How do high schools in Japan work?
I'm wondering how a 15 year old's school in Japan would be like. I've looked online for this stuff, but it's hard to find. If anyone could help, it'll be appreciated. Stuff I want to know: -scheduling (when does school start, break, end?) -extracurricular stuff (what kind of stuff do they have there? How are sports run?) -how much homework they have and what kind of hw it is (reports? projects? or just tons of practice problems?) -punishments for tardies? discipline? -grade system, level of competition -juku? who needs to go? Plus-- do 15 year olds usually have cellphones in Japan?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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I teach at a JHS in Japan so some of the info may not be the same for HS. The school year in Japan is year round. THere are 3 grades in high school. Called 1st, 2nd, and 3rd it is the same as 10th, 11th, 12th in the states. High schools in Japan are speciality schools, for example, academics, vocational, etc. Students most apply and interview for placements in the school. Much like college in the US. Students sometimes go to schools that are 2 hours away from home by train or in some cases longer. They usually stay in dormitories or a relative in that city if they are far from home. A typicall day starts at 8:15 but most students go to school before then to partake in club activites or studying. There is about 45 minutes for lunch. In high schools in Japan students are responsible for there lunch. Either brining a `bento` from home or going to convience store or resturant. School usually ends about 4:30. After there are usually clubs that the students have to join. At most schools it is mandatory for students to participate in one club. This can be sports clubs like volleyball, base/soft ball, basketball, tennis, badminton, judo, kendo, archery, and many more depends on size of school and student interests. They can also belong to culture clubs like, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, etc. Other clubs include English Club, Choir, Brass Band. Clubs usually go until 6 or 7 at night many students leave after them. Some clubs only meet 1 a week so depends on the club and the advisor. As for homework I really can not tell you. In my JHS kids are always studying. But they do not have the regular homework assignments that we have in the states, ie. worksheets, reading and questions. I have no idea to be honest about HS. However Japanese soicety tends to favor group work over individual. Punishments.. not sure same as grading criteria. Although I have heard from some of my friends how teach at HS that they are rather laxed. However sometimes when students misbehave at home for example breaking curfew the parents call the schools and ask them to punish the students.. This is a true story I heard from a friend. Although some high schoolers my go to Juku for studying for college exams it is more common for JHS students to go for studying ro get into high school. Yes, many 15 year olds have cell phones in Japan. I would say the majoirty of do. However familes that may be a little poorer than others or those who live in very very rural areas do not. For the most part many of my JHS kids have them. Some elementary school students as well. There are special phone designs for children here.
