IB PYP Candidate School with Inquiry-based Curriculum Providing World Standard Childcare and Global Education
Through "childcare" and "global education" from early childhood, CGK International School nurtures the physical and mental growth of children to provide them with infinite future possibilities. As an IB PYP candidate school, we offer a high-quality inquiry-based learning curriculum and aim to develop future lifelong learners.
What we nurture in these early childhood years are not only "cognitive skills," which are directly manifested as learning outcomes, but also "non-cognitive skills," such as communication and emotional maturity, which are important throughout the future. As an integrated school that continues through high school, we also focus on social-emotional learning, emphasizing appropriate timing and approach rather than short-term results.
We arouse children's interest and curiosity in new worlds and nurture them to have a truly global perspective.
Fulfilling Childcare & Education Program
At CGK, children are cared for full time from 8:30am to 5:00pm (8:00am to 7:00pm if extended care is included). There are no shorter hours or less than 5 day-a-week courses. (Only 2 year olds can choose from 2-5 days per week.)
While providing attentive care as a preschool, we offer a full curriculum along with a variety of programs, which are of the highest standard in both quantity and quality.
CGK has introduced the IB program, which is highly acclaimed around the world, and as an IB PYP candidate school, we implement an inquiry-based learning curriculum. One of CGK's founding missions has been to help our children develop a spirit of inquiry, and being an IB PYP candidate school is very important to us.
Through the IB transdisciplinary program, children naturally connect and understand the basic knowledge and concepts of multiple subjects without being aware of the boundaries of the subjects. IB is an ideal form of education in which children actively and vigorously enjoy inquiring and learning, rather than the old image of learning in which students sit in chairs and mechanically work on assigned tasks. Because it is student-centered, children naturally deepen their learning as if they were playing.
All of our Japanese teachers are qualified nursery teachers (hoikushi). Appropriate support by highly professional nursery teachers who are familiar with the growth of children in early childhood is very important not only for childcare but also for the quality of education, and we also collaborate with parents appropriately. As a preschool in Japan, we flexibly incorporate the best aspects of both Japan and other countries to provide childcare and education that emphasizes the development of non-cognitive skills based on a foundation that emphasizes children's wellbeing.
During daily Japanese language classes, children learn what they would learn in a Japanese preschool or kindergarten, such as cooperation, consideration, discipline, manners, etiquette, songs, crafts, musical instruments, and offer seasonal events, in cooperation with non-Japanese classes. With Japanese language time, IB inquiry-based learning is also approached in both English and Japanese to deepen inquiry and understanding.
We have adopted the Singapore Maths curriculum, widely recognized as the best math curriculum in the world. Students who learned Singapore math regularly test the highest in international assessments such as the PISA test.
Our grade aligned math skills take into account the standards of multiple countries, including Japan, and are designed to ensure our students will be well prepared for any academic challenges regardless of where they may continue their learning after CGK.
We collaborate with an Italian restaurant and farmers to create food education programs. On a daily basis, we not only teach the importance of food and good manners, but also offer a variety of hands-on experiences.
In the farming experience, we not only enjoy harvesting, but also provide special experiences with an awareness of the aim of each one, such as weed pulling, plowing, planting, cooking with the harvest, and cooking lessons by professional chefs and renting out a restaurant to experience a course meal. Using the example of food distribution from producer to consumer, we are working to deepen understanding of food from diverse perspectives. In a series of activities, we actively incorporate the SDGs into our food education, not only from the perspective of our daily lives, but also from the larger perspective of global issues related to food.
Our P.E. and swimming classes are taught by professional instructors. The P.E. classes are based on the inquiry-based learning of the IB program, rather than just physical exercise and physical fitness.
We also offer year-round private swimming instruction in a heated indoor facility. Through 42 lessons starting at Age 3 class, students will learn the fundamentals of swimming.
Through a variety of events, both large and small, both inside and outside the school, students learn and experience many things that lead to a diverse spirit of inquiry.
These experiences are made possible with the cooperation of the local community (partners) and CGK student's families. We actively incorporates field trips as part of the children's inquiry-based learning, welcoming guest teachers and visiting various locations by school bus to further enhance the education provided to the children.
