Your child has spent years building their English.
They have learned to communicate with teachers in English.
They have developed confidence speaking, reading and writing.
They are beginning to express their own ideas, not simply complete exercises.
So what happens when they reach junior high school?
For many families, this becomes an important question.
How can we make sure the English skills developed during primary school continue to grow?
Our goal at SMIS-English has always been about more than memorizing vocabulary and grammar.
From an early age, students are encouraged to use English to communicate, think, create, collaborate and explore new ideas.
Through our programmes, students gradually develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing while becoming increasingly confident using English naturally.
By the upper years of Saturday School, students are working with more advanced texts, creative writing, presentations, research and practical activities.
Many have spent several years learning with us.
The next challenge is making sure that progress continues.
What Happens to English After Primary School?
When children enter junior high school, their learning environment changes considerably.
Academic demands increase.
Entrance examinations become more important.
And in some environments, English can gradually shift from something children use into something they mainly study for tests.
For students who have worked hard to develop strong communication skills, reducing opportunities to actively use English can make it difficult to maintain that progress.
That is why SMIS-English has been developing clearer opportunities for students to continue their English education beyond primary school.
Continue with SMIS-English in Junior High School
Our SMIS-English / Shoin Junior High School Saturday School programme gives students with advanced English skills the opportunity to continue learning in an English-immersion environment specifically designed for junior high school students.
The programme is held at Shoin Junior High School and is open to both boys and girls.
Importantly, students do not need to attend Shoin Junior High School to participate.
Students attending other junior high schools can enrol independently through SMIS-English and continue developing their English alongside their regular education.
This gives families greater flexibility when choosing a junior high school while still maintaining the English education their child has worked hard to develop.
English Through Real-World Learning
At SJH Saturday School, English is not simply the subject being studied.
It is the language students use to learn.
Our programme combines:
- STEM and practical activities
- SDG-based projects
- research
- discussion
- reading and writing
- presentations
- collaborative tasks
Students explore real-world topics while continuing to strengthen their academic and communicative English.
The aim is to develop students who can not only understand English, but also use English to investigate, communicate and express their own ideas.
Because the programme is designed for students with established English ability, a placement test is required before enrolment.
Another Pathway: Shoin Global Stream
For families considering Shoin Junior High School, our partnership also creates another possible continuation route.
Shoin’s Global Stream programme provides a junior high school environment where English and global learning remain an important part of students’ education.
Our SMIS-English SJH Saturday School also forms part of the Global Stream curriculum.
This means students who have developed their English through SMIS-English can choose between two different paths:
Continue attending SMIS-English SJH Saturday School while studying at another junior high school
or
Apply to Shoin Junior High School and continue within the Global Stream programme.
The important point is that students have options.
Additional Benefits for SMIS-English Students
Our developing partnership with Shoin also provides additional support for SMIS-English families considering Shoin Junior High School.
Students who have studied with SMIS-English for at least one year are eligible to request an SMIS-English reference letter when applying to Shoin.
In addition, students who attend the SMIS main school or SMIS-English Saturday School for at least one term during Grade 6, and who are subsequently admitted to Shoin Junior High School, may be eligible for a 50% reduction in the entrance fee, subject to Shoin’s current admissions conditions.
Further discussions with Shoin are also continuing as we explore additional benefits and incentives for SMIS-English families.
Stay tuned—more partnership opportunities are in development.
A Partnership Built on a Long Relationship
The connection between St. Michael’s and Shoin is not new.
Both schools have deep roots in Kobe and share historical connections through the Anglican community.
Over time, that relationship has developed into practical educational cooperation.
Today, our partnership includes the delivery of the Junior High School Saturday programme, continued discussion around student progression, and opportunities to create stronger links between primary and secondary English education.
The purpose of this cooperation is simple: to create more opportunities for students to continue the English learning journey they have already started.
Choosing What Comes Next
Every family considers different factors when choosing a junior high school.
Academic programmes.
Location.
School culture.
Extracurricular opportunities.
Future progression.
But for families whose children have invested years developing strong English skills, another important question is:
Will my child still have opportunities to use and develop English after primary school?
At SMIS-English, we want the answer to be yes.
Whether your child continues through our SJH Saturday School while attending another school, or explores the Shoin Global Stream pathway, our aim is to help students maintain their English, challenge themselves further and continue moving forward.
Keep the Journey Going
The English skills children develop during primary school are an investment in their future.
They should not stop growing simply because they enter junior high school.
Through SMIS-English and our developing partnerships, we are working to create a clearer pathway from early English learning through primary school, junior high school and beyond.
Growing, Working, Learning English Together.
Interested in the Next Step?
If your child is approaching junior high school and you would like to learn more about:
- SMIS-English SJH Saturday School
- independent enrolment while attending another junior high school
- the Shoin Global Stream pathway
- SMIS-English reference letters
- current partnership benefits
Please contact SMIS-English.
We would be happy to discuss the options available for your child’s next stage of English learning.