KEC English School

We are on the path to becoming Global Leaders!

"The mission of KEC English School is "to develop talent who can contribute to the world through English." This goal reflects their commitment to nurturing individuals who can effectively use English to engage with and positively impact the global community. "

KEC English School was established in 1989 with a clear vision: to nurture individuals who can contribute to the world through their English proficiency. KEC believes in equipping the next generation of Japanese children with a global perspective, recognizing that while English may not be essential for survival in Japan, it significantly broadens one's horizons and opportunities.

Many people aspire to speak English fluently or wish their children to do so. However, KEC understands that mastering English involves more than just acquiring knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. It requires the development of performance abilities—the practical application of this knowledge. Students are encouraged to develop both aspects through engaging and enjoyable activities, enabling them to navigate beyond Japan's borders and explore the world.

KEC Curriculum

Traditionally, English education in Japan has often emphasized learning through a sequence that is opposite to natural language acquisition—starting with reading and writing rather than listening and speaking. KEC, however, follows a more natural language acquisition process, which focuses on listening, understanding, and then vocalizing English, especially during early childhood, which is recognized as a critical period for language learning. By tapping into children’s innate curiosity and interests during this formative time, KEC helps the students use English effectively as a communication tool.

At KEC, children are immersed in a rich learning environment filled with songs, stories, games, and other activities. The school aims to instill in them the joy of connecting with people from different cultures. To make this vision a reality, KEC has implemented numerous inspiring projects to help children spread their wings and engage with the wider world.

Curriculum

Consistency

Consistency is key at KEC English School. Each day’s lesson is carefully designed around a monthly theme, with words, sentences, songs, games, and other activities selected to help students master that specific theme. Using a structured flow of “listen → watch → speak → do,” students repeatedly engage with conversation patterns and vocabulary, allowing students to internalize and make these language skills their own.

Repetition

Repetition is a core aspect of KEC English School’s teaching approach, leveraging children’s natural love of imitation. A wide range of teaching materials—such as picture-story shows, finger puppets, picture cards, songs, dances, games, and music tapes—are used to introduce themes in diverse and engaging ways. By varying the introduction within a single theme and creatively keeping lessons fresh, KEC ensures that children stay interested and practice English repeatedly, reinforcing their learning effectively.

Methods

Learning English as English: TEE (Teaching English in English)

At KEC English School, the approach of Teaching English in English (TEE) is central to the curriculum. Instead of translating Japanese into English, students learn English directly in English, which aligns with the direct method. This approach is especially effective for young learners, as it mirrors how they naturally acquire their first language. It’s also widely regarded as the most effective method for learning multiple languages, as seen in Europe and America. Consequently, lessons are predominantly conducted in English, providing an immersive learning experience.

Listening and Physical Response: TPR (Total Physical Response)

The Total Physical Response (TPR) method is a key component of KEC English School’s approach. Based on how children naturally acquire their first language, TPR emphasizes listening and physical response. Instead of starting with the alphabet, new words are introduced through repeated exposure to their correct sounds. Children react physically to these sounds and then articulate them aloud. This method is particularly effective for children who learn well through repetition and physical engagement, allowing them to acquire language in a natural embodied way.

Picture book reading and reading aloud: PS Approach

Based on the Education through Music (ETM) and the Whole Language Approach (WLA), KEC has combined listening, singing & speaking, reading, and writing according to a monthly or term theme. In elementary classes, in parallel with learning phonics, the students use their articulatory organs by reading aloud English picture books.

Phonics

Children learn the rules of connecting letters and sounds through songs, and games, and then use those rules to learn how to read and write English. This starts at an appropriate school age for children to recognize letters.

Active Learning

Active Learning at KEC focuses on children’s independence and curiosity. By creating an environment where children can explore and research information based on a theme, the school encourages the “ability to think.” This approach helps students engage actively with the material, promoting a deeper understanding and personal connection to their learning.

KEC Class Information

KEC Regular Class
Based on the consistent curriculum of KEC, these are English conversation lessons for students from preschool to junior high and high school. Each lesson is 50-60 minutes long and meets once a week, for 43 lessons per year. (Classes are available throughout Aichi Prefecture, so please check the KEC Classroom List for locations.)
 
Class NameAgeGoals
Ducky3 to 4 years old・Fun participation in English
・English speaking lessons
・Physical participation in singing and playing
Puppy4 to 5 years old・English Vocabulary
・Play games in English
・Use classroom English
Bunny5 to 6 years old・Increase English vocabulary
・Learn the phonic alphabet for reading and writing
・Able to express oneself in a simple way
Level 1
(Beginners)
Elementary school
Grades 1 to 3
・Read picture books
・Learn and use conversational patterns
・Able to give simple self-introductions
Level 2
(Intermediate)
Elementary school
Grades 2 to 4
・Enjoy reading picture books
・Establish daily conversational skills
・Improve self-expression
Level 3
Higher Intermediate
Elementary school
Grades 4 to 6
・Develop a global perspective through SDG programs
・Improve English communication skills
・Improve oral presentation skills ・Learn sentence structures
Level 4/5/6Junior high school students・Develop a global perspective through SDG programs
・Improve English communication skills
・Improve oral presentation skills Learn sentence structures
AdvanceJunior and Senior High school students
(CEFR A2-B1)
・Improve ability to summarize and present opinions in English
・Reading longer texts
・Improve skimming and scanning skills
・Become familiar with English at a natural speed
PremiumHigh School
(CEFR B1-B2)
・Improve ability to summarize and present opinions in English
・Reading longer texts
・Improve skimming and scanning skills
・Become familiar with English at a natural speed
KEC Saturday Class
KEC Saturday Class is an immersion program where children can experience English in an English-only environment for 4.5 hours every Saturday. There are two types of Saturday classes: “Regular Class” and “Advanced Class” (Advance Class is for children who have returned from overseas or have graduated from Kids International School).
 
