International Education in Japan
St. Mary’s International School
Winter Wonderland
On campus and at their private ski lodge, St. Mary’s brings the spirit and the music of the season to one and all.
St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo heralds the beginning of the Advent season each year with bursts of colour and activity. Outside, our main entrance is flanked by an enormous evergreen on one side, lit up with green, red and white Christmas lights, and illuminated reindeer on the other side. Just inside the entrance is a large Nativity scene, reverently prepared over the course of several days by our faculty in celebration of our Christian heritage. Next is a three-meter-tall Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made by our
elementary school students. Together, these decorations twinkle and lend our residential neighbourhood a merry and joyous feeling. Our students and their families join together to make our Christmas special with a series of wonderful Christmas concerts. The elementary students sing traditional and popular Christmas carols. The Readiness Program students are especially cute in their red, green and white shirts and with bells in their hands. The gymnasium is packed with parents, grandparents and friends enjoying the
festive season. The secondary school students from St. Mary’s and Seisen International School perform both traditional and contemporary music with the Men’s Choir, Men’s Ensemble, Show Choir, Bell Choir, Concert Band and Jazz Band. The families who attend often comment on the professional quality of the performances, and the finale by the combined groups is mesmerising. Following the Christmas break, St. Mary’s boys in grades 4 through 6 embark on ski trips to our private lodge in Tsumagoi, Gunma Prefecture. Each class spends four to five days at the lodge. Beginners take ski lessons from certified ski coaches on the bunny slope, while the more experienced boys can ride the gondola up to enjoy the more challenging slopes. It is indeed a season of good will and sharing special times together as a community.
To find out more, visit www.smis.ac.jp 2
International Education in Japan
A lifetime of discovery International schools in Japan prepare students to become tomorrow’s leaders.
F
oreign enterprises operating in the major cities of Japan rely on well-established international schools to provide not only quality education, but also a curriculum that meets their respective home-country standards. Furthermore, the true mark of an international education in Japan is the multicultural make-up of both the student body and faculty. There is also the enrichment of the local communities where global-minded families reside and international schools function. “International Education in Japan” is a guide that includes insights by international school administrators into key curricular, extra-curricular and community priorities that define current and future goals. The long-standing presence of international schools in Japan represents education at its finest. After
all, the alumni – which include globally minded Japanese – live all around the world and are passing on their love of learning in an international context to the next generation. The handy chart on international schools participating in this guide provides some fundamental facts to help in the initial selection process. The longer listings serve to highlight particular distinguishing features among certain schools. Whether the expat family is here for the long haul, or on assignment lasting only a few years, international schools are responsive to the evolving needs of the children and their parents. Japanese families who are seeking an international education for their siblings are also welcomed to make inquiries. Perhaps no greater reassurance is in place than
the major renovations and further development of the campuses that these schools have undertaken recently. Another dynamic dimension is the expansive use of high-tech hardware and software as teaching tools. Because Japan enjoys four distinctive seasons, there are educational programmes that bring the great outdoors to the learning experience as well. Whether inside or outside the classroom, international schools encourage today’s youth to aspire to become responsible adults through individual inquiry and group interaction in a multicultural context. Make an appointment today to visit the schools in our guide, and see for yourself just how exciting and stimulating international education in Japan truly is.
