plants and moss plants."

Superintendent Lim Jongsik stated, "Despite changes in college entrance systems such as the expansion of regular admissions and subject screening, the comprehensive student record screening still holds a significant proportion in admissions," and added, "We will explore various measures, including joint establishment among schools, so that even a single student can take classes that fit their career and aptitude."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.