LEARNING
Bringing
English to Life
Our vision statement is Bringing English to Life. This means taking the language you learn and practise at school and using it for real communication outside the classroom.
The course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of Japanese teens who are yet to complete their high school education.
Our aim is to provide a high standard of English in all skill areas to facilitate entry to chosen universities on high school graduation.
All classes are taught in English, and our classes have a firm English-only policy to maximise speaking opportunities.
The school day at SCLI
The school day is from 9.30a.m. until 3p.m., and the course runs for 39 weeks.
There are 9 weeks holiday, coinciding with the New Zealand national school holidays.
This allows students to travel, as well as spend time with their host families.
The day is organised as follows:
9:30- 12:30
A text book based course
A text book based course focusing focusing on grammatical proficiency and confidence building as well as the development of vocabulary and communication skills.
Students are encouraged to actively use the language.
13:30 – 15:00
A topics based course
A topics based course, aimed at developing skills in all four areas : speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Topics are chosen to reflect the students’ age and interests as well as topics that they will encounter in future English classes upon their return to Japan.
Examples of such topics are: Globalization, Sustainability, Fairness, and Development.
The content aims at expanding students’ general knowledge with some of the topics providing greater insight into New Zealand culture.
Clubs:
Students are encouraged to join the AWL ( Academic Word List) club and Eiken club.
These clubs are run after school. Students can opt to study for Eiken Grade 1 or Grade pre-1.
Extension Activities
Music, crafts, sports, visits to the wider community and invited speakers.
All these activities provide extra enjoyment to the school day and expand the students’ cultural and language learning opportunities.
Matariki (the Maori new year)
During winter we celebrate Matariki (the Maori new year).
Halloween party
Our students’ Halloween party has become a favourite in recent years.
Christmas concert
A highlight for students is our Christmas concert.
Each class writes and produces their own play and performs it in front of families and friends at a local theatre.
Memory week & Graduation
Memory week at the end of the academic year gives students the time to have fun with their school mates before returning to Japan.
Graduation is a special event celebrated with host families and staff. After a ceremony in which diplomas and certificates are awarded, successes are celebrated while enjoying a delicious supper.
School holiday
There are three holiday periods during the year. Students can join organised tours that will take them to some of the best places New Zealand has to offer. The tours are led by qualified instructors and students have the chance to try such activities as swimming with the dolphins, whale watching, jet boating, horse riding, star gazing and relaxing in hot springs.
These trips are run by Adventure Specialties Trust and the cost of these trips is not included in the school fees.
Independent travel
Independent travel (2 or more students) is also possible later in the year as students’ English improves. All travel is carefully planned with the help of families and staff. Accommodation and transport are pre-booked to ensure students are able to complete their travel in safety.
SCLI is mindful of the fact that we are in loco parentis and that the students while in New Zealand are still students of their Japanese high school.
Annual Events and Holidays
Students can look forward to class and school parties during the year. Some of these are just for students whilst others include host families also.
The assessment timetable is available at the beginning of the year.
Reports are sent to students’ schools and parents three times a year.
There are 5 major tests, 2 examination periods and minor tests at regular intervals.
Assessment
SCLI has a carefully prepared internal assessment programme which allows teachers and students to monitor progress throughout the year.
Quality Assurance
Proud to Be a Licensed & Accredited Color Vowel® Partner
Using the Color Vowel® approach, pronunciation, stress, and intonation are woven throughout all spoken communication activities rather than being treated as separate lessons.
Learn earn more what training, licensing, and accreditation with Color Vowel ® is all about.
Language learning at SCLI is interactive, positive, and enjoyable. Classroom work is varied and interesting, with an emphasis on active participation.
