FAQ
- Which nationalities are represented at your school?
- Currently about 60% of our children are from Japanese returnee families. This means they have lived and studied abroad before returning to Japan. The remaining students are either of dual nationality (29%) or foreign (11%).
- What is the purpose of the school?
- The school was created to offer an International style education to Japanese children returning to Japan (who have been to other international, private, or public schools abroad) or dual nationality children & expatriate children living within travelling distance of the school.
- What curriculum are you teaching?
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We plan our teaching from the learning objectives (knowledge, skills and understanding) of the Japanese National Curriculum. We are able to modify and adapt the curriculum where appropriate to align closely with the school’s mission whilst remaining true to the original learning objectives. We draw upon other international curriculum models to achieve this. English teaching largely follows the Literacy Framework followed in most UK schools.
The curriculum is not decided by class teachers but supplemented by them and aims at stretching and supporting children within a precise and structured programme of subjects and activities.
- What nationalities are the teachers?
- All class teachers are native English speaking teachers, in almost all cases hired from abroad. Among other things MIS teachers are:
– Teachers who are well-trained, well-qualified, committed and career-orientated.
– Teachers dedicated to the profession who love children and educating children.
– Teachers who are flexible and team-players who wish to continue learning as well as teaching.
– Teachers who are looking to constantly improve what we offer the children as well as their own skills as teachers. - Is the school accredited?
- Yes. In April 2017, MIS was accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school is also recognized by the Ministry of Education in Japan.
- How large are classes?
- Class sizes in Kindergarten 1-3 are up to 20 maximum. Class sizes in Grades 1-6 are up to 26 maximum.
- Where might students go after attending MIS?
- Children will have various choices upon graduation from Makuhari International School. These will include:
– Enrolling at a Japanese Junior High School. Because MIS has ‘Article One’ status, this means that transferring to a Japanese School will not be a problem.
– Enrolling at another International Middle School. - Does the school have a hot lunch programme?
- Parents can order a bento lunch for children that is catered in from an outside company. For more information, see the Lunch page under Parents on our website or inquire at the Office.
- Do you have a bus service?
- We provide buses for children. Currently about 40% of our children use a bus. Our buses go to Chiba, Funabashi, Tsudanuma, Baytown and Urayasu. All buses employ bus assistants.
- Are there any after-school activities offered?
- We offer a wide variety of after school clubs and activities for students to participate in, including art, athletics, language, culture, drama and music. Clubs are not only run by staff at the school – we also use outside specialists at a fee where possible and convenient. Clubs, where organised by the staff, are free for children at the school and run from 3.30pm to 4.10pm.
- Do you offer a summer school?
- Yes. Annually we offer a summer school to students which serves to enhance and enrich the lives of children. Look out for more information at the News and Events page.
- What language are the lessons taught in?
- All lessons, with the exception of Japanese or Japanese Studies (and some Social Studies lessons in Grades 5 and 6), are taught in English by native English class teachers. Children will be screened before they enter the school to ensure that their English proficiency is at an appropriate level to allow them to access the curriculum.