Programs

  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • High School

Kindergarten

Age: 3-5 years old 
Time: 8:30 to 14:00
Overview:

[Important] MIST Kindergarten has be relocated to operated as a 100% English program "Musashi International Course" by Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool (AJB) Mitaka Campus since September, 2023. For more details, please go to AJB Bridge Program website.

There are two levels in Kindergarten at MIST, Junior Kinder which corresponds to Nensho-class in Japan, and Senior Kinder which corresponds to Nenchu in Japan. Nencho in Japan corresponds to Year 1 in Elementary of Cambridge Primary.

The program is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage which is designed in order for all children to have the best start in their life and be capable of demonstrating all of their possible abilities.

In a 100% English language environment, students’ growth is nurtured based on the following seven areas of learning.
・Communication and language
・Physical development
・Personal, social and emotional development
・Literacy
・Mathematics
・Understanding the world
・Expressive arts and design

In the 3 years old class has combination of play-based learning and the amount of academic learning, with which the students learn basic alphabets and phonics while enjoying fun activities throughout the day. In Senior Kinder, the focus shifts more toward academic learning in order to prepare well for the start of Year 1 in Cambridge Primary Level (Nencho in Japan).

In an open classroom environment, a variety of educational materials, picture books, and educational games are used to stimulate their five senses and encourage them to explore and become independent learners.

Yearly activities include Sports Day, Japanese Culture Day, Halloween, Winter Concert, Rice Cake Day (mochi-tsuki), Project Day, Setsubun, Tanabata, potato digging, forest trips, and so on in order to enrich children’s global sensitivity.

MIST
Junior KG
Senior KG

Elementary School

Age: 5-11 years old
Time: 8:30 to 15:30
Overview:

The Cambridge Primary is typically a 6-year programme for learners aged 5 to 11 years (corresponding to Nencho to Grade 5 in Japan. School year starts in September). The programme offers a series of subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Global Perspectives and Art. At the end of the programme, students take the Checkpoint tests that provide feedback on learners’ strengths and weaknesses.

The Cambridge Primary curriculum

・sets clear learning objectives in English, mathematics and science for each year of primary education 

・focuses on developing knowledge and skills in core subjects which form an excellent foundation for future study

・is compatible with other curricula, internationally relevant and sensitive to different needs and cultures 

・is suitable for learners whose first language is not English, with an optional English as a second language curriculum

・gives you optional routes to use sections that suit your learners’ needs best 

・provides schools with international benchmarks

MIST
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6

Middle School

Age: 11-14 years old
Time: 8:30 to 15:30
Overview:

The Middle School curriculum is based upon the recommendations and endorsed textbooks as prescribed by the Cambridge International as an registered secondary school. The programme offers not only the five core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and Cambridge Global Perspectives, but also other subjects such as Art, Music, Japanese, and P.E.. At the end of the programme, students take the Checkpoint tests that provide feedback on learners’ strengths and weaknesses.Year 9 students take the Cambridge Secondary Checkpoint Examinations.

Students are leaders in club activities. Dance Club, various volunteering groups, Calligraphy Club and Table Tennis Club are all governed by the respective student councils.

MIST
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9

High School

Age: 14-18 years old
Time: 8:30 to 15:30
Overview:

The High School is divided into the Upper Secondary Programme and the Advanced Programme.

The Upper Secondary Programme covers Year 10 and 11 (which corresponds to 3rd year in Junior High and 1st year in Senior High school in Japan respectively); while the Advanced Programme covers Year 12 and 13 (which corresponds to 2nd and 3rd year in Senior High in Japan respectively).

The Upper Secondary Programme students take the IGCSE examinations and the Advanced Programme students take the International A Level. The Cambridge International qualifications are highly recognised by leading higher education institutions around the world.

MIST
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13

Qualifications

  • Cambridge
    International
  • IGCSE, AS & A
    Levels
  • University
    Applications
  • Support
    Programs

Cambridge International

The primary and secondary divisions of MIST are registered at Cambridge Assessment International Education (hereinafter referred to as Cambridge International). In Japan, only a handful of schools are Cambridge International registered.

What is Cambridge International

Cambridge International is a part of the University of Cambridge and is known as the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. The international qualifications offered by Cambridge International are recognised by educational institutions worldwide, including the world’s best universities.

