Shenzhen Gezhi Academy: Establishing a Quantum Computing Demonstration School, Exploring a New Talent Cultivation Model

As the potential of quantum technology grows and the need for talent cultivation becomes more pressing, an increasing number of secondary schools globally are recognizing the importance of quantum computing and integrating it into their curricula. Shenzhen Gezhi Academy, in collaboration with SpinQ, has established the first quantum computing center for secondary schools in the Greater Bay Area, promoting quantum computing education. This initiative not only deepens students' understanding of cutting-edge technology but also fosters a strong interest in science and technology, expanding their future development opportunities.

 

Establishing a Quantum Computing Specialization:

Cultivating Innovative Talents from the High School Level

 

Founded in 2021, Shenzhen Gezhi Academy is a key public secondary school in Shenzhen, and an innovative secondary school aiming to build a national science and technology school. From the very beginning of its establishment, Shenzhen Gezhi Academy has deeply innovated the education mechanism and explored the new mode of "secondary school + university + enterprise + professional organization" in the latest period to cultivate top innovative talents, which has gained a high reputation from parents and all walks of life in just two years. In just two years, the school has gained a high reputation from parents and all walks of life and has been awarded the honors of "Shenzhen Science Popularisation Base", "Shenzhen Science and Creative Education Demonstration School", "The Most Attractive Emerging School", etc. The school has made remarkable achievements.

 

 

As a secondary school featuring science, technology, and engineering, Shenzhen Gezhi Academy creatively integrates the resources of scientific research institutes, science popularisation units, and high-tech enterprises to provide students with cognitive courses and experiential activities in the field of high-tech and technology in an attempt to prepare students for higher education and future career choices: including the first Huawei Intelligent Classroom in Chinese high schools built in cooperation with many institutions, the first Future Engineer Workshop, the first Tsinghua University Learning Science Laboratory in a Guangdong high school, the first Chess Academy in a Shenzhen high school, and a high-end intelligence lab for science, chemistry and students.

 

Among them, quantum computing is one of the special directions that Shenzhen Gezhi Academy focuses on. In the words of the headmaster Wei Shimin, quantum information is an emerging frontier discipline, and a major national scientific and technological strategic project, which requires a good reserve of top innovative talents from the high school stage.

 

The academy's approach to developing quantum computing characteristics focuses on five main areas:

1. Establishing a quantum computing center, providing both space and real quantum computer equipment for experimental teaching.

2. Developing a school-based quantum computing curriculum tailored to high school students.

3. Building a quantum computing teacher team through training and recruiting outstanding professionals.

4. Collaborating with enterprises and institutions like SpinQ and the Shenzhen International Quantum Research Institute for quantum science popularization, enriching special teaching forms and content.

5. Promoting learning through competitions and actively participating in quantum computing contests.

 

Students of Shenzhen Gezhi Academy Engaging with SpinQ Quantum Computing Experts

 

However, building a complete quantum computing center from scratch presents numerous challenges for a new secondary school, such as the lack of industry examples, the need for advanced experimental equipment and technical support, and the requirement for partners that can provide professional algorithmic case demonstrations and lesson plan demonstrations.

 

Integrated Hardware and Software Solutions

Helping to Create a Comprehensive  Quantum Specialty Teaching System

 

IIn several quantum computing science lectures organized earlier, teachers of Shenzhen Gezhi Academy noticed a strong interest among students in quantum computing. Many students actively inquired about relevant competitions and curriculum planning, reinforcing the academy's commitment to developing specialized content on quantum computing.

 

SpinQ is a company that can provide education-grade quantum computers the size of an ordinary desktop computer. Its real teaching instruments perform actual quantum computations, offering more convincing case demonstrations and results than simulators.

 

Moreover, SpinQ's quantum education solutions come with a complete quantum computing teaching curriculum, providing a comprehensive set of curriculum systems for teaching and demonstration.

 

SpinQ's High School Quantum Experimental Classroom Solution

 

From March 2023, Shenzhen Gezhi Academy officially offered a school-based class called "Introduction to Quantum Computing," with an overall plan of 10-12 lessons, scheduled every Tuesday afternoon. Students can choose to enroll according to their interests.

 

 Shenzhen Gezhi Academy's "Introduction to Quantum Computing" School-based Classroom

 

In this course, students start with the basics, learning about quantum bits, quantum computers, superposition, entanglement, measurement, quantum states, quantum gates, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms. They progress from the shallowest to the deepest understanding of quantum computation through computational derivation and hands-on practice.

