Nishimachi International School

MS Educational Programs

• ADVISORY PROGRAM
• HOMEWORK
• EXPLORATORY AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS AND EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
• MS APPROACHES TO LEARNING, ASSESSMENT, AND REPORTING
• STUCO
• ERB TESTS
• JAPANESE NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (NAT)

There are two classes in each grade level in the MS and the total enrollment is approximately 125. Nishimachi MS students are well prepared for the academic and social challenges that await them in their next school setting. Whether their choice is an international high school in Tokyo or a school in another country, graduates of our MS program routinely report that they are very well prepared for all that awaits them beyond the Nishimachi learning experience.

The basic academic program of the MS enables all students to study the following courses at grades 6-9:
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Social Studies
5. Japanese Language
6. Japanese Social Studies
7. Art
8. Music
9. Drama
10. Physical Education
11. Health and Wellness

Students are grouped in “core groups” for learning programs. These core groups are mixed ability groups. In grades eight and nine, mathematics classes are configured by student ability. All classes employ differentiated methodologies designed for optimum student learning.

Grade 9 students follow a special program which is designed as a one-on-one laptop program. Students are provided with their own Macintosh computer for the duration of the course. They follow an integrated arts syllabus involving film and media studies. They are also offered the grade nine challenge in which they explore and present upon a topic of their own choice.

ADVISORY PROGRAM

The advisory program is an essential component of the MS education. The middle school principal oversees the advisory program and most MS teachers serve as advisors. There are four advisory groups in grades 6-8 and two in grade 9. Students are assigned to groups of 8-10 students in consultation with the faculty and counselor. In the advisory groups, students develop awareness of personal and social matters pertaining to life in general and school-related issues.

HOMEWORK

Homework is considered a vital part of the overall MS educational program. The amount of time for homework varies with each student, but in general homework assignments range from 90 minutes per day for grades 6 and 7, and up to 3 hours for grades 8 and 9.

EXPLORATORY AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Another important component of the MS experience is the exploratory program. Exploratory courses provide for hands-on, less academic mini-courses offered by the MS faculty. In exploratory courses, students have opportunities to expand and develop their personal interests. Past exploratory courses have included: instrumental ensemble, Spanish, international cooking, drama, digital photography, circus, DVD movie-making, gothic calligraphy, shuji, African drumming, beginning Chinese, and kimono making. MS students are also encouraged to take advantage of the range of cultural and sporting activities in the after-school activities program.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS AND EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

Co-curricular opportunities exist in a number of areas for MS students. In grades 6 to 8, students visit Kazuno, the school’s lodge and outdoor education facility in Gunma Prefecture. Kazuno visits meet a number of cultural, personal, and social learning objectives. They:
・ Complete the “rice cycle” that is first encountered in grade 5;
・ Provide for home-stay opportunities with students at our sister school in Kurohone;
・ Offer a variety of valuable team building opportunities and outdoor education activities that enhance the MS learning experience.

In grade 9, students go on trips to climb Mount Fuji and visit historical cities of Japan such as Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. These trips focus on aspects of both the Japanese and English social studies curriculum.
There are also short, curriculum-oriented field trips within the Tokyo area that complement the MS educational program.
Clubs and ensembles, supervised by MS faculty, provide students with opportunities to develop skills and interests beyond the normal, prescribed curriculum in the MS. These include:
・ Sports teams that play competitively in the Tokyo area;
・ Music ensembles that perform both in school and at regional school festivals;
・ Opportunities for participation in community service projects.

Inter-scholastic sports are offered each term of the school year. At Nishimachi, we have a "no-cut" policy for our teams that means any student, regardless of level of expertise, will be included on the team and get to play during the season. Sports offered include: soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country running, and badminton.

The entire MS has traditionally taken part in a week-long ski trip each February. While the trip is part of the physical education program allowing students to become more proficient in skiing, there are other equally important personal and social benefits that students and teachers gain from this very special MS activity.

Track and field is celebrated through our annual intra-school sports day which embraces both elementary and middle school.

MS APPROACHES TO LEARNING, ASSESSMENT, AND REPORTING

Students are exposed to a wide range of learning strategies and assessment practices in the MS. Curriculum is designed following ‘Understanding by Design’ principles. Teachers use a combination of presentation, class discussion, collaborative group work, individual work, long and short-term projects and closely monitored units. All classes have access to class sets of Macintosh computers and information and communication technology plays a major part in student learning. There is emphasis on writing throughout the core subjects of study. Students are required to reflect upon their learning. There is no formal examination period at the end of term, but many of the core subject teachers use classroom tests and work together to coordinate these to avoid overload of work. Except for mathematics and science, there is no single textbook in any of the core disciplines. Teachers use a variety of resources in designing their lessons including, but not limited to, subject textbooks, use of the media center (general reference and periodicals sources), internet resources, and audio/video resources (cassettes, video, DVD and CD-ROMs). Many teachers present subject content through our interactive portal ‘Studywiz.’

Results of standardized tests (ERBs) are used by individual MS teachers to improve the teaching and learning in their classes.

The school year is divided into three terms and student progress is reported at the end of each term. These reports contain both letter grades (on an A-F scale) and short narrative evaluations. There are three formal conferences with parents and students. The first of these, held early in the school year, is for parents to meet with the teacher. This meeting provides time for parents to give teachers their opinion and perspective on their child as both a person and a learner. Next, there is a parent-student-teacher conference where the student’s progress is discussed. This is held in an arena-style format that allows parents to meet with advisors, core teachers, specialist teachers, and exploratory teachers. In the spring, there is a student-led conference where each student reviews his/her work, progress, and portfolio with the parents in the presence of the advisor.

STUCO

All students are encouraged to participate in decision making through our democratically elected student council, StuCo. Each advisory group elects a StuCo representative. With guidance from the counselor, students organize social functions and have their say in decisions affecting middle school.

In Nishimachi middle school, students are offered the chance to reach their potential in relatively small, student-centered classes. Our central location means that students are part of a real community that extends beyond school hours.