Ages 12 to 15 mark an important time. It’s junior high school time. Today we will explore Kanamachi Junior High School in Tokyo.
Kanamachi Junior High School is a public middle school. It sits in Katsushika, Tokyo. The school plays a vital role in its community.
Did you know junior high covers grades seven through nine in Japan? Kanamachi Junior High is part of this system. Students here focus more on academics. This prepares them for senior high school.
The school year has at least 210 days. That’s more than in the United States. A lot of time is dedicated to events. Sports days and school trips are important.
Teachers at Kanamachi Junior High are experts in their subjects. Each class has a homeroom teacher. This teacher acts as a counselor. Unlike elementary school, students have different teachers for each subject. Teachers move between classrooms.
Instruction relies on lectures here. Teachers use television and radio. Some lab work is included. By 1989, almost half of junior high schools had computers. This included schools using them for administration.
The curriculum at Kanamachi Junior High is set by the government. It includes Japanese language and English. Social studies, math, and science are taught. Music, art, and physical education are also included.
Many Kanamachi Junior High students join after-school clubs. Sports clubs are popular for boys. Baseball is a favorite. Wind bands are popular for girls. Soccer is gaining popularity too. Other sports include tennis, basketball, judo, and volleyball.
Cultural clubs also thrive. There are choir, art, and brass band clubs. Tea ceremony and flower arrangement clubs exist too.
Kanamachi Junior High may encourage students to take academic tests. These include STEP Eiken for English. Kanji kentei tests Japanese skills.
Students in higher grades take trips. They visit culturally important cities like Kyoto and Nara. Ski resorts and Tokyo are also destinations.
Bullying can be a problem in junior high. Kanamachi Junior High works to prevent it. School refusal syndrome is also a concern. The school tries to provide support. It helps students who struggle to fit in.
Kanamachi Junior High strives to give every student a solid education. The school prepares them for the future. It encourages them to participate and thrive.