Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged the country's high schools to promote all-round development of students to lay a solid foundation for their future growth.

"Schools represent the future of the nation," Wen said in a recent visit to the prestigious Beijing No.4 High School. "There are two things that schools need forever. One is love and the other is knowledge."

Wen visited the 100-year-old school on September 4. During his stay, he visited a lab, listened to a chorus of the students, and talked with some teachers.

Wen recalled his high school days in the 1950s and said he was impressed with the teaching method of his music teacher who let the students listen to lots of music pieces, ranging from world-famous classics to Beijing Opera.

"His teaching method is very special," Wen said. "He not only taught music in class but also made it a means to enlighten students' thinking, influence students' sentiment, and promote students' all-round development."

Wen called for building the No.4 High School into a world-class school and said that China needs more such schools.

Since its founding in 1907, the school has produced numerous renowned scientists, writers, artists, and entrepreneurs.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2007)