Japan Council of International Schools
T
he first school in Japan to include the word “international” in its name was founded in 1924. However, schools offering an education in English and serving members of the expatriate community in Japan have existed since 1872, and four current JCIS member schools can trace their origins to before the First World War. Many more were founded in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was in October 1965 when representatives of such schools met formally for the first time to discuss mutual matters of administration and curriculum. The value of such meetings was immediately apparent, and schools started meeting on a regular basis. On January 12, 1972, a number of schools met and founded the Japan Council of Overseas Schools (JCOS). It was originally decided that membership would be based on schools being in EARCOS, the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools, and that school heads would meet regularly to exchange information and discuss matters of mutual interest. In 1982 a constitution was adopted that opened membership to schools offering an English-based curriculum, irrespective of membership in EARCOS. In 1987, the name of the organisation was changed to the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS), following the lead of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS). Schools applying for membership to JCIS must meet a number of important criteria including stability, continuity, accreditation, professionalism, and an explicit commitment to internationalism. Also, education must be provided in English. Beyond that, however, there are no requirements concerning curriculum, ethos or ownership. Some schools offer programmes of the International Baccalaureate. Others offer an education rooted to a greater or lesser degree in a national curriculum. Some schools offer a full “kindergarten to grade 12” education while others specialise in certain
age groups. Some are faith-based while others are strictly secular. The smallest JCIS member school has fewer than 100 students and the largest has more than 1,600. Collectively, our schools currently enrol just short of 10,000 students from 109 countries. About half of the member schools are located in Tokyo or Yokohama. The others are spread throughout the country from Fukuoka in the west to Sapporo in the north. The heads of member schools meet twice a year – usually in September and April. Meetings are held at member schools: once a year in the Kanto region and once elsewhere in Japan. A President (Chair), Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected by, and from among, the heads of member schools. On a day-to-day basis, heads of JCIS schools communicate with each other regarding matters of common interest such as changes in employment legislation, appropriate precautions to take against pandemics (such as bird flu or swine flu), experience with service providers (good and bad), and so on. Opportunities are also taken to share the cost of visiting speakers or performers with neighbouring schools, to coordinate professional development initiatives, to bring together specialist staff, and to support schools introducing new curriculums or educational programmes. JCIS is a collegial and collaborative organisation that exists for the betterment of all international schools in Japan to the benefit of the parents who choose them and the children who attend them. Peter MacKenzie President, Japan Council of International Schools www.jcis.jp Principal, Hiroshima International School www.hiroshima-is.ac.jp
Japan Council of International Schools Links to the member schools may be found at www.jcis.jp
American School in Japan
International School of the Sacred Heart
Seisen International School
Aoba-Japan International School
Kyoto International School
St. Mary’s International School
British School in Tokyo
Marist Brothers International School
Saint Maur International School
The Canadian Academy
Montessori School of Tokyo
St. Michael’s International School
Canadian International School
Nagoya International School
Tohoku International School
Christian Academy in Japan
New International School
Tokyo International School
Fukuoka International School
Nishimachi International School
Tsukuba International School
Hiroshima International School
Osaka International School
Yokohama International School
Hokkaido International School
Osaka YMCA International School
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International Education in Japan
Defining success and fulfillment
I
t has sometimes been argued that the key to an international school and an international education is diversity. Put simply, it is hard to engender genuine international understanding in a school community where the students and teachers are all of the same nationality and culture. Conversely, a school that includes students of many nationalities (50 or more is not uncommon in larger international schools) offers countless opportunities to learn about – and from – others with different stories to tell and experiences to share. Similarly, a teaching faculty that includes practitioners from different countries and continents who have lived in many contexts and cultures will further enrich the educational experience a school can offer its students. Moreover, these teachers are often making much the same journey as their students. Both have crossed borders – national, cultural, and linguistic. Both may find themselves in places where they cannot speak the language, where the climate is unfamiliar, and where cultural mores are perhaps puzzling. Teachers, enjoying and embracing these experiences, serve as role models and guides for their students and no less often do teachers learn from their students. Authentic international schools, therefore, actively seek teachers of differing backgrounds who know what it means to face the unfamiliar and for
whom ‘different’ is not a threat but an opportunity. A teaching faculty as diverse as the student body may, therefore, seem the ideal. In practice, however, that is hard to achieve. Most international schools worldwide – and certainly in Japan – teach in English. Absolute fluency in English is usually a requirement when schools are hiring and research has shown that parents want and expect this. Thus, teachers in international schools are commonly from the larger Englishspeaking countries. Their passports, however, may mislead as many spend their whole careers working overseas – perhaps in just one country or perhaps in many – and their internationalist credentials come to replace their parochial origins. Students and teachers in international schools can experience cultural and linguistic diversity without leaving the building, but an essential element in any true internationalist’s journey is active interaction with the local culture. Here is where teachers, students and non-teaching staff of – and from – the host nation play such valuable roles. Our international schools in Japan would be poorer places indeed without the presence of Japanese teachers (and not only language teachers), students, parents and support staff. They take those of other cultures out into their world and they bring ‘Japan’ into our schools to the mutual benefit of all parties.
… for whom ‘different’ is not a threat but an opportunity
A diverse student population taught by the internationally minded is at the heart of any good international school. And being an international school teacher is both a pleasure and a privilege.
Peter MacKenzie has been Principal of Hiroshima International School since 2006.