We offer optional classes after 4:30pm on weekdays to further nurture our children's individuality, abilities, and interests.
Programming and dance are offered in English, and Pygmalion and Ronri Engine are offered in Japanese. Pygmalion uses a math approach, while Ronri Engine uses a Japanese (Kokugo) approach to foster logical thinking. The Ronri Engine helps children attending international schools to further strengthen their Japanese language skills.
We offer a variety of programs to encourage children to become independent, lifelong learners. In addition to educational activities conducted under a student-centered policy on a daily basis, we offer programs such as hiking, international exchange events, Machinaka Ryugaku, overseas tours and short-term study abroad programs for parents and children so that children can gradually step up and become independent according to their level.
We place particular emphasis on our study abroad programs, and while we offer a variety of programs abroad, we strongly recommend going abroad because it gives children the opportunity to experience a new world. Exposure to different values and ways of thinking allows room to think and grow. Many of these programs can be participated in from preschool age.
Unlicensed Nursery School
(Since opening, we have received a Certificate of Compliance according to the "Guidelines for Non-licensed Daycare Facilities" (認可外保育施設指導監督基準 under Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) seven years in a row without any written or verbal censure on any point. In the annual on-site inspection, a wide range of checks are carried out, from facility safety standards, disaster prevention, fire prevention, and evacuation drills, health and hygiene management, to the assignment of qualified personnel, guidance plans, childcare records, etc.)
2 year olds: Approx. 36, 3 year olds: Approx. 24, 4 year olds: Approx. 48, 5 year olds: Approx. 24 *Ages as of April 1st *Please note that the number of the capacity is subject to change.
School Days
Monday to Friday
School Hours
8:00-19:00 (Regular school hours 8:30-17:00)
School Holidays
Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, Golden Week (Approx. 1 week), Summer holidays (Approx. 1 week), Winter holidays (Approx. 1 week), Spring holidays (Approx. 1 week)
Access
<Bashamichi Campus (Age 2 and Age 3 classes)>
3-minute walk from Bashamichi Station (馬車道駅) on the Minatomirai Line (directly to/from the Tōyoko Line and Fukutoshin Line)
4-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station (桜木町駅) on the JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line
5-minute walk from Kannai Station (関内駅) on the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line
<Kannai Campus (Age 4 and Age 5 classes)>
4-minute walk from Bashamichi Station (馬車道駅) on the Minatomirai Line (directly to/from the Tōyoko Line and Fukutoshin Line)
5-minute walk from Nihon-ōdōri Station (日本大通り駅) on the Minatomirai Line (directly to/from the Tōyoko Line and Fukutoshin Line)
5-minute walk from Kannai Station (関内駅) on the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line
7-minute walk from Kannai Station (関内駅) on the JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line
Other
Uniform, school lunch, bus transportation
Bashamichi Campus (Age 2 and Age 3 classes) Layout
Applications and inquiries for open schools, enrollment, etc. are accepted through the school's LINE. You will also receive up-to-date information about the daily school news, community, and events through the LINE.
(日本語は英語の後で)On June 14th CGK elementary school hosted a Japanese Cultural Day🎐🍍✨ The students took the lead in planning and organizing the event, and created lots of fun games and activities for their friends to enjoy😄 The students also wore yukatas, jinbeis and anime character costumes. They enjoyed completing a stamp rally, Bon Odori dance and watching a Japanese anime🎵 Students also created handmade lanterns to decorate the school - the colors were truly beautiful - and helped make a striking Godzilla display🌟! Additionally, this year there was a special lantern contest by the CGK staff. The students got to vote on whose lantern they liked the most🏮! All-in all it was a fun-filled day and students from all grades had a wonderful time😆!
