The Junior School

The Junior School

Our Junior School at NLCS Kobe provides an exceptional beginning to your child’s educational journey. 

Our ambitious, bespoke junior school curriculum delivered in a friendly, caring and supportive atmosphere, provides the perfect environment in which to build the academic foundations of your child. 

Facilities

Our Junior School facilities are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of our youngest learners. 

The campus offers a spacious, light-filled environment with well-equipped classrooms and specialist rooms for science, music and drama. These dedicated spaces provide the ideal setting for children to explore their talents, develop new passions and nurture a lifelong love of learning. The grand but modern assembly hall—distinguished by its high ceiling, abundant natural light and striking NLCS motif—creates a memorable backdrop for assemblies, family events and student performances. 

Alongside the hall, the library stands at the centre of the Junior School—filled with a large collection of books, inviting seating and reading areas. It provides a calm, inspiring space where children can develop a deep appreciation for reading and literature.

Beyond our learning spaces, a dedicated canteen serves nutritionally balanced hot lunches each day. Children and staff dine together, fostering a sense of community and encouraging meaningful conversation.In addition to our exceptional learning facilities, we have expansive indoor and local outdoor space designed for play, exploration and physical activity. These environments give children the freedom to move, imagine and interact, supporting their physical growth while enriching their cognitive and social development.

Curriculum

We offer a rich, diverse and academically ambitious inquiry-based curriculum and are proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Candidate school. We challenge students to develop new skills, deepen their knowledge and grow in confidence through a holistic approach to learning.

English-language instruction
Lessons are taught in English, enabling students to develop strong language skills and communicate with confidence in a global context.

Broad and balanced curriculum
From core subjects such as English, Japanese, mathematics and science to creative and exploratory areas including art, music, drama, students experience a wide spectrum of meaningful learning opportunities.

Inquiry-driven learning
Teachers foster curiosity and encourage children to ask questions, think independently and engage in purposeful exploration.

Non-competitive, personalised growth
We value each child’s individual journey and our supportive environment allows every student to flourish.

Character, values and well-being
We place strong emphasis on developing resilience, empathy, creativity and responsible global citizenship alongside academic achievement.

Japanese curriculum integration
Alongside our internationally focused, English-language curriculum, students follow a carefully structured Japanese programme taught by qualified native practitioners. The programme ensures students develop strong reading, writing, and communication skills and understanding of Japanese heritage. Japanese language and literature are taught across the school, allowing students to become fluent, confident, and culturally grounded whilst still benefiting from a global outlook. More details are available on our dedicated Japanese Curriculum page.

This academic, modern and stimulating international curriculum and the warm, nurturing environment, gives our students a strong foundation for future success while supporting their personal, social and emotional growth. From their earliest years, NLCS Kobe children develop the confidence and independence to explore, ask thoughtful questions and engage meaningfully in their learning.

Our Curriculum Policy is available for more detail.

Pastoral Care in the Junior School

Pastoral care is one of the central pillars of an NLCS Kobe education. We place great importance on creating a warm, vibrant and nurturing environment in which every child feels known, valued and supported. Our staff build strong relationships with students and work closely with families so that each child’s academic, social and emotional needs are understood and cared for as an individual.

Visit our Pastoral Care page for more detail about what Pastoral Care means at NLCS Kobe.

Clubs & Extra-Curricular Activities

Our extra-curricular programme offers a wide range of opportunities designed to spark creativity, develop leadership and support personal growth. Our Junior School pupils are encouraged to explore new interests, refine existing talents and build the skills that will carry them confidently into Senior School and beyond.

Students can choose from an extensive selection of activities from debating to chess to sport to music ensuring that every child finds something that excites and inspires them. Whether joining a sports team, learning a musical instrument, taking part in a drama production or exploring the creative arts, pupils are given the freedom to pursue their passions and discover new ones.

Through our clubs and special events, students learn to collaborate, communicate effectively and develop leadership skills within a supportive environment. 

Our extra-curricular programme also connects students with the wider community. Through service projects and cultural experiences, pupils develop an understanding of global citizenship and the importance of contributing positively to the world around them.