I have been serving as the principal of Amicus since April this year. My days at Amicus
have been filled with new discoveries and moments of inspiration. I started this blog to
share these discoveries and moments with many parents and stakeholders.
Amicus is an English immersion school where most subjects are taught in English. The
curriculum is based on the guidelines set by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). While promoting cross-cultural understanding,
we also ensure that students learn about Japanese culture thoroughly.
During the week of Tanabata, as I was touring the school, I noticed colorful Tanabata strips
hanging on the first-grade floor. The children had written their wishes in English, so I took
the time to read each one. Although the first graders have just started learning English and
their writing is not yet perfect, their feelings were clearly conveyed.
The renowned researcher Savignon has stated that grammar can only be mastered when
there is a desire and experience to communicate. The traditional Japanese teaching
method involves learning grammar and vocabulary first and then using English, but the
immersion education approach is entirely opposite.
In public elementary schools, English writing instruction begins in the fifth grade, but at
Amicus, it starts from the first grade. I believe that by giving students the task of writing
what they have learned in English on Tanabata strips, first-grade teachers are enhancing
students' motivation to write and allowing them to experience the purpose of learning
English. This is the essence of English immersion. In immersion schools, English is used
as a tool to learn subject content, and students learn English through natural interactions
with teachers and friends. Grammar learning comes later.
By the way, I also secretly wrote a wish on a Tanabata strip and hung it on the bamboo
leaves. However, I forgot to write my name, so the students might not have noticed
(laughs).