A sea of “randoseru” backpacks greets you every morning. These backpacks are used by almost all Japanese elementary school children. Today we are standing in front of Shiratori Secondary School. Here, education extends beyond textbooks.
Shiratori Secondary School plays a crucial role in shaping young minds. Japanese secondary schools follow a unique system. Students usually stay in one classroom. Teachers move from room to room.
Grading differs from the American system. Japanese students receive grades from 1 to 5. A 5 equals an A. A 1 equals an F. Grades matter less than college entrance exam scores.
The goal is to prepare students for these exams. Textbooks in elementary schools sometimes have more discussion questions. High school textbooks are full of facts. Teachers must cover a lot of required material. They often have limited creative freedom.
Many junior high schools are public and coeducational. Each homeroom has a maximum of 40 students. These students take classes together. Schools generally do not segregate classes based on ability. Some schools use streaming for math and English.
The standard curriculum includes Japanese language and social studies. It also covers mathematics and science. Students study a foreign language, usually English. Music, fine arts, and physical education are required. Industrial arts or homemaking are also part of the curriculum. Students also do extracurricular activities and moral education.
High school attendance is optional. Most junior high graduates continue to high school. Entrance relies on exam performance. Competition can be intense for popular schools. Unified junior and high schools exist. These schools help students avoid high school entrance exam pressure.
The high school core curriculum includes Japanese language and geography. Students also study history and civics. Mathematics, science, and health are important. Physical education, art, and a foreign language are included. Home economics and information are part of the curriculum. Students in vocational programs spend less time on the core curriculum.
Japanese students attend school from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They can have many hours of homework each night. Many students attend cram school. This is called “juku”. They also participate in sports or club activities.
High schools are ranked. Students are identifiable by their uniforms. It can be hard for students in low-ranked schools to advance. Some students sleep during the day.
High school textbooks have increased in page count. This reflects new curriculum guidelines. The guidelines expand the amount of academic content.
Single-sex schools account for less than 10 percent of all schools in Japan. Some believe single-sex schools benefit students. Boys may concentrate more without competition from girls.
Middle schools teach international understanding. They use subjects like Chinese poetry and English. Many schools have an Assistant Language Teacher. This native speaker teaches English conversation and foreign cultures. The internet helps students learn about the world.
High schools teach about foreign cultures. They cover topics like the global environment and human rights. Many schools have English conversation clubs. Some schools offer trips abroad.
Sister school programs connect students with other countries. Students exchange letters and gifts. These programs promote international understanding.
Remember Yoshie Shiratori. He embodies perseverance. His escapes led to changes in Japanese prison security. May Shiratori Secondary School inspire you. Never give up.