As for July, 2019, there are over 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries that offer Cambridge programmes and qualifications. The Cambridge programmes value deep subject knowledge as well as the conceptual understanding that helps students make links between different aspects of a subject. Also, the programmes encourage students to develop higher order thinking skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, independent research, collaboration and presenting arguments, which help students prepare for their future lives as confident global citizens.

Cambridge International curriculum at MIST

Cambridge International helps the teachers to improve classroom practice by identifying what currently works well, and then building on these existing skills and traditions. At MIST, there are key aspects to pedagogy which we will always consider. These include:
 ・Object lead planning (this is when we match MIST objectives with Cambridge International’s);
 ・Active learning (this is an ongoing continuous process where constant revision is made);
 ・Assessment for learning (verbal, written, visual tests coupled with observations help revisions);
 ・The provision of high-quality feedback (essential item in helping students and teachers alike);
 ・Language use and quality learner talk (English is the medium of education and aspire for highest levels of exposure);
 ・Digital technology. (such as interactive smart boards software, use of Videos/ Audios and the assistance of computers to impart knowledge and help students present their work).

IGCSE, AS & A Levels

IGCSE

Year 10 & Year 11 at MIST

Cambridge IGCSE, which stands for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. Most IGCSE courses take 2 years to complete.

There are over 70 subjects available at Cambridge IGCSE and schools can offer them in any combination, which allows schools and students to build/learn around their specific needs and interests. Grades of the Cambridge IGCSE assessment are internationally recognised and many universities around the world allow students to directly apply with the IGCSE qualifications.

AS & A Levels

Year 12 & Year 13 at MIST

The Cambridge International A Levels program is typically two years and the first year is also called AS Levels program. Students may choose the AS Level alone or complete two-year A level courses. Both AS & A Levels are recognised by higher education institutions around the world and are used by thousands of learners to gain places at leading universities worldwide. In countries such as the United States and Canada, good grades in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.

Source: www.cambridgeinternational.org

University Applications

Japanese Universities

In April 2016, the Japanese government published a new policy confirming that Cambridge International AS & A Levels are equivalent to the national high school graduation certificates for admission to universities in Japan. This applies to Japanese and international students aged over 18. Following the publication of this new policy, more Japanese universities recognise Cambridge qualifications including IGCSE/AS/A Levels for admission use. MIST students may apply for a variety of September-entry programs offered by Japanese universities such as The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University and Waseda University with their A Levels results directly.

Overseas Universities

Well recognized by higher education institutions and employers around the world, Cambridge International qualifications offer students a passport to success in the global stage. We have listed a few examples for your reference and you can find full details of world university recognitions at the database of Cambridge International.

UK:

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are equivalent to the AS & A Levels taken by students in the UK, and are accepted for entrance to UK universities in the same way as the UK A Levels. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs to meet their entry requirements.

USA:

Universities and colleges across the USA, including all Ivy League universities, welcome students with Cambridge qualifications. Colleges and universities generally require a minimum of AS or A Levels for admission, but some colleges will accept Cambridge IGCSEs as meeting entry requirements. Some institutions and credential evaluators may consider five Cambridge IGCSE qualifications with passes at Grade C or higher to be equivalent to a high school diploma.

Canada:

Universities and colleges across Canada welcome students with Cambridge qualifications. If you possess at least four AS Levels and/or at least two A Level qualifications you are eligible to apply to Canadian universities. More competitive courses may require additional qualifications at higher grades. Colleges may accept Cambridge IGCSE as meeting entry requirements. You may be eligible for advanced standing credit.

Singapore:

Singapore remains an important destination for higher education, particularly with students from the Asia-Pacific region. Cambridge qualifications are widely accepted in Singapore.

Australia:

Universities across Australia welcome applications from Cambridge students. Cambridge International A Levels are widely accepted for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses.

Source:
1. Cambridge Assessment International Education, University recognition worldwide: Guide to the recognition and acceptance of Cambridge qualifications, July 2018
2. www.cambridgeinternational.org

Support Programs

The Academic Counseling Department of MIST supports students’ university applications in various ways, including:
 ・Assisting students in preparing for standardized tests such as the TOEFL and SAT;
 ・Arranging for universtities’ school visits;
 ・Providing assessments and mentoring regarding choice of universities and probable good fits based upon the needs of the student;
 ・Arranging for suitable personality testing;
 ・Revising, correcting and suggesting modifications to the student applications;
 ・Advising on the suitable career options for university life.