Strict School Rules

A recent problem that has come to light in Senior High Schools is that of the 'strictness of school rules'. School rules that attempt to regiment (унифицировать) the behavior of senior high school students into a single pattern deprive (лишать) such students of the ability to judge and solve for themselves, fostering (обучать, стимулировать) individuals who lack a sense of independence. It would seem to be an undeniable fact that the very nature of the education system contributes to the reason for Japanese society being described as 'group-oriented'.

Statements frequently used by teachers in school education such as 'Act like everyone else!' and 'Don't do anything that draws attention to you!' have a negative effect on the development of the individual.

University Students in Japan

University students could be said to have the most privileged existence in Japanese society. No longer under the watchful eye of schoolteachers, they are treated by their parents as adults. Now, at last, they are able to do the things they have previously been unable to-hold part-time jobs, enjoy themselves as much as they like, sleep as long as they wish and not attend classes that don't interest them. Faced with such freedom, college students enjoy a life-style full of changes, whether it be becoming involved in a university sports club, or, saving up earnings from a part-time job to buy a car, or go on an overseas trip. It might seem only natural to 'think of Japanese universities as leisure centres. Needless to say, there are, of course, university students who are keenly involved in specialized areas of study

Primary education

Compulsory education begins in Japan for all children after they have turned six years of age. A majority of children also attend kindergarten (yochien -幼稚園【ようちえん】kindergarten). Approximately 80 percent of students at the kindergarten level are enrolled at private institutions, a number of which are selective. These selective kindergartens better the odds (вероятность, возможность, шанс) for parents wishing to have their children gain access to highly selective schools at subsequent levels of the education ladder. There are even pre-kindergarten classes available to help children prepare for the admissions tests.

Primary school (shogakko -小学校 【しょうがっこう】 primary school, elementary school) is six years in length (grades 1-6) and is for children between the age of six and 12. The vast majority of schools at this level are public (2003: 98.4%), but there is considerable competition to enter one of the small number of prestigious private schools, usually affiliated with a private university foundation, where entry virtually guarantees entry to affiliated schools all the way up to university.

There are no tuition charges for children attending public schools. At the end of primary school a certificate of completion is awarded. Attendance at primary school is almost universal (99.98%). Students who complete the primary cycle are automatically accepted into lower secondary school.

Curriculum: Japanese language (reading, writing, literature), mathematics, science (grades 3 to 6), social studies (grades 3 to 6), arts, music, physical education, moral education, home-making (grades 5 and 6), life environment studies (grades 1 and 2), special activities (includes periods for class activities and club activities) and periods for integrated studies to combine skills learned in different subject areas (grades 3 to 6).

Leaving Certificate: Shoggako Sotsugyo Shosho (Elementary School Certificate of Graduation). 卒業 【そつぎょう】 graduation, 証書 【しょうしょ】 bond,deed, certificate