Specialist Programmes & Co-Curricular Offerings at OWIS Osaka
Beyond the Classroom
At OWIS Osaka, learning extends far beyond traditional academics. Through specialist-led programmes, co-curricular activities, leadership opportunities, and cultural experiences, students discover their passions, develop new skills, and build the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Our holistic approach to education ensures that every student has opportunities to grow creatively, physically, socially, and academically while exploring their unique interests and talents.
Performing Arts - Music, Dance, & Drama
Music, drama, and the performing arts play an important role in developing creativity, confidence, communication, and self-expression. Through classroom learning, performances, productions, and collaborative projects, students explore artistic disciplines, develop stage presence, and share their talents with the wider school community. From musical performances and drama projects to dance, public speaking, and showcase events, students are provided with diverse opportunities to perform, create, and grow.
Offerings include
- Music Classes - Specialist music lessons developing instrumental, vocal, and performance skills across grade levels.
- Opera Opportunities - Through collaborations with Europa InCanto and OperaMuse, OWIS students performed La Traviata at Expo 2025 in Osaka’s Italian Pavilion.
- Drama Projects - Integrated into the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Units of Inquiry (UoI), allowing students to explore concepts through performance and role-play.
- Hip-Hop Dance Club - Regular opportunities for students to develop dance skills and perform as part of school events and showcases.
- School Performances & Productions - Students participate in performances throughout the year, including the Winter Exhibition, Halloween Celebration, Spring Carnival, and other school events.
Students develop
- Creativity and imagination
- Confidence and self-expression
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Public presentation skills
- Appreciation for diverse musical and cultural traditions
Innovation, Design, & Technology
Innovation and Design programmes encourage students to become creators, problem-solvers, and future-ready thinkers. Students explore technology, engineering, and design through hands-on experiences.
Opportunities include:
- Information Technology (IT) Classes - Development of computer literacy, digital skills, responsible technology use, and online safety awareness.
- Secondary Robotics Elective - Hands-on robotics projects involving design, construction, programming, and problem-solving challenges.
- Coding & Programming - Students learn coding concepts, computational thinking, and software development through age-appropriate programming projects and digital creation activities.
- Engineering & Design Technology - Hands-on learning through Makerspace projects, electronics, prototyping, design challenges, and 3D printing, encouraging innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
Students develop:
- Problem-solving skills
- Computational thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Design and engineering skills
Languages & Culture
As an international school community representing many nationalities and cultures, OWIS Osaka celebrates linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding.
Students are encouraged to maintain connections with their heritage languages while developing strong English communication skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for cultures from around the world.
Opportunities include
- English Language Support - (AEP, Transition Programmes, Intensive English Club)
- Japanese Language continuation - Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) & Kokugo classes
- Secondary School Language Electives - We offer French and German language classes.
- International environment - From our multicultural student body and faculty, to our cultural celebrations and international events, all students are celebrated no matter where they come from.
- Journalism and (School Magazine?)
- Library Class
Students develop
- Multilingual communication skills
- Cultural awareness and respect
- Global perspectives
- Confidence in intercultural environments
Physical Education & Sports
Physical well-being is a key component of holistic development. Through specialist Physical Education lessons and a range of sporting opportunities, students build fitness, coordination, teamwork, and perseverance.
Offerings include
- Physical Education (PE) - Weekly specialist PE lessons focused on physical fitness, teamwork, movement skills, and healthy lifestyles.
- After-School Sports Clubsb> - Opportunities to join in a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more, with competitive sports teams participating in tournaments representing the Blue Royals in home and away games with other schools.
- Swimming Programme b>- Swimming lessons as part of the curriculum, and even more fun can be had in the pool during our OWIS Osaka Summer Camp.
Students develop
- Physical fitness and coordination
- Teamwork and leadership
- Discipline and resilience
- Healthy lifelong habits
Creative & Visual Arts
Visual arts are integrated into both the curriculum and co-curricular programme, providing students with opportunities to create, exhibit, and share their work throughout the year. Students explore a variety of artistic media, techniques, and creative disciplines through classroom learning, electives, clubs, and student publications.
Offerings include
- Homeroom Art Classes & Units of Inquiry (UoI) Projects – Students apply artistic and design principles through hands-on projects that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Secondary Visual Arts Elective – Secondary students explore a wide range of artistic techniques, media, and creative processes through dedicated visual arts studies.
- After-School Art Clubs – Students can further develop their artistic talents through activities such as drawing, painting, pastels, pottery, photography, and photo editing.
- Photography & Photo Editing Club – Students learn the fundamentals of photography, image composition, and digital editing while building technical and creative skills.
- Journalism & Student Publications – Students develop writing, interviewing, reporting, photography, and content creation skills while contributing to school publications and media projects.
- Student Art Exhibitions – Students have opportunities to showcase their work both within the school and beyond. OWIS students have exhibited artwork at the Awaji Art Gallery and presented their creative work as part of public exhibitions.
Students develop
- Creativity and innovation
- Artistic techniques
- Critical thinking and reflection
- Confidence in self-expression
Leadership, Agency, & Purpose
At OWIS Osaka, students are encouraged to become responsible global citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.
Through leadership opportunities and service initiatives, students learn to collaborate, communicate, and take meaningful action on issues that matter.
Opportunities include
- Model United Nations (MUN) - Student-led conferences where learners research global issues, represent countries, debate international affairs, draft resolutions, and present solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Mock COP (Conference of the Parties - Student-led climate conference where learners represent countries, negotiate environmental policies, debate global climate challenges, and propose solutions aligned with international sustainability goals.
- UNHCR Engagement - Annual visits from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), providing students with first-hand insights into refugee issues, humanitarian work, and global displacement challenges.
- Public Speaking & Leadership Programmes - Citizenship class, celebration of learning, UoI presentations, PYP Exhibition)
- Healthy Urban Gardening (HUG) for Kansai FoodBank - students grow food throughout the year for donation.
- PYP Exhibition - The culminating Grade 5 exhibition, where students investigate a topic of personal interest, conduct research, develop action plans, and present their ideas for creating positive change in their communities. The project showcases student agency, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, and a commitment to meaningful action.
- Business and entrepreneurship (business and media??)
- Peer mentorship.
- Public Speaking & Presentations - Citizenship lessons provide structured opportunities for students to develop presentation and communication skills.
Students develop
- Leadership and responsibility
- Critical thinking and advocacy
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Global awareness and empathy
Meet Our Specialist Teachers
Our specialist teachers bring expertise, passion, and real-world experience to their subject areas. Through engaging and student-centred learning experiences, they help students discover new interests, deepen their skills, and develop confidence in a supportive environment.
Robert Marvin
MYP Coordinator & Speciality Teacher - Maths
Clarence Haydel
Secondary Homeroom & English Teacher
Bernard Ansah
Secondary Homeroom & Science Teacher
Tim Furniss
Secondary Homeroom & History TeacherDiscover Life at OWIS Osaka
At OWIS Osaka, education extends beyond the classroom. Through specialist programmes, leadership opportunities, cultural experiences, and co-curricular activities, students develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in a global world.