World, Love. The DIAMONDBACK PRESS Autumn 2023 The newsletter of Doshisha International School, Kyoto. Life, learning for the learning for Learning for
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. As an authorized IB World School and candidate for WASC accreditation, we are confident that we offer a quality education and the loving care that meets both your and your child’s needs. To find out more about DISK, come and see us in person. We are more than happy to schedule a day and time for you and your family to visit the school and meet some of the students, faculty and staff. To arrange a school visit please contact the admissions office at [email protected]. ADMISSIONS for 2023/4 ARE NOW OPEN Mau Tsujimura
Christianity - To acquire the vitality to nurture your spirit and conduct, and encourage not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the cultivation of conscience. Liberalism - Cultivate the ability to act independently and make each individual aware of their own potential. Internationalism - Fostering people who can not only speak foreign languages, but also accept different values and find 'something' from them. We strive to nurture people who are dedicated to bettering their lives through lifelong learning, committed to bettering the world through global cooperation, and devoted to promoting love as the principle helping us choose the right path and cherish God's gift of life. OUR PURPOSE "I hope that a strong person with a conscience wil appear." Niijima Jo (新島 襄)
良⼼
CHRISTIAN VALUES DIA focuses on different Christian value each calendar month, which guide and inform our community. These are explored further during homeroom, culminating in presentations and performances in front of our community. A worship service is held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 8:50 am. Chapel Worship services include a hymn, a reading, and a short presentation related to one of the monthly themes followed by a short concluding prayer. The themes and months and shown below. PEACE HARMONY Honesty Gratitude JOY Trust Love Forgiveness HOPE RESPECT Compassion August September October November December January February March April May June
We live in a turbulent world facing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus Omicron, the energy crisis, and high prices due to the rapid depreciation of the yen. Looking at the international community, in particular, we face a security environment that can be described as the most severe since the end of World War II, including not only Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but also the growing threat of nuclear weapons from China, North Korea, and other countries, and the division of the international community. These factors are thought to be behind the tyranny of powerful leaders and the weak sense of solidarity among heads of state and government in their efforts to maintain international cooperation. Needless to say, the starting point of Doshisha education is conscience. “Conscience is, first, the ‘guide’ of the human spirit, and second, it is the site of the ‘inner court’ that monitors, examines, and judges our conduct in concrete situations. No matter how wonderful and good we think our ideals, values, and principles are, we are prone to letting self-righteousness, selfishness, and lowly desires and ambitions drag us down to a state of depravity. Therefore, we must place ourselves more acutely and genuinely in the ‘inner court’ of ‘conscience,’ listen to its ‘call,’ keep a watchful eye on our own way of being and living, and strive to guide ourselves correctly. (Excerpt from Philosophy of Life by Jiro Watanabe) In one passage from “The Intentions for the Establishment of Doshisha University”, written by the school founder, Jo Neesima, it is written that the purpose of Doshisha University is not only to teach ordinary academic studies but also to cultivate the moral character of the students, to elevate their conduct, and to make their spirit more upright so that they will not only be educated to be talented in their academic performance but also to produce people who can use their conscience as a tool for their own success. Therefore, this kind of education is not something that can be attained through a biased intellectual education. In other words, the purpose of establishing Doshisha University was not only to teach learning as knowledge but also to nurture people who will be righteous as human beings, enhance their character, and possess a spirit that will not allow them to be defeated in any way. "We are committed to producing people who are active in the world on the basis of their conscience. We have decided to nurture a conscience based on Christian values. This is because, in Christianity, one must believe in God, love the truth, and think and act from the standpoint of others. nothing.” In the last verse of the book, it says, It is never by the power of two or three heroes that a nation is sustained. It must be done by the educated, knowledgeable, and decent people who make up a nation. These people are the “conscience of the nation.” As an educator involved in human resource development at Doshisha, I am reminded of the wish of our founder, Neesima, inscribed on the Conscience Monument: “I hope that more and more young people will emerge who fill their whole bodies with a conscience.” CONSCIENCE OF THE NATION FROM THE HOS Masahiko Yanagita HEAD OF SCHOOLS
