Lin Yi felt a bit embarrassed by Gu Fang's question and explained, "Not exactly. But the country I was born in implements nine-year compulsory education, a mandatory basic education system. Many countries in the world have similar policies, though places with poorer conditions might not."
She paused briefly, organizing the curriculum in her memory, trying to explain in terms Gu Fang could understand. "These nine years of education cover quite a lot. The first six years mainly focus on three core subjects: Language Arts, similar to classics, history, and language usage here; Mathematics, akin to arithmetic and deeper principles of quantity and space; English, a widely used foreign language. Besides these, we also study Nature and Science, which introduces basic principles of the universe's workings; Ideology and Morality, which teaches norms of conduct and character; Physical Education, aimed at strengthening the body; Fine Arts, which is painting appreciation; and Music. Some special schools also offer other interest classes."
Lin Yi continued, "The last three years, in addition to deepening the previous subjects, add Geography, which studies landforms, customs, and cultures; Physics, which explores the fundamental laws of motion, force, sound, light, heat, electricity, and other phenomena; Chemistry, the study of substance composition, changes, and properties; Biology, which explores the mysteries of all living things, from plants and insects to the human body; and History, which traces the rise and fall of past dynasties and the changes of people and events."
After listening to Lin Yi's description of Earth's education system, Gu Fang was even more shocked than when he heard about the tall buildings and fast vehicles. He steadied himself, his voice still carrying a hint of disbelief. "You have to study so many subjects? There are only twelve hours in a day. How do you manage? Or is a day not twelve hours where you come from?"
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