Find more here ▶︎ [EN] https://cgkis.com/school-news/elementary/japanese-cultural-day/
6月14日、初等部で夏祭りをテーマにしたJapanese Cultural Dayが開催されました🎐🍍✨子どもたちが主体となってイベントの企画・運営を行い、友達が楽しめるたくさんの楽しいゲームやアクティビティを作り上げました😄子どもたちは浴衣や甚平、アニメキャラクターのコスチュームを着て、スタンプラリーを完成させたり、盆踊りを踊ったり、日本のアニメ映画を鑑賞したりして楽しみました🎵
CGK’s Summer School program is designed exclusively for elementary school students😊
🌸《6/19 NEW!》 Check out this year’s Spring School review on Insta Stories(Highlights)🌸
The CGK Afterschool Summer School program conducts classes where students can flex their creativity and have fun in a relaxed and supportive environment whilst pursuing their goal in ways they decide is most interesting to them. We value the children’s independence and provide ample opportunities for them to move their bodies, work on crafts, research, present their work, debate their ideas, share their opinions, and actively try new things😄!
This year’s Summer School will include days when not only afterschool teachers, but also teachers from CGK Preschool and CGK Elementary will lead classes as guest teachers😆
There are no restrictions on the amount of days that can be applied for so please feel free to apply for any days you are interested in!
We look forward to seeing you!
*Required to have experience of English learning. *We assume that students have a basic level of conversational English. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please consult with us in advance.
(日本語は英語の後で) Last week, the students in Grade 1 Afterschool class made a model of the Burj Khalifa👏 ✨ It stands at around 180cm tall and it is made out of recycled clear files and PET Bottles🗼 They chose these materials because they mimic the glass facade of the real building. It even lights up at night🌃!
The kids were so excited to see the tower in its final form😆 The children were very proud of how it turned out because they designed and built the tower mostly on their own😊 Mr.Reyes only offered support and guides when they asked for it. To complete this project, the children chose to add lights to their tower, to mimic how the real tower lights up at night. The placement of the lights was also chosen by the students.
For our next part of our project, we have decided to learn more about what life is like in the UAE by having a conversation with people who live there! The students will take part in a cultural exchange virtual meeting with students who live in Dubai. Mr.Reyes is planning to coordinate more of the details with his friend who currently teaches at an IB International School in Dubai😄
On Saturday night CGK Outdoors Club and the Yokohama International Family community held its first night time event - a fireworks party which over 200 people attended😄! The evening started off 🏃♀️ with a stroll through Zou-No-Hana park and Osanbashi Pier before everyone enjoyed a night time picnic at Yamashita Park🍒🥤🥪 From there, we moved to World Square to enjoy some beautiful fireworks🎇✨! It was a wonderful night and much fun was had by all😊!
On Sunday, we had Park Day our first CGK preschool event for this school year🪁 More than 350 students and family members gathered at Honmoku Sancho Park for some fun class games and friendly conversation 👫 It was also the highlight for Family Week, where we celebrated all families at CGK🎵
On Saturday CGK held its first Outdoors Club event for the new school year😄!
A large group of friends and families visited the beautiful Kamakura area and hiked the famous Daibutsu trail🏃♀️🍃 We were able to enjoy some wonderful time in nature and experience some beautiful views of both the mountains and the ocean⛰️🏝️✨
We are all looking forward to our next event on Saturday the 8th of June - our first fireworks party😊🎇
(日本語は英語の後で) [Elementary School Spring Picnic] This year students created the rules, created the sign, and practiced the games in preparation for the day😆 We hope that all the families enjoyed it and had a great picnic day! 🥳✨
(日本語は英語の後で) April 1st marked the official start of the CGK Afterschool Advanced Course. The advanced course is from 18:00-19:30 and available to grade 5 students and through Junior High School (consideration will be given to grade 4 students with advanced English skills)✏️ Our first project is student choice and we have decided to research the origin of the legendary Loch Ness Monster and create a timeline of events with the hypothesis that it is a myth and not a fact🗓 Student choice allows students to follow their own interests and build their research, critical thinking, and debate, and language skills in a way they decide. For more information about the Afterschool Advanced Course please feel free to get in touch😊
(日本語は英語の後で) And in a flash our Celebration of Learning (COL) and graduation ceremony came and gone✨ Over the two events we celebrated the children`s respective learning and growth, which was demonstrated through their performances, songs, and dances that the children helped plan and select😄Throughout all the fun we had to farewell our graduating Sky class as they finish their time at preschool and start the next stage of their lives at elementary school. Thank you to everyone for coming to our COL and graduation ceremony and making it such a great day☺️🌸
(日本語は英語の後で) Last Sunday CGK Outdoors Club held its largest event yet with over 100 people attending😄
The day at Kodomono Nature Park started with a gentle nature walk around the lake and through the forest🌿As we came down the mountain we arrived at the large play area. There, the kids were delighted to enjoy all the activities including a jungle gym, a long slide and lots of things to climb🛝
Future CGK Outdoors Club events will be announced soon - stay tuned for news about our next exciting adventures😊!
