KA Web Log

Exam Season Coming to an End

2010-02-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

We at KA are very pleased with the hard work our students have put in to passing their exams this year. KA students once again have managed to pass into wonderful schools with excellent programs. Nearly half of the students from Shibu Maku (14) will be coming from KA. Twelve students at Kogyokushya are KA graduates, twenty two at Shoei, ten at Shibu Shibu, twelve at Senzoku. The list goes on and on. Congratulations, students, on your great success.

A special congratulations to our scholarship students. Both scholarship students at Shibu Shibu are from KA. One of the scholarship students at Shibu Maku is a KA student. One of the newer programs, Kaetsu, has also awarded a scholarship to a KA student. Great work, everyone. Amazing. You should be very proud of your special achievement.

The results for Keio and Gakugeidai are coming in later this week. Try to keep your focus these last few days, guys. Keio and Gakugeidai have challenging exams. You'll need to bring your 'A' game to succeed at these schools.

Once again, congratulations! You've had an amazing year and all of us at KA are very proud.

Dictionaries

2009-05-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note about dictionaries:

I strongly recommend that all students who are studying for exams get a hold of a dictionary that has a) one or more sample sentences b) an audio pronunciation guide and c) clear definitions.

Basically the only type of dictionary that satisfies all of these requirements is the electronic dictionary. When selecting one, please check to make sure that it has all the necessary features.

If you can't get a hold of an electronic dictionary, you can go to dictionary.com to get clear definitions and pronunciation in an audio format. For good sample sentences, you can go to dictionary.cambridge.org.

Traditional dictionary books often only have sentence fragments as examples (or no sample sentences at all) and a written pronunciation guide that is too difficult for most students to understand. Although I do think it is important for students to learn to use a traditional dictionary, most compact dictionaries in this format simply do have what students these days need.

Influenza Concerns

2009-05-08T22:53:00.001-07:00

In light of the current swine flu situation, let's work together to make KA as safe as possible. Please follow the following procedure at KA.

1. Clean your hands thoroughly with the alcohol gel provided for you just inside the front door.

2. Proceed to the restroom and wash your hands thoroughly. We have medical grade soap in both schools.

3. Gargle thoroughly.

4. Please wash your hands and gargle once again before you leave.

Thank you!

Shibu Maku, Shibu Shibu, Gakushuuin

2009-01-28T22:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all of our students on their great success at the Shibuya schools and Gakushuuin.

14 KA students successfully passed Shibu Maku, and 12 students passed Shibu Shibu. These results are simply fantastic. You all worked very hard and deserve your success.

I also want to offer congratulations to the students who did not manage to pass--all of you have learned so much and deserve praise for your hard work. Your reading and writing skills have improved tremendously this year. No matter which school you attend, those skills will help you ace your classes as well as enrich your learning experience. Be proud of what you've accomplished!

Finally, I want to give a special congratulations to our student who won the scholarship at Shibu Shibu. This is the second year in a row that a KA student was selected for that special honor. Excellent work!

Selecting a School

2009-01-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

As many of our students have already passed more than one exam, we have been hearing a lot from parents and students seeking advice about which school to choose. The following are a few considerations that might help when making this very important decision.

1. The Commute

A lot of families don't realize how important this is until after their child has become physically and mentally worn out from spending four hours on a crowded train each day. I strongly recommend trying out the commute to the school once or twice before making a commitment.

2. Support for Japanese and Mathematics

Does the school have any kind of support system for returnees who are behind in math and Japanese? Schools that do offer such help deserve special consideration (and praise).

3. The English Program

All schools have a great English program on paper, but are they really successful at improving the English levels of their students? The only way to know is to look at the older returnee students in the school. If you visit the school, don't just observe the classes with J1 students. Take a look at the graduating seniors if you can. If they are making progress in their English after attending the school for all those years, then the school is probably doing a good job.

When looking at a newer programs that don't have returnee upperclassmen, consider the following:

A. Are the teachers passionate about their teaching?

B. Does the school believe that returnees are already good at English and therefore don't require much English support ? If you hear an administrator of a school say something to that effect, then there's probably not much hope for their English program.