Improved Learning: When you are fully present, you absorb information more effectively and can connect concepts more easily. Stress Management: Being mindful can help reduce anxiety and stress, making it easier to navigate the challenges of student life. Enhanced Decision-Making: A clear and focused mind enables better decisionmaking, which is a vital skill for academic and personal success. Stronger Relationships: The presence of mind allows for better communication and deeper connections with peers, professors, and the community. Embracing Opportunities: Being present means you are more likely to seize opportunities that come your way. As we embark on a new academic year, we want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to both new and returning members of our vibrant community. At DISK, we believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills but also about cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us. It's about being present in the moment and having the presence of mind to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. The Power of Presence and Mindfulness Japanese culture has long recognized the importance of presence and mindfulness. There is a beautiful Japanese proverb that resonates with this idea: *Ichi-go ichi-e* (⼀ 期⼀会), which translates to "one time, one meeting." This proverb encourages us to cherish each moment as a unique and unrepeatable encounter. In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the significance of being fully present in the here and now, but embracing this philosophy can enhance our educational journey and personal growth. Why Presence of Mind Matters Presence of mind is not just a concept; it's a valuable life skill that can significantly benefit students at DISK and beyond. It involves being fully engaged and aware of the task at hand, managing stress, making informed decisions, and staying focused. Here are a few reasons why cultivating presence of mind is crucial for our students: I invite you to take a moment to read through this edition of the DiamondBack Press to learn more about DISK’s mindful and holistic approach to student success. As always please feel free to reach out to me: at [email protected] FROM THE DIRECTOR HAPPY AUTUMN Vishal Ganguli DISK DIRECTOR [email protected]
Hello, my name is Hitomi Arimitsu, and I have been a part of the DISK community since August 2014. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching my two eldest sons graduate and head off to college in the States, while my youngest son and daughter, who joined DISK as first graders, are now in the 10th grade and preparing for their big leap into the IB Diploma Program next year. It is heartwarming to reflect on our time here at DISK. I have seen the growth of my children both artistically and academically. The school has provided them with a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, which I believe are essential qualities for success in life. As my two oldest children began their college adventures, I found comfort in how thoroughly prepared they were, all thanks to the rigorous education they received through the IB Diploma Program. The program challenged them academically, instilling and testing their strong work ethic. It also encouraged them to be independent thinkers and effective communicators, skills that have been beneficial in their college experiences. Now, as my youngest son and daughter approach the IB Diploma Program, I am excited to see how it will challenge them in similar ways. I have seen the growth that this program can bring about in students, and I am confident that it will prepare them not only for higher education but also for life beyond school. I look forward to supporting my youngest children as they embrace the challenges and opportunities of the IB Diploma Program and continue to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. DISK has been an integral part of our family's journey, and I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my children's lives. FROM THE BOARD A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT Hitomi Arimitsu PARENT REPRESENTATIVE
FOR YOUR INFORMATION STUDENT HEALTH, WELL-BEING & COLLEGE COUNSELING The infirmary is located on the 2nd Floor of DIA. The nurse is on duty from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. They handle all student health-related incidents at school. If you need assistance, let a teacher know and they will arrange for you to visit the infirmary. The counselor is available for parents, and students to help them adjust to their new community, provide counseling, mental health consultations, and informal psychological assessments, and to support students with age-specific developmental concerns. The counselor is on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays - [email protected]. The college counselor is available to help students prepare for their tertiary education, evaluate options, provide assistance in the application process, and answer any and all questions. Yukiko Miyata (Nurse) Naoko Tsujita (Counselor) Robert Stern (College counselor)
NEW FACULTY MEMBERS Hello DISK Community! I am a new member of the faculty specializing in Visual Arts. Following years of teaching at universities and colleges in the American Midwest, I relocated to Japan in 2008. Initially teaching English in rural Aichi with the Japan Exchange in Teaching Programme, in 2010 I transitioned into working as a fulltime studio artist. Most days I can be found working for an upcoming exhibition at my self-built kiln on Mt. Atago in Kyoto. Outside of the art studio, I spend my time playing dinosaurs and soccer with my three-year-old son. I am very excited for my return to the classroom and for sharing my passion for positive art educational experiences. SELF INTRODUCTIONS Derek Larsen Grace Fox Hi! My name is Grace and I am delighted to be joining the DISK community. I come from Canberra, Australia and worked in public high schools there before moving to the Kansai area in 2023. While I have previously worked in education policy, I came to the realisation that I love working face-to-face with students. This led me to undertake my Master of Teaching degree, and I have been happily teaching ever since. I enjoy travelling around Japan, reading (particularly Japanese authors!), drumming and going to theatre performances.
