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Otsuma Nakano School: Pioneering IELTS in Japanese Girls' Education

In a landmark decision, Otsuma Nakano Junior and Senior High School, located in Nakano, Tokyo, has earned the recognition as the first all-girls school in Japan to be designated as an "IELTS Promoting School" by IDP Education, the organization behind the internationally renowned IELTS exam, which boasts over four million test-takers annually.

Redefining IELTS as a Gateway to Global Opportunities

Otsuma Nakano views the IELTS exam not merely as a language assessment but as a valuable platform for students to connect with the global community and build essential skills for future endeavors. The school emphasizes the importance of IELTS beyond university entrance examinations, recognizing it as an integral part of students' preparation to excel in international environments.

From early on, the curriculum is structured to expose students to this global standard of English, providing them with concrete goals to strive for. This approach enables students to interact with English at a high level, developing their competencies in a structured environment.

Since 2018, the school has collaborated with the Japan Study Abroad Foundation (JSAF), an official IELTS test center certified by IDP Education, to hold official IELTS examinations on campus twice a year. This opportunity is open to all students, not just those in the Global Leaders Course (GLC). By fostering a culture where participating in IELTS testing is common, it becomes an everyday learning tool rather than an intimidating examination. This regular exposure enhances students' confidence and motivation to succeed.

A Comprehensive Curriculum Designed for Practical Outcomes

Launched in 2016, the GLC combines the efforts of both native and Japanese instructors to create a streamlined curriculum that directly addresses IELTS test components, particularly speaking and writing. In addition to regular classes, students also attend weekly 80-minute IELTS preparation sessions, creating an innovative and supportive learning environment where skills can be developed across all grades and courses.

Guiding this initiative is Dr. Takahiko Hattori, a professor at Otsuma Women's University, who has served as the school's educational advisor since 2011. He actively supports the growth of each student through specialized speaking courses and mock interviews. Furthermore, an innovative "Global Tutor System" has been implemented, allowing alumni to mentor current students, fostering intergenerational learning and camaraderie.

In addition to this, Otsuma Nakano has recently signed a new partnership agreement with Hosei University’s Global and Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) program, effective from April 2025. This collaboration facilitates opportunities for students to engage in mock university lectures and connect with current university students, thereby further enhancing their English skills and global perspectives.

Expanding Academic Pathways with IELTS

The strategic use of IELTS scores at Otsuma Nakano is opening doors to numerous academic and professional paths, both domestically and internationally. The school boasts successful admission records to prestigious English degree programs at significant universities such as Waseda University, Keio University, Sophia University, and ICU. Notably, in the upcoming academic year of 2024, several graduates are set to enroll in top foreign universities like the University of Washington and UC San Diego, with IELTS scores serving as a robust foundation for their academic futures.

Insights from Takashiro Mizusawa, Head of the Global Center

Mr. Takashiro Mizusawa, the head of the Global Center, expressed: "At our school, we regard IELTS not simply as a language exam but as a vital tool measuring practical skills directly related to university learning and future careers. Especially noteworthy are the face-to-face speaking tests and the varied listening components, which provide students with excellent opportunities to hone the competencies required in a global context. Through regular internal testing, we aim to normalize IELTS as an integral part of everyday learning, ensuring that it is viewed as a standard educational tool rather than a specialized exam. We are committed to continuously expanding our students’ options and opportunities through our global education framework that utilizes IELTS effectively."

IDP Education's Support for High Schools

IDP Education actively supports Japanese high schools by facilitating various initiatives focused on the effective utilization of IELTS for global education. These include:
1. Organization of simulated tests and group examinations.
2. IELTS instructional seminars for English teachers.
3. Informational seminars for students on IELTS exam overview and study methods.
4. Workshops conducted by IDP-certified IELTS experts.
5. Financial assistance programs for high school teachers participating in IELTS examinations.

IDP aims to increase the number of IELTS Promoting Schools across Japan, establishing a broader network of support for high school institutions. For further information on promoting schools, visit IELTS for Teachers.

About Otsuma Nakano Junior and Senior High School

Founded in Nakano, Tokyo, Otsuma Nakano Junior and Senior High School has upheld the educational philosophy of "fostering dignified women" since its inception. The school merges tradition with innovation and has recently focused on international education through its Global Leaders Course (GLC), stressing the importance of multilingual skill development, cultural understanding, and problem-solving capabilities throughout the learning process.

For more details, visit the official website.

About the Japan Study Abroad Foundation (JSAF)

JSAF, an official IELTS test center recognized by IDP Education, is dedicated to enhancing testing opportunities and environments for IELTS examinees under its guiding principle of "examiner-centered" testing. JSAF also provides information and guidance for programs leading to overseas university studies, aiming to contribute to the internationalization of affiliated schools through IELTS.

To learn more, visit the official JSAF website.

About IDP Education

Established in 1969 by the Australian Government, IDP Education has supported students pursuing studies in English-speaking countries for over 50 years. The organization commands a global presence with offices in 30 countries and 90 locations and stands as a co-owner of IELTS. Since the opening of its first test center in Japan in 2016, IDP has been diligently working to enhance IELTS testing opportunities nationwide. To know more, visit IDP's official website.