About Cambridge International School Tokyo
Introduction
Cambridge International School is on the third floor on a quiet street in Sakurashinmachi. The beauty of our location is that is free from traffic pollution and is peaceful place for children to learn and enjoy the environment. Our rooms are very light and airy and every day we go to the nearby park to enjoy playing together. Early childhood education is our speciality and is very important in order for children to develop to their full potential.
Our academic program is one of the finest around and we incorporate the latest research for brain development in young children. The brain grows rapidly by the age of three and is about 80% complete. In order for the brain to grow, it needs a certain kind of stimulation so that children may realize their full potential. As teachers we know how important it is to use a variety of resources with our learners. At Cambridge, our resources include a wide range of additional components that provide valuable extra stimulus and support for teachers and learners. Here at Cambridge, we incorporate those tasks that require children to inquire and explore using all their senses. By approaching tasks through different perspectives, they develop a marvellous tool for clear and rational thinking. The task structure allows learners and teachers to work together to ensure effective learning and feedback in a timely manner. Because of our small class sizes, teachers may interact closely providing the communicative strategies to help develop thinking.
During the activity, the teacher looks for evidence about the learner's performance and then provides feedback so their learners can adjust what happens as they continue to work on the task. By providing a different perspective, this stimulates the child’s mind to look more deeply and delve further into the rationalization provided by the teacher. After the activity is finished, learners reflect on their work which helps develop the confidence necessary for further exploration thereby creating a virtuous learning circle.
As teachers, we know that every learner is different with their own specific learning needs. This is why at Cambridge teachers help learners to personalize learning by encouraging goal-setting, regular self-assessment, and in-class monitoring. This reflective process is called formative assessment and is embedded into the structure of each lesson as learners move through the course. They become skilled at understanding what they're learning, and how they've learnt it. In addition, learners develop lifelong learning skills alongside language skills. Research has shown that learners learn a language better when they can communicate real meaning in real contexts which involves collaborative working in an active social and learner-centered environment. At Cambridge, each unit of the course includes a structured multi-stage project-based task called a mission. The missions are based on real-world context and involve learners working together over several stages, such as making a poster or giving a presentation.
The Cambridge Classroom
The Cambridge classroom is a live and dynamic interactive environment in which children and their teachers are in a partnership that provides an engaging and effective learning environment. Our small group classes mean children get the best out of learning because they are guaranteed attention and personal support from their teacher.
All four skills- reading, writing, listening, and speaking, are used to explore interesting topics. Grammar and vocabulary are developed through communicative actives that encourage students to use language naturally. All new language is consolidated throughout, building as the courses progress. All classes develop competencies and wider world knowledge in broad curricular areas such as math, science, language arts, arts, and practical life. Such cross-curricular learning further develops second language learning thereby supporting linguistic diversity as well as developing critical thinking. The scaffolded tasks support both stronger and weaker learners. Reading and writing are slowly introduced through the practise of our Jolly Phonics program. Our children develop proficiency in both English and Japanese.
Cross-curricular learning Content: English language, Math, Arts & Crafts, Science, Practical Life skills, Cultural Arts, Montessori
Cross-curricular learning is used in all Cambridge classes and refers to any teaching of a non-language subject (math, science, arts etc.), through the medium of English. The non-language content is developed through the second language (English) and likewise English is then further developed through the non-language content. Such an approach supports linguistic diversity and has a strong impact on language learning.
Research has shown that the exposure to naturally occurring language and authentic texts is necessary for good competence in the language. The textbooks that Cambridge School uses as well as the teacher prepared tasks and teacher communication, provide a rich environment for children to learn natural English as spoken by native speakers. Such spontaneous speech in an interactive context allows leaners to expand their linguistic capabilities and the processes required to grasp non-language content leads to improved language acquisition as well as problem-solving and critical thinking.
Every age group has its own characteristics. In our initial course offerings children require more and longer input to show production. The acquisition of English has to grow, and this is achieved using a communicative approach which focuses on oral skills and cross-curricular lessons. Subsequently, we expand the skill set and further foster real-world learning to deepen student’s social and cognitive skills.
Our initial courses provide the framework for young children beginning on their learning journey. Language is presented orally using various mediums: stories, cartoons, pictures, and songs all help to provide context in realistic ways. Flashcards, matching and circling exercises, and games are used to provide core vocabulary. Our curriculum develops social and collaborative skills as well as naturally integrating children in their new learning environment. Formative assessment is also used to equip students with the skills to approach new materials and topics with confidence.
Jolly Phonics
Key language from each unit features in the focus on phonics and literacy. This section introduces the sound system by identifying initial sounds and letter sound correspondences. Students also distinguish between different letter sounds and practice being able to read cvc words and write them initially. Students listen to language from the units and use simple tasks such as adding ticks and crosses, tracing, and circling the correct letter sounds and saying the words out loud. Eventually after completing all 7 groups of sounds in the English language students will be able to read and write with confidence.
Our classes focus on:
A school that nurtures inquiry through innovative tasks with a focus on communicating as we learn
We offer a full curriculum of language arts, mathematics, science, Montessori, perceptual and motor development as well as Jolly Phonics.
Contact Us
Cambridge International School
〒154-0015
1-8-8, Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Either Japanese or English is acceptable
Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m