Lake Biwako Lake Biwako
oD shi sha Biwako Retre t a Community
Concert
Halloween
Welcome to the 2023-24 Academic Year! From this year onwards our DISK Middle School will gradually become smaller as the rolling closure continues. Our current grade 7 students will always be the youngest in the school, and this will be the final year that teachers teach their grade 7 units of work. There is some sadness and sense of loss, but conversely we joyfully welcome two new students to the middle school for Quarter Two. I am pleased to share that we are able to continue to offer our literacy support classes this year. We are pleased to see students working hard to improve their vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills. Mastering these skills in middle school is essential in ensuring academic success in the DP. The teachers are happy to offer a range of field trips which offer both academic challenges and opportunities for socialization to the students. There is much to look forward to in the coming months. On behalf of all middle school teachers, I would like to thank the parents and wider DISK community for all their support. Thank you for everything you do to ensure our students are prepared for learning, so that we teachers are able to focus on the content knowledge and skills that are needed for future success. All the best for a wonderful year ahead! SHAPE YOUR FUTURE FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL Deborah Mizutani MSP COORDINATOR [email protected] Principled
For the past six weeks the courses have been focused on drawing exercises to establish vocabulary and understanding of drawing concepts to communicate observations within subjects such as the figure or still life. The stages of developing a successful drawing, from gesture, contour, space, and the value scale have been studied. Every week if not every day a new activity has been introduced. From challenging super quick 30-second drawings, drawing over or erasing classmates' work, to drawing without looking, experimentation has created a new perspective of what a drawing is and can be. Furthermore, these classes have broken down preconceived notions of art and art making, created a new conceptual base for creating innovative ideas, and eliminated any ability-based anxiety. We are as a group learning to value the experience of visual art experimentation and the educational value of an art activity over the end product result. ART Derek Larsen ART TEACHER [email protected] EXERCISES FOR DRAWING MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE Balanced
Expression
DESIGN Greg Laidler DESIGN & PHE TEACHER PERSONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR [email protected] CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE Let's get right to it and give you a snapshot of what our young minds are up to. There's a lot of innovation happening, and it's not all on TikTok. Grade 7: From Classroom to Kitchen Our 7th graders have stepped away from traditional subjects to try their hand at culinary arts and design. They're finding out that cooking is both an art and a science, and yes, not all creations belong on a plate. Don't worry; fire safety lessons were lesson one. Grade 8: More Than Child's Play In 8th grade, students are navigating the world of 3D modeling and computer-aided design with SketchUp. They started off with a series of tutorials to get the fundamentals down. They’ve since moved on to crafting models based on their own creative ideas. This is more than just virtual play; they're gaining skills that could have practical applications down the road. Grade 9: Lights, Camera, Impact! In 9th grade, they're using film to make a statement. The class is working on creating "impact films," short projects that tackle social issues. This isn't just a class assessment; it's a platform for them to voice their opinions in a creative way. Grade 10: Business Meets Education Lastly, our 10th graders are delving into the world of business through a unique lens—simulating tasks from the TV show "The Apprentice." They're not just learning how to design a product but also how to pitch it, market it, and make it a reality. Aspiring entrepreneurs, take note! And there you have it—a brief glimpse into the exciting and diverse projects our students are undertaking. Stay tuned for more updates in spring, and feel free to check out the exemplary student work page on the DISK website and on our social media platforms.
