J PREP Explorers
All English Program
J PREP Explorersは、基本的に授業のすべてを英語で運営するカリキュラムです。
インターナショナル・キンダーガーテン卒園生や海外帰国子女などの、ネイティブレベルのスピーキング力を保持することを目指す小学校1年生から小学4年生を対象としたプログラムです。
Program Description
Explorers courses are all-English courses specially designed for students with high English fluency, such as returnees or students who have studied at an international school. Explorers provides a dynamic English classroom environment where students can develop their communication skills and cognitive skills （e.g. critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving etc.）. As an English program that adopts the four-skills approach, there are ample opportunities for students to polish their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a wide variety of carefully crafted classroom activities throughout the program as well.
J PREP Level Chart
EX100 Foundation Course
Course Introduction
This is a 2-hour all-English class that covers foundational grammar, guided reading, and CLIL*.
This course covers the basic rules of grammar. In addition to the weekly in-class reading exercise, students are required to read at least 10 additional books of their choice per term and write book reviews for them. The CLIL portion of the class will start at the beginning of the year with a list of 120 essential vocabulary before introducing students to fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
Presentations are introduced in this level and they are held twice every term to build studentsʼ confidence in the use of the English language. Students are expected to spend at least 20 minutes a day at home to work on the homework assigned and to prepare for the weekly quizzes. Furthermore, there will be an option for students to receive feedback on how they can improve their pronunciation through weekly video submissions.
*CLIL Content and Language Intergrated Learning
Course Details
| School hours | 2 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Placement Test | Students who wish to take this course must take a placement test. |
Learning Outcomes
students should be able to:
- Read and understand simple stories and articles
- Carry a simple conversation about familiar topics
- Present on a topic in front of the class
- Write a half-page review on a short story
EX200 Intermediate Course
Course Introduction
This is a 2-hour all-English class that covers grammar, reading, and CLIL.
This course addresses and reinforces fundamental grammar rules by encouraging students to use correct grammar not just in their written work, but also when they are speaking. In addition to the weekly in-class reading assignment, EX200 students are required to read at least 10 additional books of their choice per term from the library. The CLIL portion of the class will explore a variety of topics such as heath, daily activities, and celebrations with a global perspective.
Presentations at this level will focus on the structure of the message as well as building confidence. At this level, students are expected to spend at least half an hour a day at home to work on the homework assigned and to prepare for the weekly quizzes. Students are also encouraged to improve their pronunciation through weekly submission of videos.
Course Details
| School hours | 2 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Placement Test | Students who wish to take this course must take a placement test. |
Learning Outcomes
- Read and understand simple descriptive texts
- Share their thoughts and feelings about topics they are interested in
- Plan and present on a topic in front of the class
- Write a half-page review on a simple book
EX250 Upper Intermediate Course
Course Introduction
This is a 2.5-hour all-English class that covers intermediate grammar, independent reading, and CLIL.
This course aims to strengthen and expand studentsʼ grammar so they are able to express themselves better in speech and in writing. During the reading section at this level, students are expected to engage in in-class discussions based on the weekly independent reading assignments. In addition, EX250 students are required to read at least 10 additional books of their choice per term from the library. Aside from exploring different global themes, the CLIL section of the class includes a Weekly Question segment whereby students have the opportunity to steer weekly sharing sessions as they explore a variety of topics.
In terms of class presentations, there will be a heavier emphasis on the quality of the content, and the delivery of the message.
At this level, students are also expected to spend at least half an hour a day at home to work on the homework assigned and to prepare for the weekly quizzes. In the event where students would like some additional practice, they are encouraged to refine their pronunciation through weekly submission of videos.
Course Details
| School hours | 2.5 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Placement Test | Students who wish to take this course must take a placement test. |
Learning Outcomes
- Read and comprehend the main themes of a novel
- Describe experiences, events, plans, and opinions
- Discuss ideas in a group setting
- Deliver a presentation with confidence
- Write a half-page review on are given book
From the instructor
Adeline Tay (EX100/200/250)
It has been an absolute pleasure to develop the materials for the class of Explorers track and to teach the class as well. Being able to observe how the students respond to the materials first hand has proved to be beneficial as I am now able to consider the feedback received and improve on the course to better address the needs of the students. Whether we are discussing what the different ways of using a PET bottle are, or how the cob is different from a pen, there is rarely a dull moment as every student openly shares their thoughts with the class. It is great to see how different students come together, and take away not just the academic and language skills they need, but also the interpersonal skills as well.
