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Academic English Preparation (AEP) Programme

English language support for aspiring students

What is AEP?

The Academic English Preparation (AEP) programme at OWIS Osaka is a foundational English language course for students who don’t yet have the English skills they need to fully participate in an English-speaking classroom.

Our AEP programme is purposefully crafted to support non-native English speakers in cultivating the essential language skills for active participation in school. Prioritising growth in the foundational English and curricula relevant words and phrases ensures the student will be able to engage in classroom activities and succeed in their studies.

How is the requirement for AEP decided?

During the application process, students are assessed using an international standard English assessment. Based on the results and their grade level, students are placed into one of three patterns:

Above Competency level

Students who meet the required English competency score join mainstream classes.

Primary students below the competency level

Primary students who fall below the competency level receive supplementary English support classes alongside their regular classes until they can fully integrate into the regular class schedule. There are no pass or fail grades for primary students.

Secondary students below the competency level

Secondary school students (Grade 6 and above) who pass the assessment, but fall below the competency level, are required to take AEP classes in addition to regular grade-level classes indefinitely. A minimum level of language competency is required before secondary students can enrol.

Benefits of the OWIS AEP Programme

Interactive Learning

This foundational course uses immersive, multi-sensory, and interactive learning activities that help students have fun, learn, and recall information faster.

Personalized Support

Providing tailored language classes and support services helps students develop in the specific language areas they need the most, accelerating the learning process

Targeted Programme Objectives

The AEP programme is designed not just to teach your child English but to equip them with the necessary skills for a swift transition into regular classes. This ensures they seamlessly integrate without missing out on the curriculum.

Immediate Enrollment Opportunity

Regardless of your child's current English proficiency, they can enroll into the lower grades of our international school promptly, and smoothly transition into the our school with minimal disturbance to their studies.

English Speaking Environment

Your child will benefit from our immersive English environment, international faculty, and multicultural student body, helping them learn English faster and more holistically than compared to in a purely academic setting.

Assessment and Feedback

Implementing regular assessments, quizzes, and projects to evaluate language proficiency and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

Learn more about how our AEP programme can help your child succeed academically and thrive in the global marketplace

Staggered classes for different levels of abilities

Our programme features three distinct levels of English support to match your child’s current proficiency. Starting with AEP 1 which is for beginners, moving up to AEP 3 which is more difficult:

AEP 1 is mainly for those students who need to learn phonics and common words and sentence structures. 

AEP 2 is aimed at students who already have foundational knowledge but need more experience with using English and learning the rules of the language and sentence structure.

AEP 3 is for those children who can speak English but need more assistance with expanding their vocabulary, forming complex sentences and gaining confidence in speaking.  

Meet your AEP teachers!

Mr Roberto Reid
AEP 1 Teacher 

Roberto Reid - AEP Teacher at OWIS Osaka

Hi, I'm Roberto, an experienced ESL teacher from Panama with a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona. I'm a Panamanian American originally from Brooklyn, New York, and have been residing in Japan for over a decade. I like cycling, drone flying and creating art!

Mr Fearghal Mac Phaidin
AEP 2 Teacher 

Fearghal Mac Phaidin - AEP Teacher at OWIS Osaka

I'm Fearghal, an English teacher from Ireland with a bachelor's degree from NCAD Dublin, bringing nearly a decade of teaching experience across Japan—from Sendai to Tokyo. As an artist and sculptor myself, I'm passionate about injecting creativity into every lesson! I also enjoy exploring Japanese culture, unwinding at onsens, and staying active in the gym.

Mr Daniel Castellanos
AEP 3 Teacher

Mr Daniel Castellanos - AEP 3 Teacher

I'm Daniel, an English teacher in Japan with over 7 years of experience. I use interactive and engaging teaching methods to increase memorisation and love to see my students graduate into full-time mainstream classes. Alongside teaching, I explore my passion for graphic design, fashion and roasting my own coffee beans!

How OWIS AEP Sets Your Child's English Journey

Bridging the Gap

At OWIS Osaka, we use a flexible curriculum that can adapt to cater to students varying English proficiency levels, allowing students to progress at their own pace while addressing their specific language learning requirements. Our AEP programme serves as a bridge for students to navigate the language barrier and assimilate smoothly into our English-based curriculum. Through immersive learning experiences and tailored support, we ensure that students grasp the fundamentals of English, building a solid foundation for their academic journey. 

Keeping the Pace

Once students have reached a level of English proficiency that is above the competency level, they can join classes normally. In some cases, AEP may go on until the student graduates so that they get the maximum benefit from the programme. This offers students a dedicated time and space to address specific English challenges they encounter in the core curriculum.

Academic excellence & personal growth

Proficiency in English is essential for effective international communication and success. Students who study with us from Kindergarten through to Grade 12 will graduate with English fluency as well as the skills they need for confident communication, outstanding academic performance, and global citizenship.

Do you have a question about our AEP programme?

Contact our friendly admissions counsellors using our contact form