Pay attention to hidden dangers before and after college entrance examination

Incidents Before and After the College Entrance Examination

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression has become the fourth most common illness globally, with over 15% of people experiencing symptoms and 3-5% attempting suicide. Many students facing the Gaokao may suffer from varying degrees of depression, and if left unaddressed by schools or parents, it can lead to tragic outcomes. In 2012, in Zhejiang, a student jumped from the sixth floor of a girls’ dormitory just one day before the exam, causing panic among other students.

During the Chinese language exam of the 2012 Gaokao, a clock at Guangyuan Middle School in Sichuan malfunctioned, showing a time 17 minutes behind the actual time. In Hunan, an error in the final bell at a test center caused the exam to end 4 minutes and 48 seconds early, affecting thousands of students across multiple centers.

Preparation Before the Exam: Plan Ahead

For many students, the Gaokao is a turning point in their lives. Parents and schools have a responsibility to create a supportive and distraction-free environment so students can focus solely on their studies. Here are some key steps to ensure safety and readiness:

1. Pay Attention to the Weather

With the arrival of June, many regions face the rainy season. It’s important to install surveillance systems and alarms in flood-prone areas to monitor and protect the public. In 2013, heavy rain was expected during the Gaokao, and experts advised students and parents to stay alert for sudden weather changes like thunderstorms and heavy rain.

2. Strengthen Campus Safety

Advancements in video surveillance technology have transformed campus security. From analog to digital IP-based systems, modern solutions offer high-definition monitoring and intelligent analysis. However, challenges remain, such as network bandwidth limitations and compatibility issues between different camera brands. These issues need to be addressed to improve overall campus safety ahead of the exam.

3. Manage Road Traffic

With more families driving to take their children to the exam, traffic congestion becomes a major concern. In Beijing, special arrangements were made to allow vehicles transporting candidates to bypass normal restrictions. Local authorities implemented temporary traffic control near schools, including vehicle bans and road diversions, to ensure smooth movement during the exam period.

Exam Day: No Dead Zones in Monitoring

The Ministry of Education emphasized the importance of maintaining exam integrity during the 2013 Gaokao. With rising concerns about cheating and exam leaks, strict monitoring was enforced. All test papers were under continuous video surveillance, with no blind spots. Cameras in each exam room recorded every action and sound, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Monitoring extended beyond the exam itself, covering the entire process from test paper delivery to answer sheet evaluation. Real-time transmission to regional and provincial command centers ensured full oversight. Additionally, exam invigilators were monitored for 10 minutes after the exam ended to prevent any last-minute irregularities.

After the Exam: Full Monitoring of Answer Sheets

Once the exam was over, answer sheets were transported securely to grading centers. Every step of the process was monitored to prevent leaks or mishandling. In Hebei, all grading rooms were equipped with cameras, and teachers had to log in with personal details. Even minor movements were recorded, and the system allowed for review if needed.

Conclusion:

Throughout the years, the Gaokao has always been accompanied by various security challenges. Since 2006, video surveillance has played a vital role in ensuring the safety and fairness of the exam. Despite the difficulties, efforts continue to be made to provide students with a safe and equitable environment. In these critical months, different groups work together toward the same goal: a fair and secure college entrance examination.