(日本語は英語の後で) We were excited to have our first family parties since the pandemic😄 The always lovely Primo🇮🇹 Italian restaurant were gracious hosts as some of our students and their families enjoyed a special full course meal🍽 Our CGK students certainly had a great time experiencing the pleasures of eating fine food as well as the joys of sharing a meal with even finer company✨ Thank you to the families who braved the cold to come and to everyone at Primo for helping us organize such a great event😊
(日本語は英語の後で)Last week, what a surprise, the ogres came to CGK👹! The preschool children were learning about Setsubun during their Japanese class, such as the meaning of Setsubu and Ehomaki culture. While we were saying, “Ogres would probably not come because they have all become older brothers and sisters and are being very good,”.... the ogres came into the class‼️ Everyone said loudly “Oni wa soto!” and “Fuku wa uchi!” which they had been practised together! The bean throwing was filled with tears and laughter😂
During the lunch break at the elementary school, the children had a lot of fun with games they came up with😄! The first game was a kind of dodgeball style, where the children threw fake beans at each other’s court. The team that throws the most beans into the other’s court wins. The second game was to put as many beans as possible into the box above the heads of Ms Anna Ogre and Mr Facundo Ogre, who were moving around. Mr Facundo Ogre got more beans in the box than Ms Anna Ogre and lost the game😲
Everyone worked hard together with their friends and the ogres went home👹 We wish you a happy and healthy year!✨
(日本語は英語の後で)This week, CGK Elementary School had Parents Day! Kids were happy to share what they are learning with parents and they mentioned how happy they felt after😄 The growth that we have witnessed from the Parents Day in Term 1 and the Parents Day in Term 3 is quite remarkable👏 Parents were invited to join Coffee Hours in the afternoon☕ They had a chance to talk with teachers to have better understanding about lessons.
(日本語は英語の後で) In January, there is Japanese New Year’s custom called Oshogatsu (New Year’s)🎍The Mountain Class and the Sky Class children`s lesson was based on this.
One of the things the children were looking forward to was making rice cakes. At the start of the month, before the teacher told them, the children checked the monthly calendar themselves and were very interested, saying “Are we going to make mochi⁉️“.
Until the day of the event, the children looked enjoyed some activities related to rice cakes, such as reading the picture book ‘Baba Baba’s rice cake making’ and a hand clapping game called ‘Making rice cakes (for the New Year)’😊
Today was finally the day! They placed cooked glutinous rice into a bowl, and grinded it into a mochi shape with a wooden pestle. Gradually the students pounded the rice into mochi shape. It was a good way for them to use their muscles as well✊ When it came time to eat the mochi, they dipped it in a topping of their own choice, such as sweet red bean paste, kinako (soybean flour) or sugar and soy sauce.
Thank you to everyone for your cooperation! The children really enjoyed the event✨
(日本語は英語の後で) You`re invited to join our CGK Outdoors Club event - enjoying beautiful Oike Park🏞️CGK Outdoors Club is originally designed for CGK community for hiking and other outdoor activities🥾For this event, we invite other friends or family members who may not be members of the CGK community. This event will start with a gentle nature walk through the forest to the large children’s play area🛝The children’s play area is fantastic - the kids certainly won’t be bored! We hope you will be able to join us😄
Oike Park/Children’s Nature Park Sunday, the 18th of February, 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
(日本語は英語の後で)CGK and HelloWorld (the operator of Machinaka Ryugaku), have signed an agreement to work together to promote the development of global talent🌎
HelloWorld offers a program called Machinaka Ryugaku. Instead of travelling overseas to experience a different culture, you can experience a new culture and spend time with an international family living in Japan by staying studying at their home for the weekend with homestay options from Kanto to Okinawa!
CGK will work closely with HelloWorld to further promote the development of global human resources both internationally and domestically.