C. Does the school hold their returnee students to a high standard? Or do all returnees automatically get great grades on their report cards because their English is better than that of the other students? If the latter is true, you can expect a steady decline in your child's level of English.

D. Does the English program emphasize reading? Programs that encourage reading are generally more successful than ones that do not. My top students every year are avid readers. My students who struggle with English refuse to read. There's definitely a connection there.

4. The School Ranking

I do understand that the school ranking is important to a lot of parents because the ranking reflects how successful the school is at getting their students into top universities. Keep in mind, however, that most ranking systems do not separate returnees and non-returnees when making their decisions. This is important because returnees share common challenges; for example, they often have to play catch-up in their Japanese and math classes. If we want to find out how well our returnee children will do in six year's time, then we should take a closer look at the success of their graduating returnees.

Another consideration is that there is a six-year gap the between the outgoing and incoming students. For new programs, this obvious point is worth looking at. It is likely that the rankings of schools will go up by the time this year's students graduate. Remember, even the top-ranked returnee schools had low rankings for the first six years that their returnee programs were in place. When their first class of returnees finally graduated, their rankings shot up.

One more thing about rankings--no matter how high the ranking of a school may be, if your child is not happy or motivated at that school, it is unlikely that your child will succeed. This brings me to the most important factor in selecting a school:

5. Happiness

Depressed, frustrated, unhappy students do not do well academically. Over the years, I have encountered a lot of students who stopped attending school because the school simply did not suit them. Some schools are too competitive. Some aren't competitive enough. Some schools give returnees special treatment and make some of their students happy. The very same treatment in the same school makes other students miserable. The point is, ranking systems don't take into account the unique needs of your child. If you know your child doesn't react well to competition, then you might want to think twice before sending your child to a highly competitive school. If soccer is deeply important to your child, then you might do well to send your child to a school with a soccer club. I realize this is not a popular idea, but I've seen too many families make the mistake of factoring out happiness in the decision-making process. Again, I repeat: depressed, frustrated, unhappy students do not do well academically.

I hope this has been helpful. If I think of anything else, I'll post again.

Senzoku, Kogyokushya, Toin, Keimei, Hiroo, Takanawa, Shirayuri

2009-01-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all twenty KA students who passed Senzoku this year. This year's Senzoku exam was particularly difficult, so your success makes us especially proud.

Boys, you have also done a great job. Kogyokushya always puts together a tricky exam with a lot of traps for the careless examinee. We're so glad you took the exam with care.

I'd also like to offer congratulations to the students who passed Toin, Keimei, Hiroo, and Takanawa--all schools with somewhat new returnee programs. These programs are the wave of the future, and they already have a lot to offer. I hope all of you will be happy in your new schools.

28 KA students pass Shoei/Good luck Hiroo students!

2008-12-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

The final results for Shoei are in. 28 of 35 KA students passed! These numbers are simply incredible. Students, we congratulate you on all of your hard work and success. Well done!

Those of you who didn't manage to pass this time, don't worry, you can take the test again in a little over a m0nth. Besides, we have other tests on the horizon and I know you can pass them if you work hard.

Hiroo examinees, good luck tomorrow! Hiroo has an exciting, new program that our students from last year love. If you remember what you've learned with us and stay focused during the writing section, I know you'll do great. Our thoughts are with you and we're looking forward to hearing the results on the weekend.

Exam Season Kicks Off

2008-12-12T17:28:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all the students who passed Kaetsu, Rikkyo, Gakushuin, and Jissen! We are all so proud of you.

I'd like to also wish all of the Shoei examinees good luck on today's exam. Our advice to you: Do your best, be yourself, and don't panic. Remember that all of you have improved so much this year and you already have much to be proud of. Whatever the results, you have earned the respect and admiration of your teachers and peers here at KA. We are already very proud of you.

Good luck today!

Eiken Success!

2008-11-11T02:38:00.000-08:00

The October Eiken results are in and they look fantastic. You can look at our website's "Congratulations" page to see the complete list of students who passed. Interviews are up in a couple of weeks, so let's all work hard together to send this thing out of the park.

