Okayama Joto Senior High School

 

Okayama Joto Senior High School was established in 1987 as a new type of public school, aiming to meet the needs of a changing world.  It is an academic school and has about 900 students, most of whom want to go to college.

The main characteristic of our school is that it has adopted the course system.  Second and third year students are divided into 4 courses: Humanities course, Math- Science course, International studies course and Music course.  In each course, students can study according to their individual abilities, interests and future career goals.

In addition, our school participates in a homestay program in England and America every summer and has a sister school in New Zealand, with which we exchange students every year.  These special activities are very beneficial for broadening the students’ and teachers’ views of the world.

The school recruits students from all over Okayama Prefecture, and aims to nurture and develop their hearts and minds so they will be prepared to face life in the 21^st century.

 

Educational Goals

 

By building an atmosphere which encourages active student participation, the school aims to teach students how to be creative, study actively and have positive attitudes.

Under the school motto, “Enterprising and Cooperative”, we aim to encourage cooperation with each other while also stressing the importance of diversity in student interests, abilities, and future career goals.  In this environment, students can grow intellectually as individuals, while also working together towards a prosperous future.

 

Four Courses of Study

 

In the first year, our curriculum aims to provide a broad general education, so every student participates in a wide variety of core subjects.

In the second year, students choose from one of the four specialized courses of study: Humanities, Math/Science, International, and Music.

Within these courses, the second and third-year students elect classes from a diverse range of subjects which cater to their specific interests and needs.

The Humanities

              This course offers a broad range of liberal arts subjects with a focus on social studies.  In addition to the core classes, the Humanities Course students will further their knowledge in subjects such as Japanese language and literature, Japanese classics, world history, geography, ethics, politics, and economics.  With this well-rounded education, students will develop a greater appreciation for literature and culture.  This course emphasizes the importance of developing a diversified range of thoughts and ideas so that students may view the world and society with broad, open minds.

 

Math/Science

         The focus of this course is on the advanced study of mathematics and the natural sciences.  In addition to the core classes, the Math/Science Course students will further their knowledge in subjects such as Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Probability & Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.  These courses help to develop and refine the students’ observation, analytical, and logic skills.  We strive to educate and encourage students to become clear-thinking citizens who can contribute to society with both scientific minds and generous hearts.

 

International

         This course provides students with many opportunities to prepare themselves for the increasingly internationalized world.  While students continue to develop their English reading and grammar skills, they also take part in Oral Communication classes team-taught by native speakers and Japanese teachers of English.  In addition to the core classes, the International Course students elect subjects such as English Expression, English Comprehension, English Language Laboratory, Foreign Affairs, Oral Communication, and Debate.  Students can elect to study French and German as secondary foreign languages.  We encourage students to develop fluency in English and to acquire knowledge about foreign cultures so that they can contribute positively to the international community.

 

Music

              This course allows students to pursue various music courses while continuing to take the normal curricular classes.  In addition to the the core classes, the Music Course students can elect subjects such as Music I, II, and III, Instrumental Music, Music History, Music Theory, and Music Composition, depending on their particular interests.  We encourage students to develop their personal musical talents while simultaneously embarking upon a general course of study.  We hope that the sensitivity that students acquire for their music can also be positively expressed in their everyday lives.

 

 

CLUB ACTIVITIES

Cultural Clubs:

biology

brass band

broadcasting

Chinese calligraphy

choir

comics

community aid

dance

drama

ESS

fine arts

flower arrangement

go & shogi

international understanding

literature

newspaper

orchestra

physics

social issues

tea ceremony

Sports Clubs

badminton

baseball

basketball

Judo

Kendo

rugby

soccer

softball

softball tennis

table tennis

tennis

track and field

volleyball

 

 

---