Notes from Asia Pacific

11 June 2013

From the convenience stores stocked up with bottles of essence of chicken to the advertisements for revision aids, our latest 'Notes from Asia Pacific' looks at exam season on the other side of the world.

External exams are wired into the DNA of many Asian countries; Imperial China can point to a historical use of written exams for the Imperial Civil Service dating back to the second century BC. Exams may be tough but they are respected as fair and hugely significant in the lives of students and their families.

Asia Pacific is a particularly dynamic area in educational reform and this series gives an ongoing view of various education initiatives from across the region.