#Japan #Tokyo #Benesse #Science Classroom #Tokyo Individual Instruction

Exciting Summer Program for Junior High Entrance Exam Preparation

The Benesse Science Classroom, a part of Benesse Group, a pioneer in private tutoring with 272 locations across Japan, is launching a special summer prep course targeted at 4th and 5th graders. This exciting program aims to help students understand key topics commonly found in junior high entrance exams through hands-on scientific experiments.

As reported by the Tokyo Area Mock Examination Center, around 52,300 students are expected to take private junior high school entrance exams in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama in 2025, marking an 18.10% admission rate, one of the highest in recent history. The entrance exams emphasize four main subjects: Japanese, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. As the structure of high school entrance exams tends to mirror that of university entrance exams, an increasing focus on critical thinking has led to more written question formats in the exams, emphasizing the importance of inquisitiveness and curiosity in students.

This summer, the Benesse Science Classroom will guide students through paired themes such as "Refraction" and "Cameras" under the broader umbrella of optical science. Students will engage in exciting experiments, using materials such as homemade cameras and spectroscopes that they can later explore and utilize at home, thereby deepening their understanding of light and its nature.

What sets this program apart is its focus on each child’s individual thinking and values. Instructors will encourage students to question their reasoning and explore how they can arrive at correct answers, fostering an environment where they learn to think independently.

After conducting experiments, students will tackle relevant questions from past entrance exams of prestigious private schools with a deviation score of 65 or higher. These thoughtfully selected questions allow students to apply their hands-on experience to the theory they learned during experiments, creating a solid foundation for success.

Details of the 4th Grade Junior High Entrance Prep Course

• - Theme Title: Principles of Cameras
• - Topics Covered: Straight-line propagation of light, reflection, and refraction.
• - Overview: Through observations and illustrations, students will come to understand the nature of light. They will also create a pinhole camera and lens camera to grasp how light can be utilized.
• - Location and Dates:

- Kichijoji: July 19 (Saturday), 16:00–18:00
- Yoga: July 24 (Thursday), 13:00–15:00
- Tama-Plaza: August 3 (Sunday), 9:30–11:30
- Kamiooka: August 4 (Monday), 9:30–11:30

Details of the 5th Grade Junior High Entrance Prep Course

• - Theme Title: Refraction of Light
• - Topics Covered: How refraction affects visibility.
• - Overview: Students will embark on a thorough exploration of the phenomenon of refraction through observation and drawing. They will also delve into optical illusions caused by refraction and learn about how rainbows are created through spectrometry.
• - Location and Dates:

- Kichijoji: July 27 (Sunday), 16:00–18:00
- Yoga: July 24 (Thursday), 16:00–18:00
- Tama-Plaza: July 31 (Thursday), 13:00–15:00
- Kamiooka: August 4 (Monday), 13:30–15:30

Registration and Fees

The fee for each course is 15,400 yen (tax included), with a discount to 13,200 yen (tax included) available for current students of Benesse Science Classroom, Benesse Writing Expression Classroom, Tokyo Individual Instruction Institute, or Kansai Individual Instruction Institute.

Interested participants can learn more about the summer program and register through the official site: Benesse Junior High Prep Course.

Other Summer Special Courses

In addition, the Benesse Science Classroom offers a variety of engaging one-off courses throughout the summer and winter breaks—open to all students regardless of membership status. Check the special site for more exciting opportunities and details:
Summer Special Courses.

With classrooms located in both Tokyo and Kanagawa, the Benesse Science Classroom continues to be at the forefront of creative learning, helping young students nurture their scientific curiosity and critical thinking abilities!