AT 7:00am, under the scorching sun, a boy was anxiously waiting for a bus. On this busy morning, he looked little different from any of the other people rushing to work around him, except for his plump schoolbag.

Gong Ke, 17, a student at the Shanghai Caoyang No.2 Middle School, attended refresher courses for four and a half days a week this summer. "Every day I get up at 6:00am for morning reading. About 80 per cent of my leisure time is spent on study and I only watch TV for a while after dinner for entertainment," said Gong Ke, an excellent student who enters the Chemistry Contest in Shanghai every year.

He is not alone. According to Gong, almost every one of his classmates takes lessons after school in the summer holiday preparing for the next semester.

"Although there were no additional classes conducted by the school itself over the summer vacation, most students in my class went to other cram schools," said Chen Qianru, the head-teacher of Gong's class. "As the National College Entrance Examination has been moved one month ahead, the students have to carry out their revision plans a little earlier than before. However, after long-term systematic study, this kind of intensified training may have an adverse impact on the students."

The teacher also revealed her concern about the students' lack of any chance to gain exposure to the wider society due to the heavy burden of their studies. "Except for going to school on designated days for the checking of homework or for other school activities, I seldom attended extra-curricular-activities organized by the school or the community centre," said Gong. "To be frank, I would rather put my emphasis on study on account of the prevailing 'credentialism'."

When asked about his ideal summer holidays, he said: "I am quite satisfied with this kind of working holidays now."

Summer options

Gong's classmate, Li Hui, gave a different answer to the question. "I enjoy the activities offered by school, which in my opinion are conducive to cultivating my personality," the extrovert girl said. "As for the summer, less assignments and more social experience would be better. The book exhibition proved to be helpful."

The summer life of students has sparked a hot debate in the city. The schools and the department concerned made great efforts to arrange summer camps and other diverse activities for the students. The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission advocated that all school facilities should be open to the students. It is reported that this was put into effect in one third of public schools.

But that was not enough.

Zhou Dingxin studying in Fuxin High School, confessed that he never took part in school activities in the summer, as he found them boring. He also complained about the shortage of places for amusement.

"Our playground has no proper facilities and unkind attendants," said Zhou. "Thus, I seldom go outside for exercises."

Zhou's mother was worried about his condition. "He has become a couch potato and online addict this summer," she said bitterly. "He never goes out for activities of any kind, let alone study."

Zhou's life style in the summer serves as a epitome of the underachievers. Far more students could be found in net bars than in libraries.