#Japan #Philosophy #Setagaya #Online School #GLICC

GLICC International Online School: A New Frontier in Education

In a significant development in the realm of international education, Study Extension Inc., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, has announced the launch of the GLICC International Online School (GIOS), set to commence operations in October 2025. This innovative online school seeks to transcend conventional English education by fostering a curriculum centered on Philosophy, aimed at cultivating the critical thinking skills and cultural identity necessary for students in today's global society.

The Vision Behind GIOS

Adopting the slogan “Think in English, Live your culture,” GIOS encourages students to think and engage with the global community while proudly embracing their cultural backgrounds. The school aims to provide middle and high school students with essential skills such as critical questioning, logical reasoning, and ethical judgment that are increasingly indispensable in a world shaped by AI and globalization.

Why Philosophy?

While many educational systems emphasize the acquisition of knowledge and skills, GIOS asserts that the ability to ask questions, think critically, and engage in productive dialogue is what truly prepares students for the future. Philosophy is integrated into the curriculum to develop these competencies. By focusing on:
1. Critical Thinking
2. Creative Thinking
3. Ethical Reasoning
4. Discussion and Debate Skills

GIOS connects teaching across various subjects, shifting the focus from mere memorization of facts to fostering the application and re-examination of knowledge. This cross-disciplinary approach ensures that students develop a versatile mindset applicable to all fields of study.

The Importance of Liberal Arts Education

During middle and high school years, it's crucial for students to gain broad knowledge rather than confine themselves to specialized subjects too early. While undergraduate and graduate education progressively delve deeper into specializations, GIOS emphasizes a Liberal Arts approach at the middle and high school levels. By integrating subjects like Science, Math, and Social Studies through a philosophical lens, students learn to draw connections that enhance their comprehensive understanding, such as:

• - Understanding physics while contemplating free will.
• - Learning data analysis alongside questioning truth and bias.
• - Studying history in the context of justice and power.

This interconnected learning model allows students to acquire versatile thinking skills that are adaptable across various domains.

Key Curriculum Foundations

GIOS has developed a curriculum with three core pillars:

1. Philosophy in English

• - Engaging philosophical inquiries in English.
• - Fostering critical and creative thinking through discussions and essay writing.

2. Mathematics in English

• - Combining systematic foundational skills from Japan with Western-style problem-solving.
• - Balancing rigorous proofs with open-ended challenges, enhancing Math communication skills in English.

3. Cultural Intelligence & Future Technology

• - Understanding and expressing the wisdom of Japanese culture.
• - Critically and creatively utilizing cutting-edge technologies, including AI.
• - Preparing students for contributions to a culturally and technologically integrated future.

Curriculum Structure and International Qualifications

GIOS offers a flexible pathway accommodating diverse academic aspirations:

• - Lower Secondary (G7–G8): Foundation courses in English philosophy, math, science, and social studies, along with support subjects as needed.
• - IGCSE (G9–G10): Subject selections adhering to Cambridge IGCSE, including foundational studies in Economics or Psychology.
• - A-Level / OSSD (G11–G12): Connecting students to internationally recognized qualifications for university admissions.

The Learning Process and Evaluation

GIOS employs an Inquiry-based Learning model that encourages:
1. Identifying questions.
2. Conducting research and thought processes.
3. Summarizing and presenting findings.

This iterative process allows students to hone their questioning skills, and multi-faceted assessments are based on:

• - English proficiency
• - Thinking abilities (both critical and creative)
• - Investigative disposition.

By providing transparency in growth, GIOS shares qualitative shifts in learning outcomes with students and their families.

The Role of Japanese Language Learning

Despite being an English Medium Instruction (EMI) institution, GIOS emphasizes the importance of Japanese language education and understanding of its culture. This includes:

• - Forming identities by deepening understanding of Japanese as a native language.
• - Enabling trans-languaging between Japanese and English to enhance cognitive flexibility.
• - Supporting learning to clarify complex concepts in Japanese, ensuring stable comprehension.

Through studying Japanese literature and language arts, students cultivate unique expressions and sensibilities that are often elusive in English.

Graduate Pathways and Future Aspirations

Upon graduating from GIOS, students will be well-equipped to engage in various roles, such as:

• - Participating in cultural diplomacy and collaboration projects internationally.
• - Serving as liaisons in global teams across companies.
• - Connecting Japanese culture to global issues through research.
• - Launching initiatives that blend culture and technology in startups or non-profit organizations.

Our aim is to instill in middle and high school students not only the joy of critical thinking but also the strength to live out their cultural identities as they face the challenges of the future.

School Overview

• - Name: GLICC International Online School (GIOS)
• - Opening Date: October 2025
• - Target Group: From G7 to G12 students
• - Learning Mode: Online with interactive live classes + inquiry-based projects.
• - Curriculum: Integrative approach focused on Philosophy in English, along with Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Japanese.
• - Pathways: IGCSE, A-Level, OSSD, and support for domestic university exams.

Final Thoughts

GIOS is committed to nurturing the ability to think critically in English while fostering pride in cultural heritage. In an era where future challenges often lack definitive solutions, empowering our students with the tools to think independently and embrace their cultural roots is essential. GIOS does not only provide academic support for domestic and international education pathways but also equips learners with vital skills for thriving in a modern society.

Prior to the opening, we will hold online orientation sessions on:

• - August 31 (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• - August 31 (Sunday) 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] (Attn: Suzuki)
For more details, visit www.glicc.online or www.glicc.jp.