Juken students, KAAT tests are coming up next week. Remember that this is the most important KAAT test of the year as we'll be making our final recommendations for schools based on your results. Please study hard this week and follow the advice of your teachers as you take the KAAT.

Good luck!

By the way, thanks for all the Halloween candy and the great costumes!

July, 2008 Eiken Results

2008-07-02T08:56:00.001-07:00

All of us at KA are thrilled about the latest Eiken results. Despite the fact the Eiken is becoming increasingly difficult each year, more students than ever are passing the upper level exams. Amazing.

I'd like to give a special congratulations to our students who have tried to pass the eiken without success in the past, but who have continued to study hard and have now achieved their goal. Hard work does really pay off--that's not just a cliche. Great work!

Now it's time to get ready for the interview exam. Those taking the first grade interview, please try to set up a time to study privately with a teacher. The first grade interview is tricky and requires some guidance. Help from one of our teachers can go a long, long way towards getting the score you need.

For those of you who did not quite make it this time, don't worry. We've got all summer to prepare for the Eiken in Septemeber. Good luck!

Juken Congratulations Party: TGI Friday's and Bowling

2008-04-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

A special thanks to all of you who came to the lunch and bowling party last Sunday. It was wonderful seeing all of you together for one last final congratulations. I'd like to thank everyone for also being so kind to my son. I'm so glad he had a chance to meet all of you. He had a great time and he's looking forward to the next KA party.

As most of you are still continuing to study here at KA, there is no need for good-byes. For those of you who are leaving, I'd like to express my appreciation for all of your hard work and also for all of the great memories. If you ever need our support again, we'll be here for you. Don't forget to send us an E-mail from time to time to let us know how you are doing.

For those of you who are staying...let's get to work! We've got Eiken and the TOEFL coming up, so let's take advantage of how much you have learned this year and ace those tests.

To all, the party pictures will be available at the Daitabashi KA, so please stop by sometime to look at them. We'll also be sending some of them to your homes.

Again, thank you for everything. You were such a special class and all of us at KA will never forget you.

More Congratulations!

2008-03-24T23:22:00.000-07:00

Great work T on the Shibu Shibu 'henyu' exam. I'd also like to congratulate Chihiro and Atsushi on their great work on the Eiken 1st grade. Both of you have been back in Japan for several years now, and it's great to see that your English is steadily improving.

Juken students of 2007 and 2008, I'm very much looking forward to Sunday's party. I hope that all of you will be able to make it. If you can't make it to TGI Friday's, at least try to make it to the bowling party. We'll be teaming you up with students who will be attending your new school, so it will be a great chance to make new friends. It would be great if you already knew a few people from your new school before school begins.

See you then!

Keio, Gakugeidai Oizumi, Shoei

2008-02-13T04:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all of you who passed the Keio, Gakugeidai, and Shoei exams! Once again, we are all very proud of your accomplishments.

Most of you who passed these exams have already passed one or more exams for other schools and now you have a very important decision to make. As you make your decision, please keep in mind that we are all here to offer advice and support to you and your parents. We also have many juken students from previous years who are still studying with us. I'm sure they would be happy to tell you about their schools and provide you with the information you need. Just let us know what we can do for you.

Again, congratulations everyone...and thank you for making this a great year for KA and for each other.

M, T, M, L, H

2008-02-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

Sherlock's field trip to beautiful Medaimae was a great success. M,T,M,L, and H learned all about the history of my hometown and the history of cats.

We learned that cats came from Egypt and were brought over to Europe by traders to help Europeans fight off the disease-infested rats.

And we drank coffee.

We also learned a lot about Chubby and about the Korean language. We learned about the contents of his wallet, although he didn't seem very pleased by that.

Sherlock has been a great class and I will miss them dearly. We had a great year together. Thank you for all your hard work and kindness. You are great kids and I'm sure you will achieve great things at your new schools.

Shibu Shibu Results Best Ever

2008-01-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

Wow! We can't say enough how proud we are of all of you. 12 KA students managed to pass Shibu Shibu, and one of our very own was chosen as the 'special' student. This level of success is unprecedented for KA, and perhaps for any school in the kikokushijo community. We are in awe of the great work you've all done.

