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Japan, Kobe
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Languages taught at KOBILS are English and Japanese. English is the dominant language of instruction in the majority of classes, with Japanese taught as Kokugo and included in the curriculum. The program promotes bilingualism in English and Japanese. Japanese-as-a-second-language provision and language support exist for non-native speakers.
Kobe Bilingual School operates a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12. The majority of instruction is in English through immersion, while Japanese Kokugo is taught at the same grade level as in a Japanese shougakko. Cross-curricular discussion time is scheduled in Japanese to support bilingual understanding. The program also provides a Japanese-as-a-second-language curriculum for visiting international students to learn Japanese alongside English.
English immersion is the core method; English is the primary language of instruction in most classes. Japanese Kokugo is integrated at the same grade level and cross-curricular discussions occur in Japanese. A Japanese-as-a-second-language curriculum is available for visiting international students to continue learning in English while also acquiring Japanese.
Kobe Bilingual School (KOBILS) is a bilingual international school in Momoyamadai, Tarumi Ward (west Kobe), offering full-time programs for Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). The school describes its approach as English immersion with Japanese also taught, including Kokugo, and support for Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) for some students. KOBILS states that its curriculum blends Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence with elements of Japan’s education guidelines as a KOBILS original curriculum. Class sizes are about 13 students, up to a maximum of 20. Distinctive features include a life skills curriculum that teaches practical finance (including budgeting and banking) and an annual Careers Week with visiting professionals.