International Education in Japan
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Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders through Outdoor Education in Japan’s Northern Alps At Evergreen the great outdoors is the classroom, life experiences are the lessons, and life-long outdoor enthusiasts are the instructors. This international team of outdoor professionals, focusing on individual participation and communication outside the classroom, allows for children to open their minds to new concepts while at the same time discover more about themselves and their peers in a fun and energetic environment. Over the past decade the Evergreen Outdoor Center has created and conducted educational programmes for domestic and international school groups year round and run adventure-based outdoor summer camps annually. Come winter the instructors at Nagano’s largest international snow sports school are passionate about teaching youth how to ski and snowboard. Evergreen runs weekly children’s ski camps from December through April, as well as season-long race and freestyle camps each weekend aimed at the international
“I grew up on the west coast of Canada camping, canoeing, climbing, cycling and skiing with family and friends every chance I had and found that the lessons learned during these outdoor excursions expanded on concepts taught in the classroom,” says Enright. “These experiences have shaped who I am today and have provided me with the leadership skills and self-confidence to overcome adversity in real-life situations.” youth in the Kanto area wanting to advance to a competitive level. School groups and parents can rest assured that the internationally licensed instructors at Evergreen will conduct lessons in a safe, fun and results-oriented manner.
Evergreen Outdoor Center Ltd. 4377 Happo One, Hakuba Village Nagano, Japan 399-9301 Tel: 0261-72-5150 Fax: 0261-72-8056 Contact: David Enright Email: tours@evergreen-outdoors.com www.evergreen-hakuba.com
It is director David Enright’s aim to enhance personal, social and spiritual development, as well as a deeper relationship with nature through the outdoor youth programmes that he and his team provide.
Seisen International School Tokyo, Japan
K-12 Catholic School
Coed, Montessori Kindergarten offering full-day and half-day programs Girls only, grades 1-12 offering PYP and IB Diploma programs
www.seisen.com
Advanced Placement:
A passport to international learning
M
any families considering university assume the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) is the only preparation accepted by colleges worldwide. However, the Advanced Placement (AP) program is currently accepted by over 600 universities in 60 countries outside of the United States. One of the common misperceptions is that the AP program is only useful for those going to US and Canadian colleges, while the IB is for European universities. In fact, AP exam scores are recognized around the world, and the AP is now widely accepted by UK universities and 16 other European university systems. For example, in recent years students from The American School in Japan (ASIJ), where we offer AP exams in 23 subject areas, were accepted at European universities such as Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, London School of Economics and Political Science, St Andrews, Imperial College, Ecole Parsons à Paris (Parsons Paris), Université Paris Diderot, Franklin College Switzerland, and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. Overall, 23% of ASIJ graduates taking APs attend non-US universities including colleges in Australia and Japan, such as Waseda, Keio and Sophia. AP courses offer students a rigorous course of study in high school, culminating in external exams administered by the College Board. The courses promote deep analysis and critical thinking skills, help students develop the study habits that will prepare
them for success at a university and beyond, and allow them to demonstrate they are ready for college-level work. Students who earn good AP scores may also receive credit and/or advanced standing at their university. Another major advantage is the flexibility the AP program affords students. For instance, at ASIJ a high school student with a passion for science could take yearlong AP courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science. In reality, most students take a range of AP courses across the curriculum, and ASIJ students consistently perform well at this high academic level with a pass rate of 93%. A real benefit is that students can take as many AP courses as they can reasonably handle, in their areas of interest, and still have room in their schedule for elective courses and extracurricular activities. The AP offers a wide range of options to meet nearly any student’s academic interests and abilities, while at the same time affording the flexibility for a student to pursue a passion in a particular subject, and the ability to take advantage of our many sports, fine arts, performing arts, and community service activities. Numerous studies show that taking AP courses has a positive effect on a student’s achievement at a university, and increases the likelihood of finishing a degree on, or ahead of, schedule. Other studies show that participation in extracurricular activities correlates strongly with academic performance in college, as well as success in life. At ASIJ,
… opening doors not only in North America, but in hundreds of universities in Europe
we have found that a strong AP program, together with a vibrant extracurricular program, allows students to take full advantage of everything we have to offer, while opening doors not only in North America, but in hundreds of universities in Europe and many other countries.
Rick Weinland, High School Principal, The American School in Japan International Education in Japan
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SCHOOL LIST School & Contact
The American School in Japan (ASIJ)
students
coed?
grades
curriculum/deploma
year
1,430
M/F
Pre-K - 12
WASC-acredited curriculum, Advanced Placement Courses in high school
27 comfortable coach-style Aug-June buses with many safety features and onboard monitors serve 200 bus stops in Tokyo. After-school, evening and weekend buses also provided for athletics and activities.
