Most students commute by train, so the streets from the station to the school are a sea of navy and gray uniforms in the morning. Kids either bring their own lunches or eat in the cafeteria, and after school, many participate in club activities. 

Kanagawa University High School

Take this virtual tour to see what it's like to spend a day with us 


The School Day
Classes
Class 1: Japanese

Let's visit the Japanese class for seventh grade class E. The teacher, Nobuki Hayashi, is introducing his students to an ancient Japanese classic, Taketori monogatari ("The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter"), which was written more than a thousand years ago. This makes it the oldest existing work of fiction in the Japanese language. Among other things, the
students learn about the differences between archaic and modern language.

"It's really remarkable," says Mr. Hayashi, "that Japanese kids today can read something that was written so long ago and basically understand it. Through literature, ancient Japanese people's attitudes and their conception of nature continue to influence people today."

Seventh and eighth graders are required to memorize and recite passages from classical Japanese literature.

Class 2: Science

Now it's time for science class, where students enjoy using various pieces of equipment to do experiments. Today, seventh grade class D is performing an experiment that concerns the diffraction of light. After the teacher, Chieko Nakayama, explains the procedure to the class, the class divides up into nine groups to do the experiment. Using a device made of cardboard and a flashlight, the groups observe light shining through different-shaped pieces of glass--a trapezoid, a simple circle, and a lens--and note the directions in which the light bends.




"I don't like tests that much," confesses one student, "but I really like doing experiments." Some students make a fuss during the experiment ("Hey! I can't see the light!"), but everyone has a lot of fun, and the 50-minute period passes quickly. Even after the end-of-class bell rings, several students remain absorbed in their experiments.

 

=> Club Activities

Send your comments and questions here (kanagawa@jcic.or.jp).