Storyboard and Script CALL TO ACTION CALL TO ACTION ImPACT FILM ImPACT FILM
PHE DODGEBALLS ARE ON HIATUS MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE In Physical Health and Education, the gym is humming with the swings and swooshes of badminton rackets. A sport that centers around the subtle mastery of hitting a feathered marvel known as a "birdie". Our students are learning the intricate dance of sending these birdies sailing gracefully over the net, often with the added flourish of landing them squarely in the opponent's court. Teamwork: More Than a Buzzword You've heard it before: "Teamwork makes the dream work." In badminton, that's not just a catchy phrase; it's the essence of doubles. Students are mastering not just the techniques of serving and volleying but also the fine art of synchronized play. The goal? To work seamlessly with a partner and, perhaps even more importantly, not accidentally clock them with a racket! The takeaway? Communication is crucial—a welltimed shout of "Duck!" can be a game-changer. Values in Action It's not all birdies and nets; there's intellectual meat here too. This badminton unit aligns well with the learner profile attributes. Students are engaged in critical thinking as they figure out the best angles for unreturnable shots, and the need to be balanced and reflective as they learn from both victory and defeat. The Wellness Factor Lastly, but by no means least, is the invaluable aspect of physical wellbeing. The cardiovascular and mental benefits of an active lifestyle are well documented. Badminton, with its quick lunges and sharp movements, serves as an excellent avenue for enhancing physical fitness and mental resilience. And, of course, exercise is a proven mood enhancer, which can be beneficial whether you're hustling to catch a bus or simply navigating the daily challenges of life.
Health Wellbeing &
Congratulations to Seokyung, Hajime, Yuki, and Wooseok, on achieving the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh International Award! For their 2 days, 1 night adventurous journey, they rode around Awaji Island on bicycles (150km), cooked, and camped overnight. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is recognized by universities and employers as a mark of dedication, holistic growth, and mental, emotional, and physical skills.Beyond the CLASSROOM
SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILLS Managing state of mind Managing time and tasks effectively Considering the process of learning
PERSONAL PROJECT The personal project is a student-driven project that happens in the last year of the Middle School Programme (MSP). Students choose a topic to explore through learning a new skill/knowledge and creating a product/outcome. Through the project, students demonstrate and strengthen their approaches to learning (ATL skills). This academic year, the students on the following page will be presenting their projects to the DISK community. WHAT IS THE PERSONAL PROJECT? MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE NATURE OF THE PERSONAL PROJECT Motivation: Students explore an area that motivates and interests them. Agency: Students set goals and choose how to achieve them. Students create their own articulation of what success will look like. Lifelong Learning: Students demonstrate and develop ATL skills. Students reflect on the impact that the personal project has had on themselves and/or their community. The project should challenge students to develop as a learner! Inquire: Explore an interest that is personally meaningful. Take ownership of their learning by undertaking a self-directed inquiry. Act: Transfer and apply skills in pursuit of a learning goal and the creation of a product. Reflect: Recognize and evidence personal growth and development. The project allows students to inquire, act and reflect! AIMS OF THE PERSONAL PROJECT
Students Kyoji Yamashita Ka oi u Asa uk ar Tsumugi Shirai Solana Rao Maia Arimitsu Miles Arimitsu Students choose what they want to focus on. Students choose how to achieve their goal. Students communicate what sucess will look like. Haru Nakamu ra in Grade 10
Sp ir it of Ex citment
MUSIC Chihaya - soprano xylophone, Wakana - alto xylophone, Leaf - bass xylophone, Riana - piano, George - cajon (percussive box), Taisei - drum set, Mr. Lira - small tubano. Rinon - soprano xylophone, Lala - alto xylophone, Ryusei - bass xylophone, Jia - guitar, Jushin - guitar, Mr. Lira - drum set. Haru - soprano xylophone, Solana - alto xylophone, Tsumugi - bass xylophone, Maia - piano, Kyoji - tubanos, Miles - drum set, Kaiou - guitar, Mr. Lira - guitar. VGM & K-pop VGM, or video game music, is the soundtrack that accompanies and sets the tone for video games. K-pop is a form of popular music originating in South Korea. The students in Grades 7-10 have been organizing their practice time to learn their instrumental parts individually so that they can collaborate effectively during ensemble rehearsals. The main goal was for the students to play the rhythms and pitches correctly and in tempo. Grade 7-8: Super Mario Brothers Odyssey - Main Theme by Naoto Kubo Arranged by Torbjorn Brandrud This song introduces the main story of the game. Mario is tasked with traveling through many kingdoms in his quest to rescue Princess Peach from King Bowser Koopa Sr. who plans to forcibly marry her. >Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. Grade 9: OMG by Hanni, Park Jin Su, Ylva Dimberg, and Daivd Dawood This song is about the ecstatic feelings you have when you are in love. >Communicators: We express ourselves confidently and creatively and in many ways. We listen carefully to the perspectives of others. Grade 10: Super Mario Brothers Medley” by Koji Kondo Arranged by Orchestral Officer The medley evokes a sense of joy, excitement, and nostalgia that resonates with fans of the Super Mario Franchise. >Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experiences. Rob Lira MUSIC, DANCE & DRAMA TEACHER [email protected] MUSICAL GENRES MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Communicators
