Visiting Summer Camp at Laurus International School of Science
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Laurus International School of Science, registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education, is located in Minato-ku. It is the only science-focused international school in Japan. Laurus International School of Science operates primary and lower secondary schools, as well as preschools and kindergartens, across seven locations: Shirokanedai, Takanawa, Aoyama, Tsukishima, Jiyugaoka, Musashi-Kosugi, and Musashi-Shinjo. In addition, the upper secondary school will open soon. Their education focuses on STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. If you want to know more about their STEAM education, please refer to the article below.
This time, we attended their summer camp in Shirokanedai for preschool and kindergarten.
This summer camp is for children from 1.5 years old to kindergarten. In 2024, it was held from July 22nd to 26th for five days. You could choose to attend from one to five days, and it was available at all locations: Shirokanedai, Takanawa, Aoyama, Tsukishima, Jiyugaoka, Musashi-Kosugi, and Musashi-Shinjo. The summer camp in 2024 was themed “Earth Rangers” with the timetable below.
Children learn about issues related to nature, such as endangered animals, deforestation, waste, and understand ways to protect the Earth for a sustainable future. During our visit, preschool children were learning the basics of “reduce, recycle, reuse” by familiarizing themselves with key terms in English. Kindergarten children participated in creating seed bombs. A seed bomb is a small ball made from a mixture of seeds, clay, compost, and water. As planned, it helps to improve the soil and supports plant growth.
Each year group created the seed bombs using different approaches. For example, K1 students made the bombs together with their teachers, with each child contributing by tearing colorful paper. K2 students also created the seed bombs collaboratively, but in a more challenging way. The teachers asked them to use simple math, such as cutting one sheet into eight pieces. On the other hand, Year 1 students created their own seed bombs, choosing colorful paper according to their preferences to encourage individuality. Activities were tailored to each age group, incorporating challenging elements to make learning fun and engaging. Children learn about the environment in an exciting and hands-on way through these activities.
Shirokanedai School is just 5 minutes away from Shirokanedai Station. It is located in a quiet yet luxurious residential area close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum and Meiji Gakuin University Shirokane Campus. Surrounded by greenery, the school features beautiful decorations created by the teachers. Children can enjoy a seasonal atmosphere that makes going to school exciting. In addition, during regular classes, children can use the science lab to engage in experiments and activities such as raising frogs from tadpoles and utilizing the 3D printer to understand animal cells. This creates an environment where science and biology are accessible and engaging from a young age.
The summer camp incorporates elements designed to encourage each child to understand and engage with global issues while fostering curiosity and a desire to learn more. In 2024, there will be winter events tailored for each level—preschool, kindergarten, primary, and secondary school—from December 16th to 20th. For further details, please stay updated on their official site below.