Learning English

At Cambridge, we provide an environment that encourages and motivates children to exercise their initiative in communicating through meaningful tasks and activities. The teacher then talks and communicates with the children about the activity that arises from the tasks, allowing children to be exposed to authentic, English communication that forms a connection with what they are doing and observing, leading to meaningful learning.

The English the children learn is both context-based and meaningful by providing the communicational rationale that is required to establish both a connection with the situation and the function of language. They learn not only necessary vocabulary, but are engaged in discussions and presentations using the newly learnt language and associated discourses.

Eiken Test

EIKEN is recognised as the most popular domestic public test of English language proficiency in Japan, and the Pre-Grade 1 level can validate Japanese students’ entry into graduate and postgraduate programmes of over 300 international educational institutions abroad.

The Eiken exam has set seven grades; it is offered at 7 levels: Grade 1, Grade Pre-1, Grade 2, Grade Pre-2, Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5. Depending on the students level it can be started at any grade level. As students increase their knowledge and skills, they can take the next level so as to gauge their English Language progress and proficiency.

For example, Grade 5 (the lowest level), is the first goal for English-language learners taking EIKEN. This level is mainly aimed at first-year Japanese junior high school students. Examinees are expected to understand and use basic words, phrases, and simple sentences. The material tested is basic but important. Grade 4 is the next level up, and this level is aimed at second-year Japanese junior high school students.

For more information, please contact the Japanese and English Proficiency Test Association (public interest incorporated foundation). You can find their website here.

Cambridge English Exams (Young Learners English)

Young Learners English are English exams for children. The tests are fun activity-based and have three levels, so children have a clear route for progression. They are quick to take, so not intimidating. For example, for the Starters Level, listening is for 20 minutes, reading & writing for 20 minutes and speaking is for 3~5 minutes. The exams are designed and developed to motivate children from a young age right through their teenage years and beyond. They contain familiar and interesting topics make it easier for children to relate to the tests and talk about them with confidence. They cover all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – and bring learning to life.