Educational System

Japan

School Systemo Japanese educational system was reformed

after World War IIo Old: 6-5-3-3 system o Now: 6-3-3-4

(6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University)

o An elementary school (from 6 years) and junior high school (3 years) education, i.e. nine years of schooling are considered compulsory

o 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and zero illiteracy

o high school (koukou) enrollment is over 96% nationwide and nearly 100% in the cities

o About 46% of all high school graduates go on to university or junior college.

School System

o The Ministry of Education closely supervises curriculum, textbooks, classes and maintains a uniform level of education throughout the country. As a result, a high standard of education is possible.

School System

National School Curriculum

o elementary school Japanesesocial studiesMathematicsScienceMusic and artsHandicrafts and

homemaking physical education.

o Middle School JapaneseMathematicssocial studiesScienceEnglishMusicArtphysical educationfield tripsclubs and homeroom time

National School Curriculum

o High Schoolo the content may contain general or highly

specialized subjects depending on the different types of high schools.

o High schools may be classed into one of the following types:Elite academic high schoolsNon-elite academic high schoolsVocational High Schools Correspondence High SchoolsEvening High School

Student Life

o A school year has three terms: summer, winter and spring, which are each followed by a vacation period.

o The school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year.

o Japanese children enter primary school from age 6.

o From age 12, children proceed to middle schools.

o 15 year-old middle-school graduates go on to high schools or private specialist institutions

Student Life

Student Life

o bullying (ijime) or behavioral problemso Rigorous swotting for entrance exams

o To secure entry to most high schools, universities, as well as a few private junior high schools and elementary schools, applicants are required to sit entrance exams and attend interviews.

Education philosophy and teaching practices

(1)virtually all children have the ability to learn well and to master the regular school curriculum.

(2)certain habits and characteristics, such as diligence and attention to detail, can be taught.

o A basic characteristic throughout elementary and secondary education is the continuing emphasis on science and mathematics.

o The Japanese consider these subjects the basic building blocks of technology, and curriculum requirements ensure that all children receive extensive grounding in them.

o Mathematics is one of the required subjects on university entrance examinations and, hence, receives continuing attention through all grades.