Grades 7-8: A Middle School Science Project Time Machine Fred and Dolly want to win a ribbon at the middle school science fair, so they build a time machine. When the students take a trip with their teacher into the future, they find humanity in danger and must now figure out how to save the world and make it home in time for dinner. A comical sci-fi adventure that reminds us of the peril that we risk by relying too much on technology instead of good old-fashioned human conversation. Look out for the zombies! A Simple Act of Kindness This is a one-act Christmas play that takes its audience through a tension-filled evening that tests one family’s bond when the specters of personal ethics, profit, and peer pressure arrive at their door. Their challenges include how we role model for our children, and how our simple acts of kindness may impact the lives of others in ways we may never know. In a warm and uplifting conclusion, this family emerges stronger, more resilient, and more focused on the true and meaningful values of life. Grades 9-10: Alice in Wonderland This 20-minute version of Alice in Wonderland has the charm of the classic story paired with simple yet creative staging. Follow Alice to Wonderland where she encounters curious creatures like the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, and of course, the Queen of Hearts. Alice’s adventures teach her to question and wonder. In doing so, she finds her voice and the confidence she needs to grow. Depressing Mario Mario is going through a midlife crisis. He can’t run or jump like he used to, he and Peach are getting divorced, and he can’t seem to get hired doing things he thought he could do well. His plumbing skills are subpar and he is not even able to make pizza at a pizzeria without causing a disaster. Will Mario be able to get through this hard time and eventually find his calling…? DANCE & DRAMA PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Grade 7: Safety vs. Freedom This quarter grade 7 read The Giver by Lois Lowry. The students enjoyed a range of learning activities focused on improving their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Exploring the idea of safety and “sameness” in contrast to freedom and choice resulted in some very interesting classroom discussions! Grade 8: Mythical Destiny During Quarter 1, we read Whiti Ihimaera’s The Whale Rider, a novel set in New Zealand, to explore gender, destiny, culture, and relationships. Our unit focused on the use of symbols, metaphors, and motifs, and culminated in an in-depth investigation into characterization. We will be moving forward with a study in film techniques, where we will be analyzing the Whale Rider film. Grade 9: Love and Tragedy This quarter we read the tragic unfolding of the star-crossed lovers in Romeo and Juliet. We studied how language has transformed over time and came to understand Shakespearean language, meter, and his ingenious use of literary devices. Our unit concluded with a creative response to the play (see works on the next page), where students showed their understanding of the play and its central themes through visual communication techniques. We will be continuing with our exploration of tragedy, teenagers, and love through John Green’s novel The Fault in Our Stars. Grade 10: Dystopian Fiction and Intertextuality We started the quarter with Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver. We explored several questions about the structure of society, the importance of individual freedom and community protection, the interconnectedness of pain and pleasure, and the benefits of conformity and individuality. We practiced our analytical skills with a focus on intertextuality by finding commonalities between works in the dystopian fiction genre, including works by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Ray Bradbury. We will be expanding our study of intertextuality through a vastly different genre; comedy and satire. ENGLISH Grace Fox ENGLISH TEACHER [email protected] EXPLORING LITERARY THEMES MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
by Wiliam Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet & Juliet
SOCIAL SKILLS Working effectively with others
Grades 6 ~ 10 can borrow five books in English and Japanese for 14 days. Grades 11 ~ 12 can borrow ten books in English and Japanese for 14 days. The library is a center for literacy and research, a place that fosters and celebrates the love of reading, and a learning and social hub for the whole school community. It houses over 21,000 books in English and Japanese and is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. The librarians are always happy to help readers find what they need and regularly provide suggestions through displays. You can also search the library catalog to find the right resource or book for you using the computer terminal available, or alternatively, you can search online at https://dia-doshisha.opac.jp. The loan period and the number of books are as follows: LIBRARY "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate ’ s loot on Treasure Island."
