Educational Program
Our educational program
The educational aim of MHS is not simply about memorizing and utilizing knowledge. From the very beginning, we have advocated for educational principles based on not only learning, but also questioning, evaluating and adding new values about the very essence of knowledge and conventional wisdom itself. To this end, our educational program is characterized by practical fieldwork, individual research projects, the SSH (Super Science High school) Program and the adoption of the IB Diploma Program.
Implementation of
the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
In 2016, Meikei High School was recognized by the International Baccalaureate as a member of the IB World School community, thus enabling a new curriculum allowing students to progress to universities around the world.
Besides providing university-like classes, the IB Diploma Program aims to develop the critical qualities of a global citizen with a highly balanced curriculum. After completing two years of the program, students can obtain an IB Diploma equivalent to an international certificate for university entrance. The Bilingual course is organized in Japanese & English, while a full English program is scheduled to begin in 2022.
In 2020, Meikei High School celebrated the first cohort of graduates from the IB Diploma Program, who were accepted to prestigious universities around the world. These included the University of Toronto, University of California Irvine, the University of Melbourne, Kings College of London, Waseda Universit, and Keio University, while many also received scholarships from various universities in North America. (The total scholarship grants are approximately $840 000 dollars). Already, our IB Diploma Program is highly regarded by universities around the world and Meikei High School has cemented its role as a World School.
SSH Super Science High school ( designated by MEXT)
Our school emphasizes educational practices of advanced science and technology. Appointed by The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) as a Super Science High School (SSH) in 2011, the goal of this program is not only to focus on the science education, but also to promote critical and analytical thinking skills. Our well-designed curriculum supports high academic achievement and moral excellence. Under this philosophy, SSH program received awards both domestically and internationally. Examples include:
-
Winner of the Japan Science and Engineering Challenge (JSEC) in 2019
-
Japan representatives at the International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), in California (2014) and in Arizona (2019), USA
-
The Global Science Link (GLS) – Best Presentation Award, Singapore in 2019
Individual Research Project
Graduation Thesis at High School
Since the beginning of our school, students in the second year of senior high school (grade 11) are required to do an individual research project. Formally named “Graduation Thesis at 17”, students independently conduct research and write their own thesis based on their own interest and topic of choice under the guidance of a supervisor. This research project lasts for twelve months, and at the end of this period, students present their findings to the school community.
The research topics are not limited to natural and social sciences topics, but also include topics in fine arts and sports. During the research period, students visit universities, research institutes and companies to conduct research or request research assistance, thus developing in-depth research, analysis and presentation skills.
This rich and meaningful experience is a wonderful opportunity for students to think about their future and develop their interests. Many former students have proceeded to become researchers, traditional craftsmen, architects and artists.
Fieldwork Program
for Outdoor Experimental Learning
In addition to traditional classroom learning, MHS offers outdoor field education with an emphasis on experiential learning. For instance, students have participated in the Court Hearing Program, where they took part in real-life court hearings. In the Yakushima Fieldwork Project, students acquire knowledge and gain different perspectives on environmental conservation by learning about biodiversity and ecosystems. They also take study trips to numerous research institutions such as the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and others, many conveniently located in Tsukuba.
In addition, we organize trips abroad to countries in our International Survey Tour and Lecture Program. We have participated a joint research forum with Weiyu High School in Shanghai, China, took part in dinosaur fossil excavation excursions supervised by Khon Kaen University professors in Thailand and joined a Thai geological formation research program.
Ultimately, Meikei High School’s aims to prepare young people for the future world---ensuring that when they graduate, they are full of passion, have an international perspective and live with purpose to meet the demands of our challenging and ever-changing society.