Authority Bans Shanghai Family School Vaunting Ancient Teaching Methods In China

SHANGHAI, CHINA - AUGUST 04: A picture of Chinese philosopher Confucius and the emblem of the Meng Mu Tang are hung on a wall August 4, 2006 in Shanghai, China. Meng Mu Tang, named after the mother of famed Chinese philosopher Mencius and set up last year, is a family school teaching twelve students aged from four to twelve through ancient teaching methods. The students study Chinese by reciting Confucian classics and learn English by reciting William Shakespeare's works including A Midsummer Night's Dream and the Sonnets. Mathematics, swimming and yoga are also taught at the school but the Shanghai Education Committee says the school is illegal since it did not apply for a license from the local educational authority and the school's teaching method and curriculum also contravenes China's law on compulsory education. (Photo by Cancan Chu/Getty Images)