Learn, Grow, Lead.
Fostering Multilingualism
At the heart of the English & Foreign Languages Department lies our guiding principle: "Learn, Grow, Lead."
Recognizing that global fluency extends beyond mere linguistic proficiency, we emphasize the importance of authentic communication.
Domestic English Course: Beyond Vocabulary and Grammar
Our comprehensive English program goes beyond rote memorization of grammar rules and vocabulary lists. We cultivate true "English thinking ability" —— the capacity to express oneself clearly and effectively in the English language.
Developing Global Communicators
We believe that English serves as a vital tool for global understanding. While linguistic accuracy is essential, our focus lies in assisting students with building confidence and skills to communicate their thoughts and ideas articulately and persuasively in English.
A Multi-faceted Approach
To achieve this, we offer a diverse range of English courses designed to develop all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These classes are carefully structured to cater to students of varying levels and learning styles.
Let us help guide you on your journey towards becoming a confident and effective global communicator. The way the class proceeds is like a Japanese class. By reading English texts and thinking in English about the writing and what the writer wants to convey, students will deepen their English thinking ability.
The core textbook is completed in the second term, and foreign books in English are read in the third term.
All grades finish the textbook by the second term, and in the third term, English-language fiction books from Pearson, Oxford, Macmillan, etc. are used. Activities are carried out for each section or chapter of the book, and the feelings and background of the characters are discussed. Rather than doing Japanese translations, the focus is on exploring English-specific phrases and expressions, as well as enjoying the fun of reading a story.
Classes are organized according to proficiency level, and learning takes place according to each student's English ability.
Domestic English Course
(A-C class)
Beginners of English and students returning from non-Englishspeaking regions belong to the Domestic English Course. Students are further divided into three classes according to their level of English proficiency, and have five hours of English classes per week. English conversation classes are held by Japanese teachers in a team-teaching format to strengthen listening and speaking skills. At higher proficiency levels, English-only classes also operate once a week, conducted by native teachers.
International English Course
(Honours Class, Regular Class)
In classes for students returning from English-speaking countries, or domestic students with near-native English language ability, native English career teachers teach classes based on the curricula of a range of native English speaking countries. In classes, students are exposed to Western literary works, and while working on vocabulary and grammar, they also have opportunities to hold discussions, speeches, debates, and project work on various themes, which helps them develop the ability to clearly express their opinions. In the first year of junior high school, students in the Honours and Regular classes jointly produce English plays and have the opportunity to present them.
*English beginners and students returning from non-Englishspeaking countries may also be placed in the International English Course. On the other hand, students returning from English-speaking countries may also belong to the Domestic English Course. Movement up or down to other levels is also possible after a student expresses interest, attends a consultation with teachers, and meets grade and scoring criteria.
The Accelerated English Course (beginning April 2025)
The Accelerated Course is a wholly new and original course designed by Keimei Gakuen English teachers and based on bridging the Domestic and International streams. This class will be taught by a Japanese teacher of English and a native speaker of English and will incorporate elements from the national requirements as well as international standards from English-speaking countries.
Students suitable for the course will already have a strong desire to learn, and often have experience of, English and classes in English. The bridging nature of this course means that we celebrate and use the language assets brought into the classroom to build overall English ability for the goal of creating internationally-competent students. Students admitted to the course may display any or many of the following qualities: experience abroad, a desire to go abroad, interest in attending an international university, an English-speaking parent, and more.
Course content will revolve around the four skills of: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will learn from a Japanese-language textbook for English grammar to fulfill the national requirements. They will also read and write using English-language textbooks. The course will mirror the International English Program courses while also giving students the support they need to be successful in an academically rigorous learning environment, one that will give them the tools to succeed in and out of class.
11 foreign teachers support multilingual acquisition
In addition to six native English speakers, our school also has foreign language teachers of French, German, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish. Our staff come from a wide range of countries throughout Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America so you can learn about cultures from all over the world.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Foreign Language Contest
Native speakers and experienced Japanese teachers who have returned from overseas will help with manuscript correction and presentation skills.
● English Debate Contest
In the English Debate Contest held during the school festival in September, international students from third year junior high school to third year high school debate on various topics such as AI, Fiction vs. Non-fiction, and Studying Abroad, and have received high praise from visitors.
● English/Foreign Language Speech Contest
In the English/Foreign Language Speech Contest held every February, students compete in speeches in the General (poem recitation/speech), International Honors, and International Regular divisions. Presentations are also given in multiple languages other than English, providing an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of languages.
Multilingual Education (French, Korean, Chinese)
Support for second foreign language from daily conversation level to exam preparation.
In the elective subjects for second and third year high school students, students can choose from French, Korean, or Chinese as a second foreign language (2 credits each).
Language is the gateway to the world. In today's society of increasing globalization, adding another language to Japanese and English will greatly expand your possibilities.
All languages are taught by foreign, native language teachers. In small classes, students start by learning daily conversation and also learn about the cultures and customs of each country. We also support exam preparation for each language.
English classes that also support academic English
To make English a language that can be used throughout one's life.
In the elective subjects for high school students, we offer practical subjects such as classes to learn academic speech and discussion techniques and classes to learn about international affairs.
Subject |
Target |
English practice |
2nd to 3rd year high school students, Domestic English/International English course |
A wide range of problems are dealt with, including listening, English grammar, and reading comprehension. Through exercise-style classes, students will solidify their basic academic skills, develop their logical thinking skills, and aim to acquire the ability to handle various university entrance exams. |
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Fundamental 4 |
2nd year high school, Domestic English course |
We will deal with various themes such as international issues, and through tasks and problem exercises, we will further develop the four English skills + thinking skills, and aim to acquire the ability to handle external exams. |
|
Logic/Expression Ⅱ/Ⅲ |
2nd to 3rd year high school, Domestic English course |
We will make academic presentations in various formats such as presentations, speeches, discussions, and debates, aiming to cultivate expressive abilities. We will also have the opportunity to listen to English-language news, learn about current events in the world, and summarize our own opinions. |
|
College Test Prep |
2nd year high school, International English course |
This class is for international students, and will provide preparation for external English exams required for university entrance exams (especially IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL). We will learn the characteristics of each exam and prepare for university entrance exams. |
|
Media Studies Ⅰ/Ⅱ |
2nd year to 3rd year high school, International English course |
In this class, students will learn about media literacy and analyze and interpret various media texts. We also create music videos, advertisements, and documentaries. |
|
International Understanding |
High School Year 3 General English/International English Course |
We learn about problems facing the modern world in a workshop format. In a world where multiple cultures coexist, we aim to accept others and become independent individuals. We explore what we can do to build peace, and provide opportunities for collaborative learning with students from other countries over the internet. We also participate in peace-building activities during class. |
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