Seien Girls' High School

Seien Girls' High School is a private girls' school engaged in women’s education. Students get 6 years of consistent education from junior high to senior high. This school is established as one of the best private school in Japan and currently has 1,200 students, 96 teachers and 24,000 graduates. [1]

Location

Shizuoka prefecture is famous for Mount Fuji that is one of the symbol of Japan.
Hamamatsu city is located in half way between Tokyo and Osaka and known as the birthplace of many international companies such as HONDA, SUZUKI and YAMAHA.
Hamamatsu has always pursued opportunities for women’s education.

History

In 1906, Seien Girls' High School was established by Iwao Okamoto (1867-1942) as a private women's school with the goal of nurturing excellent "mothers", through his principle that "the first education of any great and wise person is his mother." [1] There were 8 teachers and 25 students in the beginning. [1]

chool Symbol

The color of school symbol

Yellow means a reason and red represents a passion. The reason that can think things with calmness covers the passion that young people have.

The shape of school symbol

The curve of the bottom represents a harmony, the knot of the center shows a union and the tip means a progress.

Education Policy

In 21st century, status of women in society is growing. Female leaders are needed more than ever. Seien Girls’ High School provides students with experience of the leader of the women’s group. Students are trained to use their will for the future in order to contribute to society. [1] Seien Girls’ High School believes that learning to be gentle and graceful is the basis of femininity and improving the morality in society is significant. To survive in society, “Living Independence”- the ability to do things by own, “Economic Independence”- the ability to support oneself, and “Mental Independence”- the ability to make conscientious decisions based on one’s own thinking, are vital. [1] Through a career guidance program, Seien Girls’ High School teaches students how to live up to their potential according to these three Independences.

Characteristics of Education

Seien Girls’ High school thinks that heart education is important. The “Dojo”( Ashram) of martial arts is not just the hall where techniques are taught. [1] It is also where spirit is learned. [1] Seien Girls’ High calls them the “Dojo of youth”, and emphasize the education of heart. Through original program, students can learn to identify right and wrong, and obtain social manners and true etiquette.

Junior High School, in response to the internationalization of society, conduct an Australian study tour for all senior students. [1] Students can learn that respect others and how to coexist with other nationalities and nature. In preparation for that, first year of junior high school, “English Conversation” classes are held by native English-speaking teachers in addition to regular English classes. Also, second year of junior high school, each class study a different theme related to Australia and presents the results.

School goals are set for both junior and high, and along with the development of education guidance adjusted to each age, career guidance according to the wide range of desires of each student is given. [1] English and mathematics classes during junior high school are conducted under a system of small groups divided into each course. Besides, in senior year of junior high school, class composition is arranged according to academic ability. In senior high school, a course system has been adopted that provides many various original curricula. In preparation for higher education in physical education or art major, as well as in a humanities and science major at a national or public university or college, or a humanities and science major at a private university or college, and guidance so the students can directly get into a university after education. [1]

By creating an environment that harmonizes the flowers, natural surroundings, and buildings it reflect a “learning paradise”. [1] Students can foster a rich heart and love nature. First-hand experiences provide students with opportunities to pursue the development of an aesthetic character.

Public school are restricted with regards to curriculum and special activities, but private schools are given some “latitude” according to the actual spirit in which the school was built. At Seien, by using the latitude effectively, contents of the lessons and the class hours are fully adjust for university attendance. The curriculum is organized in a way to increase the intelligence and achievement level of each student. Classes are carried out according to a “6 year, consistent syllabus” [1]

Young people who shoulder the 21st century should learn to adapt to internationalization. It is very important in the 21st century, so at Junior High School, education carried out in order to respect others and to become the person who can coexist with other nationalities and nature. Also, students can apply for language training and a home stay at Seien’s sister school in Washington, U.S.A. Twice a year in the spring and the summer, or language training and a home stay in England in the summer. [1]

tudent Life

Class start at 8:20 and students take a class until 3:35pm. Each class is 50 minutes. There are a lot of clubs, athletics to cultural clubs. Students can choose the club that they like and want to join. There are some unique events, in Junior High, students learn a law of etiquette called “Nyuryou.” Students stay in the dormitory while they learn a law of etiquette. A school concert, long walking competition, the school sports, chorus competition and other activities generally associated with student life.

References

* [http://www.seien.ed.jp/en/index.php Seien Girls' High School] in English