International
Understanding

Learning to Develop
the Ability to Connect with the World

Education to promote international understanding is provided in English and integrated study classes, with the aim of developing a global perspective, enhancing communication skills, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
This also forms the foundations for the development of human resources equipped with abilities to play an active role on the global stage.

English

Acquisition of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills

The goal of English education is to develop the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in a balanced manner. English education is provided for six years, starting from the first grade. Classes are always conducted by a paired Japanese teacher and a native English-speaking teacher. Digital training aids are also used proactively to teach proper pronunciation and communication skills. The final goal for children is to pass the level 4 English Language Proficiency test. Many of our students have passed so far and are tackling the challenge of passing a higher level test. This English education is implemented in association with integrated study class.

Learning fun English in the morning Module Learning class


What is important in acquiring language skills is to work on them every day. For the first and second graders, a 15-minute module learning class in the morning is used to learn English. Children move their bodies while listening to English, sing songs in English, and listen to stories in English, through which they learn English pronunciation. They also practice simple English conversation through interaction with teachers and friends.

Learning more practical English in reading, writing and speaking


Third and fourth graders study English for a total of three lessons a week (a 45-minute class each time). In addition to English conversation, they start to learn to read and write in English. Students also have opportunities to communicate with peers in the US and Australia using a video-conferencing system. Practical lessons give children a more pleasant experience.

Enhancing English ability to a higher level and taking a school trip abroad


Fifth and sixth graders study English for a total of four lessons a week (a 45-minute class each time). They receive more formal English training in reading and writing. They also enjoy communication with friends abroad through a video-conferencing system. Sixth-graders go on a school trip to Australia (seven days and five nights), where they can apply what they have learned at school to various situations abroad.

School trip (trip abroad)


Students have a variety of opportunities to make use of their English ability, such as delivering a presentation to introduce Japanese culture to local elementary students, participating in sports exchanges, and having conversations during a home-stay

*2019 results

Educational for International Understanding

Children learn about the world and themselves through experience-based learning.

Education to promote international understanding is provided mainly in social sciences and integrated study classes. In order to foster cross-cultural understanding, children from the second to sixth grades engage in research on how society works and what people are doing in their target countries/regions. Children in different grades learn about different countries/regions. This one-year research activity provides various opportunities to experience international exchange at first hand, including communications with local children via a video-conferencing system and through message cards, as well as interaction with international students studying at Kansai University.
Fifth and sixth grade students take one step further by making an international contribution. Our curriculum is designed for our students to broaden their horizons, during their younger years up, through the attaining of experience and awareness of the importance of active social involvement and contribution.

Global Awareness Program at a Glance (2017-2019)

Grades Target Goals Learning
Objective
Exchange
Country
1st and 2nd To better interactions with family members and local communities, to further develop interest in the student's own culture and to become aware of the existence of dissimilarities between their own culture and the exchange country's culture. To discover
differences between
cultures
Korea (Grade 2)
3rd and 4th To take part in cultural exchange activities, to know the differences, as well as the similarities, between their own culture and the exchange country's culture. In addition, to further develop interest in global awareness. To participate in
cultural exchange
activities
Taiwan (Grade 3)
Indonesia (Grade 4)
5th and 6th Enagaing in cultural exchange activities that promote cooperation, students learn about the realities of current world problems, think about solutions, and find ways to implement them through participation, support, and involvement. To participate in
cultural exchange
activities, as well as
experiencing the culture.
Nepal (Grade 5)
Senegal (Grade 6)
Grades 1st and 2nd
Target Goals To better interactions with family members and local communities, to further develop interest in the student's own culture and to become aware of the existence of dissimilarities between their own culture and the exchange country's culture.
Learning
Objective
To discover differences between cultures
Exchange
Country 
Korea (Grade 2)
Grades 3rd and 4th
Target Goals To take part in cultural exchange activities, to know the differences, as well as the similarities, between their own culture and the exchange country's culture. In addition, to further develop interest in global awareness.
Learning
Objective
To participate in cultural exchange activities
Exchange
Country 
Taiwan (Grade 3) Indonesia (Grade 4)
Grades 5th and 6th
Target Goals Enagaing in cultural exchange activities that promote cooperation, students learn about the realities of current world problems, think about solutions, and find ways to implement them through participation, support, and involvement.
Learning
Objective
To participate in cultural exchange activities, as well as experiencing the culture.
Exchange
Country 
Nepal (Grade 5) Senegal (Grade 6)
Target country

South Korea

2 Garder

Exploration of different cultures

Children are expected to take an interest in Japanese culture through direct interaction with family and local community members, and then compare with South Korea, which has different cultural aspects from Japan.

Target country

China Taiwan Australia

3・4 Garder

Cross-cultural exchange

Children learn about cultural differences and similarities between Japan and other countries through various international exchange activities.

Target country

New Zealand Nepal Mexico

5・6 Garder

Cross-cultural exchange and international cooperation

Children learn the reality of the world through cross-cultural exchange, and then consider what kind of international cooperation they can engage in, and move into action. Through such activities, children are expected to respect and support each other and create close relationships.