Jinjiting primary school in Xiamen, one of China's five special economic zones, on Thursday became the country's first school to list philately, or stamp collecting, as a required course.
The new measure aims to enrich school children's lives in line with the country's policy of improving student education.
Like maths and English, philately is a weekly course with textbooks and examinations. If the subject proves successful at this east China school, it will be extended to other primary schools in the city, said an official of the local education department.
The local post office on Thursday issued a commemorative pre-stamped envelope with the picture of a 10-year-old girl in Jinjiting school who likes collecting stamps.
A popular hobby, stamp collecting has several millions fans in China.
(Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2002)
