Peace of mind with 'everything completed at school,' and the power to be independent. Teachers speak honestly about how to create the 'ideal after-school time.'
Hello everyone! This is the official note team from Suzuka Secondary School.
Starting this school year, our teachers have begun a 'workshop-style staff meeting.' The third session was held in June.
This meeting is actually not just a place for administrative announcements. It is a very passionate time where all teachers, regardless of their position, speak honestly about 'how to make students shine more' and 'how to deliver true peace of mind to parents.'
The theme this time was,'The ideal way to spend time at school outside of class hours (especially after school)'.
When choosing a school, while the academic achievements and curriculum in the brochure are certainly important, the realistic aspect of 'what is it actually like to spend time after school at this school?' is a point of great interest for families considering middle school entrance exams, as well as for current students and parents, isn't it?
We would like to share a little bit of the behind-the-scenes look at what kind of 'after-school' the teachers are trying to design for your growth and future!
## Why are we so particular about 'after-school' now?
For a school, having high 'quality of daily classes' is a major prerequisite. Since it is the main content for improving academic ability and opening up career paths, we will never compromise on this.
However, are the 'living skills' and 'rich individuality' required in this day and age nurtured only during the 50 minutes of class?
After school, or on holidays, after classes are over. We believe that how we can design that 'free time' is the true value of a private school and the key to expanding the future possibilities of our students.
To ensure that parents can truly feel at ease, thinking 'I'm glad I left it to Suzuka,' and to make the school a place where students can return home with a sense of fulfillment, thinking 'School was fun again today!' Many opinions were exchanged at the workshop, from current issues to ideas for the future.
## 3 approaches to the 'future after-school' that teachers are aiming for
① Not being 'managed,' but a time to shine by 'planning' for yourself
Even now, there are many students who spend their after-school time actively, such as with supplementary lessons, club activities, self-study, and inquiry activities for the Science Olympiad. On the other hand, there are times when they end up spending time on smartphones, games, or watching videos, losing their sense of balance.
What the teachers discussed here was, 'We want to foster the ability to control time by oneself, rather than just prohibiting and managing it.' We are aiming for a form where teachers act as coaches, accompanying and guiding students so that they can proactively build their own after-school schedules, such as 'self-study instead of cram school on Mondays, club activities on Tuesdays, and going home early to spend time with family on Wednesdays.'
② Systematizing 'completion at school' without relying on the 'personal goodwill' of teachers
We want to fully respond to the expectations of parents who say, 'If possible, I want you to complete the learning and improve academic ability within the school.'
Until now, there were parts where teachers conducted courses and corrections based on their personal enthusiasm and volunteer spirit. However, a system that depends on the hard work of one person will not last long. Therefore, we are trying to create an environment where everyone can receive generous support as a 'school system,' such as further utilization of 'Study Sapuri' for all grades and the creation of a system specializing in corrections.an environment where everyone can receive generous support as a 'school system'. Furthermore, ideas have emerged to review the timetable itself and secure ample after-school time, thereby increasing the time for teachers to have interviews with each student and respond to questions.
③ Exciting 'optional choices' that only a private school can offer
We are also exploring new attempts to make after-school not just a place for 'study and club activities.' For example, the introduction of programs unique to private schools that collaborate with external parties, such as programming and specialized sports instruction. Furthermore, many exciting ideas were proposed, such as intentionally setting time and places to officially back up students' interests, such as e-sports, saying 'If you are going to play games, let's do it thoroughly'.
## The best education comes from teachers' 'smiles and peace of mind'
Through this workshop, all faculty and staff have reaffirmed one thing. It is that 'only when teachers themselves are healthy in mind and body, smiling, and have peace of mind, can they provide thorough and warm support to each and every student.'
The policy of 'smiles, helping each other, and going home early' set by Principal Hayakawa this fiscal year is all connected to this. We are changing the system to streamline school-wide operations and ensure teachers have enough time for lesson planning and refreshment. In turn, this is returned to the students as 'higher quality classes' and 'warm words of encouragement.'
## Conclusion
Suzuka Secondary School wants to be a school that not only protects its existing strengths but also constantly updates itself by asking, 'Is there anything we can do better?' and 'What is the environment that our current students truly need?'
Rather than just putting on a good face, we want to face challenges sincerely as a team and take steps forward toward solutions. We hope that the seriousness of our teachers and the warm atmosphere of our school are conveyed to you, even if just a little.
Please look forward to seeing how the after-school time at Suzuka Secondary School will evolve in the future!