229
M/F
Nursery to Grade 12
International
Bus service available
Late AugJune
43
M/F
Nursery, PreKindergarten and Kindergarten
International
Bus service available
Late AugJune
570
M/F
Pre-K - 12
IB PYP, MYP, DP
Train, school buses, bicycle, walking
Aug-June
60
M/F
18 mos-5 years
Creative curriculum
Public transportation
Sep-June
130
M/F
Pre-K age 3 to Grade 9
International curriculum
School buses
Aug-June
430
M/F
K-9
International curriculum
10-15 min. walk Azabu Juban or Hiroo stations
Aug-June
260
M/F
K-12
IB World School, PYP, MYP, DP
School buses, local transportation
late Aug late June
650
Coed KG, Girls only Grades 1-12
K-12
Montessori Kindergarten, PYP, IBDP
School buses available. Closest to Yoga (Denentoshi Line), Kaminoge (Oimachi Line)
late Aug early June
850
all boys
RP (Pre-1st) -Gr.12 US College PreparatoryCurriculum/International Baccalaureate
School buses, public transportation
Aug-June
650
M/F
pre-K - 12
Public transportation
mid-Aug mid-June
1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031. Tel: 0422-34-5300 ext 720. Fax: 0422-34-5303. And
Early Learning Center 6-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032. 03-5771-4344. Fax: 03-5771-4341 E-mail: info@asij.ac.jp Website: http://community.asij.ac.jp
Aoba-Japan International School Suginami, Campus
transportation
2-10-7 Miyamae, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0081 Tel: 03-3335-6620, Fax: 03-3332-6930 E-mail: suginami@aobajapan.jp Website: www.aobajapan.jp
Aoba-Japan International School, Shoto Campus 2-2-1 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0046 Tel: 03-5738-6556, Fax: 03-3481-8300 E-mail: meguro@aobajapan.jp Website: www.aobajapan.jp
K. International School Tokyo 1-5-15 Shirakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0021 Tel: 03-3642-9993 (English), 03-3642-9992 (Japanese); Fax: 03-3642-9994 Email: info@kist.ed.jp Website: www.kist.ed.jp
Mitsui Gardens International Preschool 2-1-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Tel: 03-3224-6796, Fax: 03-3224-6487 Email: ewapreschooldirector@gmail.com Website: www.ewatokyo.org/
New International School of Japan 3-18-32 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022 Tel: 03-3980-1057, Fax: 03-3980-1154 Email: contact@newis.ed.ljp Website: http://newis.ed.jp
Nishimachi International School 2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046 Tel: 03-3451-5520 Email: info@nishimachi.ac.jp Website: www.nishimachi.ac.jp
Osaka International School 4-4-16 Onohara-nishi, Minoh-shi, Osaka 562-0032 Tel: 072-727-5050, Fax: 072-727-5055 Email: admissions@senri.ed.jp Website: www.senri.ed.jp
Seisen International School 1-12-15 Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0097 Tel: 03-3704-2661, Fax: 03-3701-1033 Email: info@seisen.com Website: www.seisen.com
St. Mary’s International School 1-6-19 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668 Tel: 03-3709-3411, Fax: 03-3707-1950 Email: admissions@smis.ac.jp Website: www.smis.ac.jp
Yokohama International School 258 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0862 Tel: 045-622-0084, Fax: 045-621-0379 Email: admissions@yis.ac.jp Website: www.yis.ac.jp
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International Education in Japan
International Baccalaureate
The function of facilities
A
t Osaka International School, the campus design is compatible with the curriculum.
Facilities are a major investment by an international school in Japan. Most importantly, the architectural design of a school building communicates much about the school, its curriculum, and what it values. The Osaka International School (OIS) campus, built 20 years ago by architect Koichi Nagashima, is only now beginning to realize its potential in this regard, according to John Searle, head of school. The architect included a number of key features into the building that supported his focus on communication and collaboration. “He saw these two skills as central to an international school that promotes intercultural awareness and for the development of global citizens,” says Searle. “Indeed, many of what we might once have termed ‘the soft skills’ – the qualities that we admire in people but never thought of as absolutely necessary, such as cooperation and teamwork – are becoming critical attributes in today’s interconnected world.” One dominant feature of the building at OIS is the wide corridors and spaces designed with numerous meeting areas to foster discussion and the sharing of ideas. The school has recently completely upgraded its central courtyard through funds collected through its first capital
campaign. The new design holds true to the original concepts of Nagashima by creating a wide and adaptable area. The new natural grass lawn is surrounded by open spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes. The school now has an additional area for students to perform, study, discuss, collaborate and communicate which complements the other meeting areas such as the field, the theater, and the library and conference rooms. “Looking out of my office window, which overlooks the courtyard, I am struck by the way in which the new design of this space has supported the curricular and extracurricular activities,” Searle reflects. “Students are studying and reading, some are gathering to talk. At this time of year each grade level is absorbed in sports day preparation and there is lots of dancing after school. In a month it will be filled with musicians and after that the international fair.