 

Physics teacher Huang Shaochu, a key participant in the Quantum Computing Center's construction and related courses, believes that hands-on experiments with quantum algorithm operation results can intuitively engage students and foster a continuous process of improvement, enhancing their interest.

A Senior Student's Impressive Engagement with Quantum Computing

 

One of the students, senior Zheng Haoran, impressed Huang Shaochu with his quick understanding and self-study of more in-depth quantum computing knowledge. He also enthusiastically enrolled in a quantum computing competition held by the school and actively sought advice from teachers after class.

 

Huang Shaochu sees clear signals of the student's future academic and career development planning, which is outstanding among his peers and reflects the efforts and achievements of Shenzhen Gezhi Academy in its special educational concepts and innovative educational mechanisms.

 

Shenzhen Gezhi Academy‘s students Zheng Haoran and Wu Yifan won second place in the general group of the quantum computing competition

 

"At the secondary school level, popularizing cutting-edge knowledge like quantum computing is like sowing seeds; if a student is interested and continues to learn, the seed may grow into a tree," said Huang Shaochu.

 

In the future, Shenzhen Gezhi Academy plans to organize more lectures, training, and competitions on quantum computing to further stimulate students' interest in the subject.

 

Principal Wei Shimin said, "The school established the Quantum Computing Center and carried out secondary school quantum computing popularization to raise students' awareness of high-end front-end science and technology industries, allowing them to form a preliminary understanding of quantum computing at the secondary school level, and then cultivating a strong interest in science and technology and enhancing their future development space."

 

 

The Gradual Emergence of High School Quantum Education:

Exploring a New Talent Cultivation Model

 

Undoubtedly, the practice of running schools and the new path of nurturing and developing people in the direction of quantum computing and other characteristics of Shenzhen Gezhi Academy have also provided the industry with new thinking. In the Opinions of the Ministry of Education and Other Eighteen Departments on Strengthening Science Education in Primary and Secondary Schools in the New Era, which was issued not long ago, it is clearly stated that we should "take students as the basis, teach according to their aptitude, promote science education based on the practice of inquiry, stimulate primary and secondary school students' curiosity, imagination and desire for exploration, and cultivate students' interest in science", and in particular, we should "Focus on the connection and integration of science-related programs at the general senior secondary and vocational education levels." This undoubtedly points out the direction for the future development of the science education system in primary and secondary schools.

 

 

"Opinions of the Ministry of Education and Eighteen Other Departments on Strengthening Science Education in Primary and Secondary Schools in the New Era”

 

In fact, with the expanding potential of quantum science and technology in the future, as well as the demand for talent training. More and more high schools, both at home and abroad, have begun to realize the importance of quantum computing and are carrying out related curriculum education at the secondary school level:

 

For example, some high schools in the United States have started to offer elective courses related to quantum computing, so that students can come into contact with and learn the basics and principles of quantum computing at an early stage, and provide students with knowledge and practical opportunities related to quantum technology. The Quantum Technology Schools Programme launched by the UK government aims to introduce quantum technology education into the secondary school curriculum. Through collaboration with universities, research institutes, and the industry, the program provides courses and hands-on projects on quantum technology to cultivate students' understanding of and interest in quantum technology. The Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore, have partnered to establish the Singapore Academy of Quantum Science and Technology (SAQST), which provides quantum technology programs for secondary school students in Singapore to cultivate their interest and understanding of quantum science.

 

In China, the traditional education model of the past often divides high school and university education into two separate phases, where students are mainly orientated to test-taking in high school and lack a close connection with actual scientific research and application. This model, neglects the development of students' personalities and the cultivation of comprehensive quality, leading to students focusing too much on test scores and lacking the ability to practical application and creative thinking.

 

With the rapid development of quantum science and technology and the national attention to the field of quantum information, more and more schools and enterprises have begun to realize the importance of cultivating students' innovative awareness and practical ability.

 

High school is a key period of students' life development and an important stage for cultivating students' comprehensive quality and innovation ability. Introducing the quantum computing program helps to enhance their interest and enthusiasm in the field of science.

 

In addition, students at the senior secondary level are about to face a critical period of academic choices and career planning. By enabling students to gain an in-depth understanding of the application and development prospects of quantum technology, it can help them better plan their future academic and career development and enhance their competitiveness in future employment.

 

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