Creativity
The Yearbook Club is in full swing, and it's being led by two exceptional grade 10 students, Maia Arimitsu and Solana Rao. This year, the club is smaller than usual, but it promises a fantastic photojournalism experience. Maia and Solana have been hard at work, infusing their creativity, responsibility, and dedication into the yearbook's new design for this year's publication. Stay tuned for a visually captivating yearbook, courtesy of their talent and efforts. Clubs MODEL UNITED NATIONS Our Model United Nations (MUN) Club is in full swing, under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Cernak and Mr. Lafferty. Every Wednesday, our students gather to explore the world of international diplomacy and global problem-solving. This year, a group of exceptional students, including Maia, Miles, Solana, Haru, Ryusei, and Jia, has been investing considerable time and energy preparing for the upcoming MUN conference in Kobe this February. Stay tuned for updates. Yearbook
Colloboration M U N MODEL UNITED NATIONS FEBRUARY 2023, KOBE
ELECTIVES Every Friday morning students eagerly participated in the sports elective program, sampling a variety of sports each week, from handball and soccer to lacrosse and ball hockey. This sports elective not only honed their athletic skills but also nurtured their emotional well-being, fostering camaraderie, determination, and joy. The program's success was evident in the students' enthusiasm and increased participation, highlighting the benefits of exercise and team sports. PHYSICAL This quarter, the study hall elective became a sanctuary for some students seeking a structured environment to delve into their academic pursuits. Whether it's collaborating on group projects, diving deep into research, or simply catching up on assignments. The flexibility and freedom of study hall encourage self-directed study habits. Academic This season, we began by refreshing the appearance of our garden. It was evident that it had been some time since we attended to the weeds, giving our garden a wild, overgrown look. After completely leveling the garden, we mixed in lime, soil microbes, organic fertilizer, and fertilized soil. Then we changed the compost pile to the other side of the garden and planted round radishes, potatoes, cabbages, green onions, and garlic. The green onions are ready to be harvested, the cabbages and radishes will be ready to be harvested in about three weeks, the potatoes will be harvested the last week of school before we go on the winter break, and we anticipate a bountiful yield of garlic next May. Creative
Balanced Living
Grade 7, 8, and 9: Language and Literature Our enthusiastic students recently took part in the exciting Let's Read Together Newspaper Contest. While we've been honored with the school encouragement award in the past, this year's submissions were nothing short of exceptional! We eagerly await the results. Following their inspiring trip to Lake Biwa in September, our students took a deep dive into journalism, crafting their very own newspapers. Drawing inspiration from real-world publications, they unleashed their creativity, producing newspapers brimming with fresh ideas. Stay tuned, as they're now gearing up to articulate the themes of various poems! Grade 10: Language Acquisition Grade 10 scholars are on a linguistic journey! While they're delving deep into the nuances of grammar, they're also honing their composition skills, ensuring they write in correct Japanese. But that's not all – they're also fine-tuning their oral communication prowess with the help of NHK's Easy Japanese News. Watch out world, our students are becoming Japanese language maestros! JAPANESE Yumi Nakamura JAPANESE TEACHER [email protected] NEWSPAPER CONTEST MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE Inquirers
