Aichi International School

Elementary Curriculum

From elementary school at AIS, students solidify their bilingual proficiency through academic study in both English and Japanese.

International teachers cover approximately 70% of the curriculum, teaching subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Digital Technology, and PE. Most of the learning takes place in the classroom, while PE lessons take place in the park across from the school, and swimming lessons at a local sports center in the summer. Students enjoy a variety of fun, educational field trips throughout the year.

With Japanese teachers, students study Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies in line with curriculum prescribed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Although international students are not required to be proficient in Japanese to enroll at AIS, they are encouraged and supported to learn the language in the spirit of the school’s bilingual program, and take part in all classes.

Finally, all students in the elementary school have the opportunity to learn to play violin, with a specialist teaching the students during the week, as part of the curriculum.

Subjects

Objectives for each subject below are grade appropriate and form the basis of the dual curriculum program at AIS.

English Language Arts (all grades)

・Show interest in English and strive to improve communication skills.

・Talk about own thoughts precisely, and listen carefully to the intentions of others.

・Write effectively and logically to express own thoughts about subject matter.

・Grasp content and meaning of reading material and expand own thoughts.

・Understand sentence construction, and read/write words appropriate for grade.

Japanese Language Arts (all grades)

・Show interest in Japanese and strive to improve communication skills.

・Talk about own thoughts precisely, and listen carefully to the intentions of others.

・Write effectively and logically to express own thoughts about subject matter.

・Grasp content and meaning of reading material and expands own thoughts.

・Understand sentence construction, and read/write kanji prescribed for grade.

Mathematics (all grades; English / Japanese)

・Show interest in amounts and figures, and strive to improve mathematical knowledge.

・Acquire mathematical thought, and understand math problems logically.

・Understand decimals/fractions, and become able to calculate, measure and graph numbers.

・Acquire accurate processing skills for amounts and shapes.

Science (G3-G6; English / Japanese)

・Pursue natural phenomenon and apply scientific rules to daily life.

・Seek to understand changes and causes of natural phenomenon and solve problems.

・Perform observations and experiments, and express the process and result.

・Understand characteristics, regularity and relationships of natural phenomenon.

Social Studies (G3-G6; English / Japanese)

・Show interest in the local community, as well as other countries, societies, and history.

・Become able to understand and make appropriate judgments about societies and ethnicities.

・Effectively use statistical materials, maps, photos and illustrations.

・Acquire an accurate knowledge and awareness of various foreign societies.

Life (G1+G2; English / Japanese)

・Pursue natural phenomenon and apply scientific rules to daily life.

・Seek to understand changes and causes of NP and solve problems.

・Understand characteristics, regularity and relationships of natural phenomenon.

PE (all grades)

・Show interest and enthusiasm towards physical exercise.

・Consider issues about exercise, health, safety, and make appropriate decisions.

・Acquire basic movement and motor skills required for physical exercise.

・Acquire an accurate knowledge of health and safety.

Art (all grades)

・Show interest in creative activities and strive to use art to express oneself.

・Select shapes, forms and colors to create ideas of expression.

・Use creative ability to express oneself with own emotions.

・Appreciate the virtues and beauty of artwork.

Music (all grades)

・Show interest and appreciation of music, and strive to express oneself musically.

・Freely express one’s ideas and thoughts in musical activities.

・Sing in a natural and appropriate voice, and experience playing a variety instruments.

・Listen appreciatively to musical concepts.

Violin (all grades)

・Show interest and appreciate of the violin, and express oneself musically.

・Acquire fundamental violin skills.

Digital Technology (all grades)

・Develop an awareness of digital technologies in daily life.

・Foster effective fundamental computer operating skills.

・Transfer skills to online and blended learning.

・Learn useful programming skills.

・Acquire fundamental computational thinking skills.

Home Economics (G6)

・Show interest in home life and strive to improve daily activities at home.

・Consider issues about home life and how to solve them in one’s own way.

・Acquire fundamental skills required for daily living and home life.

・Acquire accurate knowledge about daily living and home life.