curriculum

The characteristics of curriculum and education in line with human development.

The curriculum is organized according to what is necessary for that particular age. Therefore, children are able to focus on the learning which is most necessary for that particular age group.

The curriculum and school life are planned in order to develop three different abilities. In kindergarten(age 0 to 7), the objective is to develop the child’s will;in the elementary and middle courses(age 7 to 14), the goal is to develop feelings; and in the upper course(age 14 to 21)to develop thinking ability.

During infancy, children should be raised under the parent’s authority. After children have entered school, they should be raised under the teacher's authority. Therefore, in school it is vitally important that both parents and teachers trust and cooperate each other. With this trust and cooperation of parents and teachers, children will feel secure, which brings them learning with enjoyment and thanks for others.

Young adults in puberty will be independent with the support of deep learning and the relationship with their friends.

In kindergarten, the roots are sent out.
In the elementary and middle courses, the leaves flourish.
In the upper courses, the flowers bloom.

Main Lessons

Learning activity for 100 minutes: Japanese, arithmetic, science, social studies etc. For three weeks to one month, children learn about one topic intensively. After one term or a year, they will learn the same topic in a different way again. This method enables children to leave the topic and forget about it. When they come back to the topic, they recollect what they learned and will be able to learn further. In this way, the”kowledge”enters deeply in their minds and metamorphoses into active ability.

8-Year Class teacher System

In the elementary and middle courses, the same teacher is in charge of eight continuous years from class1 through class 8. In this way, the class teachers will be able to observe the children continuously and engage with them fully.

Distinctive subjects

Artistic curricula

Eurhythmy (artistic expression of body which develops life force, a sincere mind and ability to think), music, art, hand-work, sculptures, Noh plays, folk dances, calligraphy, etc.

Learning by experience -- a unique feature of Kenji-no Gakko

Farm-work based on natural agriculture, astronomical observation, field work visiting Miyazawa KenjiAfs hometown in Iwate, field work of the upper class(agricultural practice at Aya Practical Field in Miyazaki, surveying practice, job experience, welfare experience).

After-school child care by regular teachers

After-school child care is meaningful for children, because it gives them opportunities to relate with different age groups and learn social relationships

Entrance examinations

In the upper course, class 11 students which are grade 12 students in high school, take a qualifying examination and are acknowledged as high school graduates. For those who want to go to university, there is a course for entrance examinations for universities(class 13).

German upper class teachers

In the upper course, specialists of each subject are in charge of the classes to cultivate the independence of students. German teachers from the German Waldorf schools are also invited to teach main lessons of literature, astronomy, chemistry, religion and history.

Teachers

There are 20 full-time teachers in Kenji-no Gakko, and most of them have received formal in-service training as Waldorf teachers in Germany. Also, we invite experienced teachers from Germany and receive in-service training regularly.
A teachers’conference is organized by all the teachers from kindergarten to upper course so that every teacher is responsible for all the children and students.