Grade 7: Globalization and Climate Biomes Students completed the Globalization unit by creating a poster on global trade and taking an in-class written exam. The exam was difficult, but most students did very well, having worked hard on the formative test before the summative. Students have begun their study of biomes by researching a biome in Africa and sharing their research with the class in a presentation. Presentations covered biomes in Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, and Kenya. Grade 8: Government and Natural Hazards Students studied several types of government: monarchy, democracy, and dictatorship. The class paid close attention to the workings of the government of Japan, a Constitutional Monarchy and Democracy. The government of North Korea was studied as an example of a dictatorship. Students demonstrated their learning by taking an in-class written exam. The exam was difficult, but all students did well, having worked hard on the formative test before the summative. Students have begun their study of natural hazards by researching volcanoes in Mexico and Chile and sharing their research with the class in presentations. Grades 9 and 10: European History: Renaissance, Protestant Reformation and Scientific Revolution Students have begun their study of European history. Grade 9 will also study Economics this year. These two areas of study were chosen for grades 9 and 10 in order to prepare them for humanities courses offered in the DP program. Grade 9 started with a study of the European Renaissance and Protestant Reformation. This unit was assessed with a document-based question (DBQ) written exam. This in-class written exam was difficult, but most students did well, having worked hard on the formative test before the summative. Students just completed their study of the Scientific Revolution and were assessed by completing a research investigation and presentation on a scientist from this era. Presentations were made about Nicolaus Copernicus, William Gilbert, Thomas Newcomen, Isaac Newton, and Georgius Agricola. IAS Chris Lafferty IAS & DEBATE TEACHER [email protected] GLOBALIZATION, GOVERNMENT AND HISTORY MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
COMMUNICATION SKILLS Exchanging thoughts, messages and information effectively through interaction Reading, writing and using language to gather and communicate information
Knowledgable This year, Grades 7 and 8 are taking the Speech and Debate class which meets once per week. For several weeks they practised making simple 1-3 minute impromptu speeches with only 15 minutes to prepare. They are currently preparing weekly assigned speeches that require some homework, like the picture speech, and the “I am an expert” speech, where they speak to the class about something they already know a lot about. The first two-person dialogues, more solo speeches, and a group debate will happen in term two. DEBATE MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE I AM AN EXPERT
Solona Rao
Leaf Tanaka
MATH Exploring the Wonders of Middle School Mathematics (Grade 7 to 10) We are excited to dive into the world of middle school mathematics in this edition of our school newsletter! Mathematics is not just a subject; it's a journey of exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. In this issue, we celebrate the beauty and significance of math education at our school. Number System: Unlocking the Secrets of Numbers In the realm of the number system, our students have embarked on a journey through the fascinating world of integers, fractions, decimals, and beyond. Understanding the fundamental properties of numbers has equipped them with essential skills that transcend the classroom. Indices: The Power of Exponents Exponents may seem like mere numbers elevated to new heights, but our middle schoolers have discovered that they hold the key to solving complex problems. They've learned to wield the power of indices, simplify expressions, and gain insights into exponential growth and decay. Sets and Venn Diagrams: Embracing the Art of Classification The study of sets and Venn diagrams has opened our students' eyes to the art of classification and logical reasoning. They've learned to group objects, explore relationships between sets, and visualize complex data with the elegance of Venn diagrams. Algebra: The Language of Equations and Patterns Algebra, often referred to as the "language of mathematics," has been a central focus of our middle school curriculum. Our young mathematicians have been deciphering equations, spotting patterns, and honing their problem-solving skills through algebraic expressions and equations. A JOURNEY OF EXPLORATION MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE Vijay Kumar Thapliyal IB DP COORDINATOR [email protected]
N e u r al C y b e r n e tic s L a b Chubu University