The architect included a number of key features into the building that supported his focus on communication and collaboration
“It is an exciting development,” he adds. OIS aims to prepare their students not just to cope with a changing world, but to lead the change. “We expect them to be open-minded and tolerant, caring and thoughtful, principled and persuasive, and to be able to apply knowledge to creative problem solving,” says Searle. “To participate in an education at OIS is to aim high.” John Searle OIS Head of School International Education in Japan
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Aoba-Japan International School
K. International School Tokyo
Tel: Suginami 03-3335-6620 Shoto 03-5738-6556 Email: enquiries@aobajapan.jp www.aobajapan.jp
Tel: 03-3642-9993 Email: info@kist.ed.jp www.kist.ed.jp
We all want the same things for our children. We want them to be safe, happy, to do the right thing, to be successful, to have meaningful friendships, to learn about themselves and the world around them, and to have the best possible future. At Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS), it is our goal to help every student be the best they can be.
K. International School Tokyo (KIST) is the only school in Tokyo to offer all three IB programs: PYP, MYP and DP. Based on an inquiry approach, these programs enable academically motivated students to develop high level problem solving and research skills. With a university matriculation rate close to 100%, KIST graduates consistently gain acceptance, with scholarships, into leading universities around the world.
Nishimachi International School
Mitsui Gardens International Preschool
Tel: 03-3451-5520 Email: info@nishimachi.ac.jp www.nishimachi.ac.jp
Tel: 03-3224-6796 Fax: 03-3224-6487 Email: ewapreschooldirector@gmail.com www.ewatokyo.org
Nishimachi International School, conveniently located in central Tokyo, offers a unique and rich international curriculum resourced with materials used to educate students whose independent thinking embraces global issues. All subjects are taught in English except for daily mandatory Japanese-language for every student. The ultimate goal is that every Nishimachi student learns to live harmoniously in, and contribute to, world society.
Located in 11-acre park-like grounds, we strive to meet the needs of our children physically, socially, morally, emotionally and intellectually. Our goal is to provide children with a wide variety of activities that encourage learning through experimentation and dramatic play. Our hope is that our children will become independent and confident, inquisitive and problem solving, able to work cooperatively.
Spring Education Guide 2012 A definitive guide to education covering pre-schools up through post-graduate programmes is coming your way in March 2012. If interested in participating as a school or education-related vendor in Japan, contact Paradigm for more information. Get in touch with your account executive or email: advertising@paradigm.co.jp
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International Education in Japan
In the heart of Kansai pioneering a unique vision of education for our times
Osaka International School OIS is a K-12 IB World School accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) educating students to live up to a mission to become informed , caring, creative individuals who will contribute to the global community. 4-4-16 Onohara Nishi, Minoh-shi Osaka, 562-0032
www.senri.ed.jp tel 072 727 5050 International Education in Japan
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ASIJ: Theodor
American by name, international by nature. Andrea Italy
Mary
Sweden
Mimi
USA
Hritika
Netherlands
India
Josh
Australia + South Africa
Mina
Japan + USA
Henry
United Kingdom
38 student nationalities
Serving the international community in Tokyo since 1902, The
faculty from 13 countries
With students from almost 40 countries, faculty of 13 nationalities and
American School in Japan has a long history of creating global citizens. second language classes in French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, we’re more international than our name suggests. A rigorous and
4 second languages offered
innovative curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses in high
7,500 alumni around the world
7,500 ASIJ alumni spans the globe and every year our graduates head
school, is designed to nurture each child’s full potential. A network of to top-tier universities in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan.
Developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibility.
Pre-K through grade 12. Accredited by WASC. For complete admissions information please visit: <http://community.asij.ac.jp>, call 0422-34-5300 ext. 720 or email <enroll@asij.ac.jp> 12
International Education in Japan