Educational Policy ｜ Linden Hall Elementary School

Educational Policy

Providing six years of enjoyable education in English in
a free environment that fosters children's sensitivity.

We aim to develop graduates who can play an active role on the world stage by providing education that develops the individuality, imagination and communication skills required of a global citizen, instead of conventional education that emphasizes university entrance-examinations and deviation values.
In order to achieve this, we have adopted “English immersion education” as our major basic policy in order to set the foundations and cultivate the ability of the students to master the current global lingua franca, English, in their elementary school years.
We will also aim to promote understanding and respect for diversity through education by teachers of various nationalities, while at the same time providing education that allows students to interact with Japanese culture. Students will deepen their understanding and knowledge of their own country's culture and sense of values, and develop a foundation for growth as global citizens.
The elementary school curriculum is unique and distinctive, with each teacher using his or her own ingenuity to enable children to deepen their learning through the power of curiosity. We also offer a variety of club activities and after-school programmes. There are many cases in which outside experts are invited as lecturers. In elementary school, students are sensitive and very ready to absorb new information; they have a natural curiosity and can develop a heightened awareness by interacting with and being exposed to high-quality instruction and experiences, which support and shape the development of individuality.

English Immersion Education

Linden Hall School has adopted English Immersion which means almost all classes are taught in English except Japanese and Moral Education. Immersion means “to be surrounded by” and language study is conducted while students are immersed in English. During the elementary school years, because students gain the ability to understand spoken English, they learn English naturally through communication in school while simultaneously learning each subject.
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Acquiring the abilities to think, communicate and learn independently

During this time of constant, rapid change it is crucial that students learn to work out the “ANSWERS” for themselves. The ability to ask questions and work with others to come up with and implement solutions is crucial. This is not the type of education whereby teachers simply lecture while students passively absorb, but rather an education that fosters independent thinking and engagement, which helps students to develop the ability to learn, think and speak for themselves. In addition, through discussions and presentations, they will develop the ability to communicate their thoughts well and listen to other people's opinions with open-mindedness. At Linden Hall School, there is no bell to indicate the start or end of classes. This policy is another example of our commitment to cultivating an attitude of respect for the students’ independence and autonomy.

Diversity Education and Global Mindedness

Students learn to develop the ability to engage with others flexibly, knowing that there are different values and ways of thinking and that there is more than one right way of doing something. By having classes and conversations with teachers of various nationalities (5 countries: as of March 2021) in English, students will naturally acquire, not only English ability, but also an understanding and respect for the diversity of cultures and the values of other nationalities. They will also be introduced to etiquette and manners of communication with people from overseas. We also offer a study trip to England, a home-stay programme in Australia, the hosting of exchange students, and communication with the students at our partner schools (online class exchange, etc.). During the six formative years of elementary school, we aim to develop a global perspective for the students by creating and cultivating an interest in the world and the diversity of nationalities.
International Exchange
Japanese Culture (Moral Education)

We provide opportunities to learn about Japanese culture during “Moral Education”classes. Top-class experts, and external instructors are invited to the school to teach such classes as “Sado” (tea ceremony) “Togei ” (authentic pottery) and “Kyudo”(Japanese Archery). Students also experience “rice cultivation” in the school's rice paddies. The aim is not to have students acquire skills as such in these disciplines, but rather to have them learn “Omotenashi ” (the unique Japanese values of hospitality and gratitude) through class experiences in these cornerstones of Japanese culture. The aim is also to cultivate an understanding of one’s own cultural heritage as a globally aware individual, and to further develop a deeper insight into cultural diversity.
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