島本町立第四小学校

Can a school prepare children for a global future? Here at Shimamotocho Municipal Fourth Elementary School, they believe it can. Shimamotocho Municipal Fourth Elementary School isn’t just any school. It’s a vibrant hub of learning and growth, nestled in the heart of Shimamoto Town, Mishima District, Kyoto Prefecture. Established in 1981, it has witnessed the town’s transformation and played a vital role in shaping young minds. Shimamotocho Municipal Fourth Elementary School is known for its large student population. It serves as a testament to the town’s growing families. Currently, the school boasts 21 classes, including five support classes and 16 regular classes, catering to over 500 students from first to sixth grade. With the recent construction of nearby mansions, the school anticipates a further increase in enrollment, projected to reach around 600 students in the coming years. To accommodate this growth, a new school building is currently under construction in the courtyard and is expected to be completed by next spring. Shimamotocho Municipal Fourth Elementary School is deeply committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals, grounded in the principles of “Genki, Yūki, Konki,” meaning “Vigor, Courage, and Perseverance.” These three “ki” or “spirits” represent the core values instilled in every student. Imagine these qualities as three seeds planted within each child, nurtured and cultivated throughout their six years of education, blossoming into strong, capable individuals ready to take on the world. The school is also a pioneer in English language education. As part of a nationwide initiative, Shimamoto Town has been designated a special model school for English language education by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). Shimamotocho Municipal Fourth Elementary School has embraced this initiative. They have implemented an enhanced English curriculum, exceeding national standards. Fifth and sixth graders enjoy two hours of English instruction per week, while first through fourth graders receive one hour. This forward-thinking approach prepares students for a globalized world, empowering them with the language skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected society. In fact, the town has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 70% pass rate on the English Proficiency Test Level 3 by the end of junior high school. They are already nearing this goal, with a current pass rate close to 60%. This success can be attributed not just to the increased instruction hours but to the school’s emphasis on making English fun and engaging. Active learning, games, and interactive activities are woven into the curriculum, fostering a love of language and ensuring that learning is not just effective but enjoyable.