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PreK-Grade 12 International Day and Boarding School in Kobe, Japan | Since 1913

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By graduation, our High School students are equipped for the future with a wealth of knowledge and a strong sense of self.

Our High School Program at a glance...

Curriculum

Grades 9-10

Students in Grades 9 and 10 complete the final two years of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). See our IB MYP courses here. Please note these offerings may change year to year. 

Our Grade 9 curriculum offers a unique year of in-depth study on the theme of Japan within the framework of the IB MYP. This Japan Experience program is an unforgettable experience for students with Japanese roots or a strong interest in Japanese culture, inviting students to strengthen their understanding of Japan through multiple lenses:

  • Individuals & Societies (Humanities) - Across three units, students explore Kobe’s origins as an international port city to Japan’s historical transformations and the impact of World War II, exploring themes of identity, power, and remembrance. 
  • English Language & Literature - English texts are selected to supplement the themes explored in Humanities class, including texts written by Japanese authors or about Japan. 
  • Japanese Language - Our robust Japanese language program supports students at every level, from beginners learning to navigate daily life to native speakers studying advanced language and literature. Alongside skill development, students engage with cultural traditions, like practicing calligraphy at the start of the New Year (Kakizome). 

Complemented by day trips and excursions across the country, students gain a depth of understanding that extends far beyond textbooks. A highlight of the Grade 9 year is the annual trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, which brings their classroom learning to life. 

In Grade 10, students complete the final year of the IB MYP, which culminates with a student-led Personal Project. This year-long project provides a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their interests and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have learned over the course of their MYP studies. Not only does the MYP provide a strong foundation for the university preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12, but its focus on conceptual and inquiry-based learning allows students to develop critical thinking skills and create real-world impact.

Grades 11-12

Students in Grades 11 and 12 take IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, with three pathways to graduation. See our IB DP courses here. Please note these offerings may change year to year. 

Pathways to Graduation:

CA Diploma + International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

The Diploma Programme is a pre-university course that leads to external examinations and is designed for high school students aged 16 to 19. The program has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB Diploma holders access to the world's leading universities. Students who follow the IB Diploma take courses from six subjects areas: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Mathematics, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, and the Arts. Three of these subjects are taken at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL). At the core of the IB Diploma are the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).

CA Diploma + International Baccalaureate Bilingual Diploma Programme:

To earn the IB Bilingual Diploma, students must first meet all the requirements of the full IBDP. In addition, they must demonstrate proficiency in two languages. There are two ways to achieve this: (1) by completing two courses from the Studies in Language and Literature subject group and earning a grade 3 or higher in both, or (2) by earning a grade 3 or higher in a Language and Literature subject other than English, and in one subject from either Individuals and Societies or Sciences taught in English.

CA Diploma + IB Course Certificates:

Our High School students also have the option to take IB courses without pursuing the full IB Diploma. Students who would like to dedicate their time to a specific area of strong interest may prefer to choose this option. This gives students the flexibility to choose individual IB courses according to their aspirations. In addition to IB courses, some CA courses, designed and assessed by CA teachers, are offered. CA Diploma students can choose to take a combination of IB and CA courses provided they meet CA graduation requirements. The number, type, and level of subjects are chosen in response to an individual student’s needs. Each IB course completed will lead to an externally recognized result for that course.