Educational Philosophy
Based on Catholic values, faith and spirit of education, we make efforts to raise students with high self-esteem, to promote intellectual ability, and to rear a new generation of internationally minded citizens under the motto ‘zest for life’.
Educational Objectives
Our aim is to raise children who respect and accept people as individuals, who honor God, and who can participate actively in an international society. To achieve this, our educational plan is based on three points; understanding the child, providing thorough guidance to the individual, and promoting intellectual ability through self-improvement.
We seize every opportunity available throughout elementary education to raise children who are respectful, cheerful, kind, and have a strong love of justice. We believe in guiding our students to be;
- Considerate and altruistic
- Courteous and controlled
- Autonomous and able to take action
- Able to face adversity on their own
Educational Characteristics
It is our goal to educate children who are able to communicate naturally with all people, regardless of their country of origin, while fostering a sense of pride in Japan and its culture.
English Education
In Japan, English is already used as an international communicative tool and as a second language. Learning English in primary school when children have excellent powers of memorization enables them to naturally acquire proper pronunciation and language skills. In the Regular Course children receive one class of English each day for a total of six classes throughout the week. In the International Course all core subjects are taught in English. Throughout all primary school life it is our aim to widen children’s horizons and build the foundations of international understanding especially through English education to raise children with international sensibilities.
Regular Course English Education
From Grades one to six children receive one lesson of English a day for a total of six lessons of English a week. In the lower grades the focus is on proper pronunciation and children learn from the very beginning with the alphabet and phonics. It is our aim that children learn English songs, are able to say simple greetings, can take part in teacher-lead question and answer periods, and are able to understand simple commands. By the time children reach the higher grades they have knowledge of grammar and are able to pass English proficiency exams. One goal is to be able to express one’s own thoughts in an English speech.
Regular Course Educational Objectives by Grade Level
- Grade 1
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- Able to perform proper greetings and answer simple questions
- Foster an interest in English and actively participate in lessons
- Grade 2
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- Be able to ask questions and express oneself in simple terms in English
- Be able to listen to and read simple stories and understand content
- Grade 3
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- Be able to ask questions and express oneself with more complex structures
- Be able to understand English videos and read and comprehend English stories
- Grade 4
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- Be able to understand and carry out basic English conversations
- Attain a level comparable to the level 5 or 4 English Proficiency Exam
- Grade 5
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- Be able to express ones thoughts and communicate ones intentions
- Be able to read with interest English literature targeted at their own age level
- Attain a level comparable to the level 4 or 3 English Proficiency Exam
- Grade 6
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- Be able to deliver English speeches
- Attain a level comparable to level pre 2 or 2 of the English Proficiency Exam
International Course
Other than Japanese all core subjects are taught in English. American textbooks are employed with the aim that students acquire an ability in English similar to students in English speaking countries where students learn material, think, and are able to write grammatically correct essays and reports. From grade three, students learn Japanese Geography, Culture, and History. From grade five, students learn world geography and culture through standardized texts and the utilization of original materials. The International Course runs through Gyosei International School’s Kindergarten, Primary, Junior High, and Senior High where students acquire English as a second language through a myriad of International experiences.
The English reading book, workbook, and vocabulary books used in the Regular and International Courses are the same however there is a difference in the pace the material is covered. Upon graduation from sixth grade, Regular course students are expected to attain a level comparable with level pre 2 of the English Proficiency test whereas International Course students are expected to attain a level comparable to level 2 of the English Proficiency Test. The same series of textbooks are also in use at the Junior High and Senior High level so students who continue on at Gyosei after primary graduation can seamlessly continue their English education. English in both the Regular and International Courses are taught by native English speakers who students can learn from and interact with in a rich international environment. Children have the opportunity to experience life in English in regular natural everyday situations.
| Currently enrolled students | Level 5 | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level pre 2 | Level 2 | Level pre 1 | Level 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 53 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Grade 2 | 55 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grade 3 | 67 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 22 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Grade 4 | 52 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| Grade 5 | 64 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Grade 6 | 44 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| 335 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 57 | 55 | 5 | 1 |
French Language Education
The level of success in language acquisition raises the earlier one begins to learn a language. Children learn not only English but also enjoy gaining familiarity with French. It is our goal that students be able to further broaden their international views and senses through French. In the lower grades students learn basic pronunciation, daily conversation, children’s stories, and plays from a native teacher. In the higher grades students take a more text based approach to learning the language. French Proficiency Tests are also held at our school.
Japanese and Mathematics Education
Japanese
Currently, Regular Course home-room teachers also teach Japanese to their corresponding grade level in the International Course. From first grade, Japanese dictionaries are used in class and Kanji testing is intensively practiced. There is no difference in the curriculum content or number of lessons taught between the Regular Course and the International Course.
Mathematics
By the end of fifth grade Regular Course students complete primary level mathematics education and in the sixth grade complete Junior High grade one mathematics. Materials made by Tokyo Private School are utilized. Mathematics in the International Course follows the American curriculum and is on level for age group.
