Comparison of the Selection Systems for Elite Art Talents in China and the UK: A Case Study on Art Entrance Examinations
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This paper compares the selection systems for elite art talents in China and the UK, using art entrance examinations as a case study. The study explores the differences, underlying reasons, problems, and reflections on the two countries’ selection systems, and proposes relatively detailed reform plans. The research concludes that while China’s unified examination system is rigorous, it is overly rigid and fails to fully consider students’ professional interests, potentially leading to the loss of promising talents. On the other hand, the UK’s selection criteria, though flexible, are highly subjective and tend to overlook the training of basic skills, potentially favoring innovation at the expense of technical ability. It is suggested that both countries should learn from each other’s strengths to further reform their systems. China could adopt the UK’s A-Level system, gradually reform the unified examination into an elective system, and establish a national-level art recommendation letter system with endorsements from artists as core evaluators. Meanwhile, the UK could learn from China’s nine-year compulsory education system by popularizing art education and emphasizing the cultivation of technical skills, with the reform of one technical skill subject into a compulsory examination subject.
Author: Peixin Liu
Institution: Royal College of Art
Language: English
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4404249969