Ministry of Education Ahead of 2nd Semester Opening: "Minimize Experiential Learning in August"

"Support Measures for Isolated Students Taking Written Exams to Be Discussed with Authorities"

On the 23rd, when the second semester of elementary school began, students were heading to school at Gocheok Elementary School in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Education announced that it will minimize experiential learning activities at frontline schools in August ahead of the full-scale start of the second semester.

On the 22nd, Kim Cheon-hong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, stated this during a regular briefing. This week, 88% of schools are scheduled to open, followed by 12% next week.

Spokesperson Kim explained, "The COVID-19 spread is expected to peak this month," adding, "We have guided metropolitan and provincial offices to minimize experiential learning and outdoor classes that have low relevance to essential educational activities during August." The Ministry of Education announced the 'Second Semester Quarantine and Academic Operation Plan' on the 4th and, after consultations with metropolitan and provincial education offices, delivered quarantine guidelines to schools at all levels.

He continued, "We have provided updated attendance record guidelines to facilitate smooth academic operations," and added, "We are coordinating with quarantine authorities to support written exam participation for students in self-quarantine."

According to the quarantine guidelines, kindergartens as well as elementary, middle, and high schools conduct self-inspections of their quarantine status from one week before the semester starts until two weeks after, and take additional measures if necessary.

In particular, the Ministry of Education and metropolitan and provincial education offices are conducting on-site inspections at 616 schools and have distributed 14 million rapid antigen test kits. Quarantine personnel numbering 60,000, similar to the first semester, have been deployed, and quarantine supplies include 7.4 masks per person, 10 disinfectants, and 1.8 thermometers per class.