Junior Secondary School Programme
at Tsukuba
OWIS Junior Secondary School ranges from ages 11 to 16 (Grades 6 – Grade 10, Middle School, Middle Years Programme, Junior High School, Lower Secondary School)
Preparing Learners for Higher Education
As learners move from the primary years into junior secondary, they enter an exciting new stage of growth,exploring fresh concepts, developing new interests, and gaining greater independence.
At OWIS Tsukuba, we understand the importance of this transition. Through supportive guidance and purposeful learning experiences, we help students identify their strengths, address areas for improvement, and discover talents that can be nurtured—building confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation for future success.
OWIS Tsukuba Junior Secondary School Programme Highlights
Academic Rigour & Preparation
We ensure strong academic progress through ongoing assessment and clear progress tracking—not just tests—supported by regular parent updates and meaningful feedback. Students build firm foundations in English, maths, science, and humanities through a structured curriculum that develops across subjects, projects, and assessments, and leads smoothly into the senior years pathway. With thoughtful differentiation, we support mixed ability levels and help new joiners catch up confidently while maintaining high expectations for every learner.
Skills For The Future
Balancing the benefits of digital learning with the value of analogue education, our programme integrates technology thoughtfully across the curriculum to personalize and deepen each student’s learning experience. Students develop strong digital literacy through responsible, real-world practice, including cyber security and online safety, so they are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. And it’s not just about digital skills: we also build strong English proficiency, along with the personal, social, communication, and collaboration skills students need to thrive in school and beyond.
Leadership Development
At OWIS Tsukuba, leadership is nurtured from the inside out. Through personalised, inquiry-led learning and a strong focus on emotional intelligence (PSEL), students build confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose. With real agency in their learning—setting goals, reflecting, and taking ownership—students develop accountability, a growth mindset, and responsible decision-making. Leadership is further strengthened through holistic opportunities such as clubs, service learning, competitive sports, and our House system (including roles like House Captains), where learners practise teamwork, initiative, and healthy risk-taking in a supportive community.
Personalized Guidance Councelling
Students benefit from personalized academic guidance through goal setting, regular check-ins, and clear learning targets, with early exposure to future pathways and (where relevant) university and career guidance as they progress. In a supportive, international learning environment—shaped by high-quality teachers, an inquiry-led approach, and a thoughtful class-size model—students build confidence through daily language and cultural exposure, developing the mindset and skills needed to thrive globally.
Everything you need to know about our Junior Secondary School In Tsukuba
- Junior Secondary School is typically the first six years of Secondary School in Western schools. If your child is currently in Middle School, Middle Years Programme, Junior High School, High school, or Secondary School, Lower Secondary School, then they may be placed in our Junior Secondary School Programme. Check Out Our Curriculum Page to learn more about the different age brackets and academic stages of our School compared to other schools around the world.
- This programme introduces many new specialised classes so that students can find what interests them and focus on those strengths and passions in the next academic stage (Senior Secondary School). Our Junior Secondary School spaces include science labs, a black box theatre, an immersive reality screen room, and more.
- The OWIS Tsukuba Junior Secondary School has fewer classes per grade than the years before it, so spaces are limited. Current OWIS Students also get a priority on those spaces. If you are interested in sending your child to our Junior Secondary School, then we recommend you apply early to save your spot.
Strong Student Protections
Every child deserves a healthy, open and safe school environment to develop their confidence and independent thinking skills. At OWIS Japan, Pastoral Care is carefully incorporated into our curriculum to look after our students’ well-being.
Pastoral Care at OWIS:
- Policy based restorative practices For conflict resolution and resolving bullying
- Modelling Positive Behaviour
- Inquiry-based project work helps students form strong interpersonal connections with others
- Teaching kindness at every level, and empowering students to build healthy relationships with themselves and others
- Practice of Mindfulness
- Encouraging students to see the fun in learning and not feel judged for their mistakes
Enquire now to find out how your child will thrive in our nurturing school environment.
See What Parents Have to Say About Our Campus
Each day we have been greeted by teachers with warm smiles and genuine kindness – this left a deep impression on us. What touched us even more is how many teachers already remembered my son Eric & Ethan’s names. Their homeroom teacher, Ms Mariko & Ms Michelle, have offered consistent encouragement and recognition, which has deeply reassured both our children and us as parents. We truly believe they will continue to thrive with this kind of support.
Thanks to the teachers, we truly feel that enrolling in this school was the right decision. The UOI and presentation-based learning, which cannot be experienced in Japanese schools, are especially valuable. In addition, interacting with children from different countries every day provides positive stimulation and helps broaden his perspective, allowing him to absorb a wide range of ways of thinking.
OWIS’s legacy and big brand presence were a focal point for us. Our son has really enjoyed the strong exposure to science, and today, I saw his presentation on economics. He knows so much more about economics than even I do, and he is just 10 years old!
After attending OWIS Osaka for a year, he has become more self-motivated in both soccer and academics.
The teachers are highly qualified, and it’s great that he can receive overseas-style education while living in Japan.
As parents, we truly value OWIS’s holistic education approach built around the IB philosophy. Through inquiry-based learning, the school connects knowledge with the real world, helping children develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional growth. The teachers are both professional and caring, with a strong focus on personalised support. The diverse international environment also helps children strengthen their language skills and learn to understand different cultures with an open and inclusive mindset, building a strong foundation for the future.
I chose this school not only because it offers an educational environment where students can thoroughly develop their English skills, but also because I sensed a school culture that values freedom and respects students’ independence.
Although it’s a newly established school, the teachers are very responsible and place great emphasis on academics. With homework and monthly tests, we’ve seen clear progress in our child. In addition, the extracurricular activities are rich and diverse. At our school’s Spring Carnival in March, there were all kinds of delicious food, games, small animals, and industry experts celebrating together with teachers, students, and parents. It was absolutely delightful! Even a month later, our child still can’t stop talking about it.
We chose OWIS to teach our daughter both English and Japanese. Your school came highly recommended for our education journey. We wanted and encouraged a hybrid education as our daughter will also go to school in the US. Thank you so much for including us!
My child has been studying in an English-language environment at other international schools since kindergarten. Although my child briefly attended a public elementary school, he or she was determined to continue learning in an English-language environment. After doing a lot of research, we discovered OWIS. We chose OWIS because of its curriculum, which stimulates children’s curiosity, and its comprehensive support system. We also felt that the newly built outdoor facilities would provide plenty of opportunities for physical activity.
We came across OWIS while searching online and decided to choose it because we felt that the curriculum was strong and the teachers friendly and reliable. Our child is also looking forward to starting in a new enviroment while attending this school.
You guys ROCK! Thank you so much for supporting Food Bank Kansai and spreading the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Junior Secondary programme be available at OWIS Tsukuba?
OWIS Tsukuba plans to introduce its Junior Secondary School starting from 2026, with grades opening sequentially each year. This phased rollout ensures a well-structured programme and allows students to transition smoothly from primary into middle school within the same learning environment.
What will my child learn during the junior secondary years at OWIS Tsukuba?
The Junior Secondary programme focuses on building strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, while also developing critical thinking, digital literacy, and communication skills. Learning is inquiry-based and project-driven, helping students apply concepts to real-world situations and prepare for higher academic levels.
How does OWIS Tsukuba support students during the transition from primary to secondary school?
OWIS Tsukuba recognises this as a key transition phase and provides structured guidance, personalised learning, and pastoral care support. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, build independence, and develop confidence through a supportive environment that focuses on both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.