Subjects and class hours
Standard yearly class periods set by the national curriculum. Schools may add more.
- Social studies 140 periods
- Mathematics 140 periods
- Science 140 periods
- English 140 periods
- Japanese 105 periods
- Health and physical education 105 periods
- Integrated studies 70 periods
- Music 35 periods
- Art 35 periods
- Technology and home economics 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
- Reading and critiquing a range of texts, and classical Chinese poetry (kanshi).
- Mathematics
- Expanding and factorising, square roots, quadratic equations and functions, similar figures, Pythagoras and circles, and sampling.
- Science
- Ions, acids and bases, cell division and heredity, motion and energy, astronomy, and the environment.
- Social studies
- Modern history, then civics: the constitution, politics, economics and international relations.
- English
- Present perfect, relative clauses, and writing and speaking about their own opinions.
School life this year
- The national academic assessment in April.
- The school trip, often to Kyoto and Nara.
- Retiring from club activities in summer to study.
- High school entrance exams from January to March, then graduation.
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.