Congratulations!

Congratulations Shibu Maku Students!

2008-01-25T02:37:00.000-08:00

We were absolutely thrilled with the great results from the Shibu Maku exams. Sixteen of our students managed to pass one of the two most difficult English tests in Japan. All of us at KA are extremely proud.

This is turning into the one of the best'juken' seasons ever. Our students are all stepping up and doing their best.

Keio, Shibu Shibu, and Gakugeidai students, we know that you're getting tired but you only have a few days left to go. Hang in there, and look forward to our bowling party in February!

The Eiken and the KAAT Test , Sunday Intensive Course

2008-01-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

Although many of this year's 'juken' students are taking an entrance exam on the same day that the Eiken is going to be held, other juken students should seriously consider taking the Eiken this time around or at the latest in June. The first year of junior high school is busier than many of you might expect, and it will be difficult to find the time to study English as intensively as you have during this exam season. This might be your best chance...at least for a year or two.

5th graders, I strongly encourage you to take the Eiken this January, even if you feel you aren't quite ready. Practice makes perfect, and for some students, the first attempt at any given level ends up being a practice run. Take the test, if you don't pass, find out what you need help with, and pass it next June. Studying for the Eiken can also help you with the KAAT test, our own placement test for students taking junior high school entrance exams. You'll be taking that soon so you'll want to be ready.

J1 students, glad to hear that many of you are finally going to take the Eiken. I realize that you were exhausted from last year's juken season, but I think we all agree it's time to get serious about English again. Eiken 1st grade for starters, then the PSAT.

Giggles came to the Sunday intensive course, but she managed to keep the giggling under control. Thank you.

Hard Work and Giggles

2008-01-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

Last night seven or eight students stayed after nine working tirelessly on their essays and interview skills. I have to say I was very impressed with the progress the students have made, although there is still a way to go.

As we were working hard in the science room, we couldn't help but be distracted by a strange yet familar sound: Chi and Ay giggling uncontrollably in the room next door. Wonder what that was about. It's incredible how much giggling can come out from such a small space. If we could somehow harness the energy from their giggles, we could power up the whole school without the use of electricity.

Mmm.

One more note, a number of exams are coming up this weekend. Examinees, please be sure to get some rest over the next two days. Don't forget to take a few slow breaths whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed. Good luck. Our thoughts are with you!

Senzoku Students: We're Very Proud

2008-01-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

Great work! This year is turning out to be one of the most competitive ever, yet 20 of our students managed to pass Senzoku, who only accepted 36 this year for the A exam. That is simply amazing. We are all so proud of you.

For many of you, there is still more to come. Hang in there! It will all be over in just a few short weeks!

Well Done!

2008-01-10T17:02:00.001-08:00

Kogyokushya is a very difficult to school to get into. I'm very proud of all you boys for your hard work!

Congratulations!

2008-01-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all of the students who passed Shirayuri Gakuen and Sei Gakuen. You've worked hard and you deserve your success!

Congratulations! Sei Gakuin!

2008-01-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all of our students who passed Sei Gakuin! I'm very proud of you!

Don't forget to relax...and laugh a little.

2008-01-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

With all of the big exams coming up, it's important for 'juken' students to remember to find a few moments here and there to relieve some stress. Take a short walk, read a funny story, do some push-ups, or just close your eyes and take a few slow breaths.

Obviously, you have to keep up the good work, but don't forget to take care of yourself. If you need a good laugh to help you relax, just think about the blue and pink slippers all the teachers in Jiyugaoka have been wearing. You could also think about Thomas's morning hair or Josh's receding hair line (which you all seem to like to bring up so often).

Also remember that we are all very proud of you. Whatever the results of your exams, you have earned the admiration and respect of everyone here at KA. You've worked hard, you're doing your best, so don't be hard on yourself.

See you tonight. Good luck!

Pun of the week: I used to like Kabuki theatre, but now I like noh drama.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope all of your new year's wishes come true.