====CHINESE SCHOOL====BBC4====

[RTKangaMummy]

TONIGHT

the series really makes my eyes well up!

was so pleased she got the top marks, though was there any doubt she would!

and the poor little boy who only saw his mum and dad twice a year .

yes I noticed that she said they'll have the freedom of the skies and of the seas, but that's about it I'd say.

It's a fascinating series I'm hooked. Surely that little boy doesn't need both of his parents to go away to work though?

TONIGHT

I'll be watching

Really interested to find out what options Wu will have, and how she finds Beijing

i was just reading she has to do 3 months of military training before she can start at university!

Ooh thanks for the reminder! Really interesting programme.

you're welcome

I am loving it too

'3 months of military training' - wow, chinese university must be really tough

Here it says 20 days

Hoepfully that is right

Documentary
Chinese SchoolTuesday 22 April
9:00pm - 10:00pm
BBC4
Hard Beginnings
Documentary series about a group of children at three schools in rural China. It's the start of a new academic year in Xiuning. Star student Wu Yufei starts life at China's prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, but before she can begin her studies she must get through 20 days of gruelling military training.
VIDEO Plus+: 8711321
Subtitled, Widescreen, Audio-described

Sorry SE I thought you said 3 years

I only just watched last weeks (taped) episode - it's great isn't it!

I love the primary school kids and Wu did brilliantly.

Looking forward to tonights episode.

oh this is so sad!

That poor poor little boy being held back as his parents left, and that other little boy with the infection. I was almost in tears when he had to leave the school, it just seems very unfair.

Although, i love the headteacher and if the kids didn't have to board i'd be considering sending my little one - he'd certainly be able to put his socks on by now

i spent most of the first bit nearly crying. I know it's the best for them in the long run, but they're so tiny. That poor boy with hep .

Goblin, my ds(6) could do with a bit of discipline like that too, he could wash his own socks.

how old were the little ones starting at ping ming?

i don't know they only looked about 5 to me, or even 4.

really?

I was telling myself they were small looking 7 yr old.

It was heartbreaking watching the departure scene.

here is the structure withbages per school

they looked so much smaller than six didn't they? i don't think i can watch the repeat of the first bit again though

Yes I thought they were 5 too

yes they were tiny

such cute children,how cosseted ours seem compared to them.

they way they all make their beds and clean their teeth!

and the little boy who was hit in the playground, i quite like the way it's dealt with as they all cheer for him at the end.