Subjects and class hours
Standard yearly class periods set by the national curriculum. Schools may add more.
- Japanese 140 periods
- Science 140 periods
- English 140 periods
- Social studies 105 periods
- Mathematics 105 periods
- Health and physical education 105 periods
- Technology and home economics 70 periods
- Integrated studies 70 periods
- Music 35 periods
- Art 35 periods
- Moral education 35 periods
- Homeroom and special activities 35 periods
Source: MEXT Course of Study (2017 revision), standard class hours.
What they learn
- Japanese
- Classical prose and poetry, writing persuasive essays and presenting arguments.
- Mathematics
- Simultaneous equations, linear functions, proofs with parallel lines and triangles, and probability.
- Science
- Chemical reactions and atoms, the human body and cells, electric current and magnetism, and weather.
- Social studies
- Japanese geography by region, and history from the Edo period into the modern era.
- English
- Comparatives, the past and future tenses, and longer conversations and texts.
School life this year
- Workplace experience (shokuba taiken) for a few days at a local shop, nursery or business.
- Leading club teams once the year 3 students retire in summer.
- Taking on the student council and running the school festival.
School life guides
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Based on Japan's School Education Act and guidance from the Ministry of Education (MEXT). Local rules and dates vary, so check with your city or school.