The Cambridge Lower Secondary Program (CLSP) at International Schools in Japan: A Comprehensive Overview

The Cambridge Lower Secondary Program is an internationally recognized educational program developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). It is designed for students aged 11–14 years old and is typically taught in grades 6–8.

The programme offers a broad and balanced curriculum that covers a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, the humanities, ICT, a second language, and physical education. The curriculum is designed to help students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.

In CLSP, students are evaluated through a combination of external and internal assessments. The external assessments are developed and administered by the CIE and include examinations in English, mathematics, and science. The internal assessments are developed and administered by the best international schools in Tokyo and are used to assess student progress and provide feedback for improvement.

Benefits of CLSP for students taking Class 6 admissions in 2023

The curriculum of Cambridge Lower Secondary Program (CLSP) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and challenging education in a variety of subjects. Parents of children who are going for class 6 admission in 2023 should really consider CLSP for its following benefits:

Internationally recognized curriculum

One of the key benefits of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Program is its international recognition and portability. The program is recognized by universities and educational institutions around the world, and students who complete the program are well-prepared for further study in a range of subject areas.

Read also: Differentiated instruction for meeting individual student needs

Preparation for further studies

The CLSP curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that prepares them for further studies in a variety of subjects. This can include further studies in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program or other internationally recognized qualifications such as International Baccalaureate.

A focus on skills development

The CLSP curriculum is designed to help students develop a range of key skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills are essential for success in higher education and in the workplace, and are embedded throughout the curriculum.

Assessment for learning

The CLSP assessment framework is designed to provide teachers with valuable information about student progress and to support ongoing learning and improvement. The assessment framework includes both internal and external assessments, and provides students with feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement.

Flexibility

The CLSP curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students. Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of teaching methods and strategies to engage students and promote active learning.

Subjects offered in CLSP Curriculum

The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme offers a broad curriculum that covers multiple subjects. Few of the CLSP subjects for students taking class 6 admission in 2023 are:

1. English: The English curriculum focuses on developing students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It includes a range of literary and non-literary texts to help students develop their language and communication skills.
2. Mathematics: The Mathematics curriculum covers concepts such as number, algebra, geometry, and statistics. It is designed to develop students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
3. Science: The Science curriculum covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. It is designed to develop students’ understanding of scientific concepts and their ability to apply scientific methods to real-world situations.
4. Global Perspectives: The Global Perspectives curriculum is an interdisciplinary subject that covers a range of global issues such as sustainability, human rights, and social justice. It is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
5. ICT (Information and Communication Technology): The ICT curriculum covers a range of skills such as computer programming, digital literacy, and multimedia production. It is designed to develop students’ technological skills and their ability to use technology effectively.

Types of CLSP assessments at International School in Japan

Assessments in the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme are designed to evaluate students’ understanding and application of concepts and skills in each subject. Here are some common assessments used in the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme:

1. Checkpoint tests: These are standardised assessments taken by students at the end of each stage of the programme. Checkpoint tests cover subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, and assess students’ understanding of concepts, skills, and knowledge acquired during the stage.

2. Coursework: Students may be required to complete coursework assignments in various subjects, which may include research projects, written assignments, or practical tasks. Coursework is designed to assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

3. Classroom assessments: Teachers at international school Tokyo may use a variety of classroom assessments, such as quizzes, tests, and assignments, to evaluate students’ understanding of subject content and skills. Classroom assessments are usually designed to be formative in nature, providing feedback to students on their progress and areas for improvement.

4. Oral assessments: Students may be assessed on their oral skills, such as their ability to speak fluently, express themselves clearly, and respond to questions effectively. Oral assessments may be conducted as part of a classroom activity or as a separate assessment task.

5. Project work: Students may be required to complete group or individual projects in various subjects, which may involve research, experimentation, or other forms of inquiry. Project work is designed to assess students’ ability to work independently and collaboratively and apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.

Conclusion

The CLSP curriculum offers a challenging and engaging education that prepares students for success in a variety of subject areas and helps them develop key skills that are essential for success in higher education and in the workplace. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students, and is recognized internationally for its quality and rigour.

Hence, for the benefit of children’s academic growth and all round development it would be advisable for parents to choose a good international school in Japan that offers CLSP as part of its curricula.