To fulfill its Vision, St. Michael’s International School aims to...

1. Offer a coherent and integrated curriculum that will prepare students for the next stage of their education by:
    Providing a broad and balanced curriculum based on the National Curriculum (England). Ensuring students are prepared for their progression up to Key Stage 3 through regular assessment by internal Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and Standard Assessment Tests as well as through regular teacher assessment in lessons.

2. Offer a progressive curriculum which is appropriate and relevant, whereby the students are actively engaged in the learning process through discussion, practical work, enquiry and investigation by:
    Providing challenging and differentiated tasks, which encourage creativity, independent thought, reasoning, enquiry, reflection and group/class dialogue. Ensuring children’s learning involves challenge as well as support. Ensuring that all teaching (and therefore learning) is stimulating and rewarding. Ensuring that all teaching reflects different learning styles and is constantly reflective. Empowering students in the effective use of Information Communication Technology and other secondary resources. Providing outdoor activities and educational visits that enhance learning. Continually reviewing and updating the curriculum in relation to specific needs of the students. Regularly evaluating and reviewing teaching methods and skills. Continually reviewing, developing and updating curriculum resources and equipment to ensure they meet the curriculum requirements. Actively encouraging and facilitating the professional development of all staff members to encourage self-learning, through effective In-Service training and professional development opportunities such as the sharing of expertise, to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to meet curriculum requirements. Ensuring that the school policies are constantly reviewed, updated and implemented. Recording and utilising the results of assessments in order to enhance teaching and learning. Providing regularly scheduled Physical Education classes.

3. Recognise and develop the potential of individual members of the School’s community by:
   Identifying and addressing the needs of all individuals. Ensuring that support is available for children if there is need. Supporting individuals on a one-to-one basis wherever possible, e.g. use of ESOL Co-ordinator. Encouraging and praising individual effort and achievement to develop self-esteem and confidence. Allowing for differentiated approaches and tasks, according to individual teaching and learning needs. Promoting independent and critical thinking and encouraging reasoning skills.

4. Provide equal opportunities for the further development of individual talents and interests by:
    Providing a secure, structured teaching and learning environment in which self-confidence can grow. Taking advantage of individuals’ interests, experience and expertise. Offering activities, which encourage (especially with older children) opportunities for further self study. Promoting involvement in all school performance events. Encouraging students and staff to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as clubs. Encouraging individuals with opportunities to follow their own interests, regardless of ability. Providing information and advice regarding Secondary Schools, career advice for teachers as well as professional development.

5. Provide a safe, stimulating and friendly learning environment by:
    Ensuring that all facilities meet the highest possible standards in terms of health and safety. Ensuring that the school environment is clean, neat, comfortable and orderly. Providing appropriately equipped and resourced classrooms. Ensuring that all classes, where possible, have access to classroom assistants. Maintaining interesting classrooms and other school areas with lively, interactive displays and exhibits. Maintaining optimum class sizes where possible. Ensuring a regular rolling program of refurbishment of classrooms and specialist rooms. Maintaining the Christian values of acceptance, tolerance and the valuing of all within the school community. Being open as a staff, positive, supportive for all and encouraging. Developing effective teamwork and mutual cooperation. Effectively managing and resolving conflict – should it arise.

6. Promote and foster the historical significance of St. Michael’s International School and its family by:
    Recognising and encouraging the unique family atmosphere that has always been an historical part of St. Michael’s. Maintaining and welcoming all to traditional yearly events such as Founders Day, Good Neighbour Week and Graduation Ceremonies. Liaising with the local community through local school visits as well as involvement in such associations as the Foreign Schools Association. Encouraging the parents and St. Michael’s Alumni to participate in school events throughout the year.

7. Constantly striving to evaluate, compare and improve the education that St. Michael’s offers to it’s students by:
    Ensuring that the education offered at St. Michael’s is continually reviewed, not only by the school itself but also by outside agencies and visitors through strategies such as Accreditation. Maintaining close links with other International Schools within Asia, through visits, attending of conferences as well as membership of organisations such as the East Asia Regional Council of International Schools and the Japanese Council of International Schools. Constantly reviewing and maintaining School Development Plans that focus on relevant school issues at relevant times. Regularly recruiting the most qualified, suitable and experienced teachers available where appropriate and possible.

8. Maintain close links with the Christian (Anglican) Church and with the wider community and show an active concern for the less fortunate by:
    Drawing on the guidance of the Bishop of Kobe and the Diocese for spiritual and other support in the direction that the school takes. Continuing to promote yearly events at St. Michael’s Cathedral such as St. Michael’s Day. Continuing to involve the School Chaplain in such events as the Christmas Nativity, Graduation Day, Founders Day and Good Neighbour Week. Continuing to organise campaigns and charitable events in aid of the disadvantaged. Continuing to make yearly donations to the Diocese and other worthy causes. Encouraging individual participation in community service. Providing opportunities for local organisations (such as Kobe food Bank) to come to school to talk about their work.

9. Encourage and respect other cultures and beliefs and thereby cultivate the international character of the school so that it encourages a better global awareness by:
    Drawing on all the resources of the various cultures represented within the school community. Promoting activities concerned with other societies and beliefs. Promoting a Religious Education curriculum that takes account of different beliefs and cultures. Adapting school practices to take account of different religious practices, traditions, cultures and beliefs. Acknowledging the value of all religious beliefs and respecting the right of individuals to hold their own beliefs. Developing active awareness of local, national, international and where appropriate, global current affairs. Organising and encouraging participation in multi-cultural activities within the school as well as cultural and sporting visits to other schools to support the personal, social and academic development of students. Inviting visitors to the school from various cultural backgrounds. Organising regular assemblies to develop the understanding of Internationalism as well as celebrate the richness and diversity of background, culture and tradition in the school community. Striving to maintain breadth and balance concerning the nationalities of students, teachers and administrative staff.

10. Take full advantage of our cross cultural environment to enrich the educational experience by:
    Incorporating Japanese elements into the curriculum and life of the school. Exposing all students to the culture and traditions of Japan. Taking advantage of educational opportunities within Kobe and Japan in general. Inviting Japanese visitors to the school to share knowledge and experience concerning the history, culture and traditions of Japan. Recognising Japanese cultural and national events.

11. Involve the parents in the life and development of the school by:
    Communicating effectively, clearly and regularly with parents to ensure that there is clear understanding of and involvement in the direction in which the school is moving. Organsing regular Teacher/Parent Consultation Days. Inviting parents with relevant expertise into the school to support appropriate activities. Inviting parents to attend regular events such as Class Assemblies, Concerts and so on. Encouraging the parents to support the Fund Raising as well as contributions to such events as the School Bazaar, through membership of the PTA. Maintaining the active parent input on the School Council and related committees.