Electives (选修课)are always popular with students because they offer the chance to learn something exciting, and they're a welcome break from regular courses like maths and physics. Here are just a few of the exciting electives lucky teenagers can take in some of China's middle schools.
●Self-defense skills
A school from Chongqing
The school offers a self-defense course — just for girls. Those who attend the lessons have the chance to study basic self-protection skills in a one-on-one practice. They learn how to get away when they need to and defend themselves against attacks. "I feel safer in myself now," said Zhang Yi, 15, a girl student.
●Pottery
A school from Tianjin
The famous pottery scene in a movie called Ghost is a lasting memory for many movie-goers. Young artists at the school love to get their hands dirty creating beautiful pieces. Students learn how to design and make various clay projects. At the end, they have the skills to make their own clay bowls, cups, vases and pots.
●Horse riding
A school from Beijing
Equestrians (马术) can look pretty cool, can't they? Teenagers at this school can now choose a course in riding skills. They're taught to communicate with their horses and how to use reins. To ride a horse in the proper way, a student must hold the head forward and keep his back straight. Student come away from this elective not only knowing how to ride a horse gracefully, but also physically fitter!
●Couplets
A school from Nanjing
How many of you can write a couple? This old literary (文学的) form is slowly disappearing, but Chinese culture lovers at the school are trying to make it alive. For their elective, teenagers study old couplets and try to rhyme (押韵) their own lines. Many of this year's students can't wait for the Spring Festival, when they'll be able to show off their new skills.