Class NameGrade LevelGoals
Preschool Regular Class3 to 5 year olds・Have fun in English
・Foster positive attitude
・Acquire basic English knowledge
Elementary Regular ClassElementary school Grades 1-6・Have fun in English
・Gain basic English skills
・Understanding different cultures and ways of thinking
Elementary Advanced ClassElementary school Grades 1-6・Maintain and improve English language skills
・Foster logical verification and analytical skills
・Improve reading and writing skills
KEC Intensive Class
This is a 120-minute course. Students can build up their English skills intensively through careful paired teaching by a native and a Japanese teacher.
 
Class NameGrade LevelGoals
Elementary Intensive ClassElementary school
Grades 1 to 6
・Maintain and improve English language skills
・Foster logical verification and analytical skills
・Improve reading and writing skills
KEC Kids Garden
Various activities are conducted in an English classroom by an English-speaking teacher and a Japanese teacher. There are two types of classes: preschool (kindergarten) for kindergarteners and elementary (elementary school) for first to sixth graders.
 
Class NameGrade LevelGoals
KINDER3 to 5 year olds・Immerse in an English speaking environment
・Improve listening, speaking, and communication skills
・Learn about different cultures
ElementaryElementary school Grades 1 to 6・Immerse in an English speaking environment
・Improve English skills through language activities
・Develop inquisitive and thinking skills through math and science activities
English Salon
The English Salon is an English conversation salon (60 minutes) for adults. The aim is to improve communication skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’ve just started studying English or speak English fluently, but want to brush up on your skills, our instructors will lead you according to individual English skill levels and needs so that everyone can learn and enjoy themselves in the same classroom. Students can easily participate using KEC’s ticket system.
 
Class NameNo Grade LevelGoals
English SalonAdults・Improve English communication language skills
・Learn different cultures

Class List

 KEC English schools are located throughout Aichi Prefecture. Extracurricular classes for kindergarten students may be limited to kindergarten students. Please contact the head office for details.
List of Classes
Class NameLocationOffered Classes (Targeted Students in Parentheses)
Nagakute ClassNagakute CityRegular Class (Grades 1-6, Middle School Students) *Kids Garden (Preschoolers & Elementary School Students) *Intensive Class (Grades 1-6) *English Salon for Adults (General) *Saturday Class (Preschoolers & Elementary School Students)
Nishiharu ClassKita-Nagoya City (Kita-Nagoya Cultural and Labor Center)Regular Class (Grades 1-6, Middle School Students)
Asahi ClassMizuho Ward, Nagoya CityRegular Class (Preschool - Grades 6)
Kinjo Gakuin Yochien ClassMoriyama Ward, Nagoya CityRegular Class (Preschool - Lower Elementary School)
Shikatu Hananoki Yochien ClassKita-Nagoya CityRegular Class (Preschool)
Kozoji Yochien ClassKozoji Town, Kasugai CityRegular Class (Preschool - Grade 4)
Kindergarten List of intramural classrooms
Classroom NameLocation
Aichi Gakusen University Affiliated KindergartenAnjo City
Asahi Kinder no Oka KindergartenMizuho Ward, Nagoya City
Kinjo Gakuin KindergartenMoriyama Ward, Nagoya City
Kozoji KindergartenKasugai City
Tsukimi KindergartenKasugai City
Kyoei KindergartenMizuho Ward, Nagoya City
Komadori KindergartenKasugai City
Sakae Nursery SchoolNaka Ward, Nagoya City
Nagoya Bunka Gakuen Miyoshi Children's GardenMiyoshi City

Our Teachers

KEC schools are staffed by wonderful teachers with rich personalities.
All of our teachers are passionate about teaching English to children and conveying the wonders of the world based on their own experiences of learning English.
I am proud to introduce them to you.

Junko Matoba
KEC Director

Many Voices of Joy

Successful Graduates

Since its establishment in 1989, many students have graduated from KEC English School having learned English, become familiar with the culture, and acquired proactiveness and communication skills. Here, we will introduce some of our graduates who are already active in society. Please take a look at the achievements of our graduates who embody our wish that “we want students to realize that by studying English, they can broaden their world, expand their circle of friends, and live a richer life.”

Membership Applications

 You can download the necessary documents for KEC English School procedures here.
Please fill out all the documents and submit them by fax (0561-64-5065), mail, or photograph them and attach them to an e-mail (info@ednet.co.jp).

Please fill out the form and submit the application to the head office.

Please submit a recess form to the head office or your instructor by the 5th of the month prior to the month of the recess.
(e.g., if you are taking a recess starting in February, the deadline is January 5.
The maximum duration of a recess is 3 months. (Maximum recess for examinations is 1 year)

Please be sure to submit the withdrawal form to the head office or your instructor by the 5th day of the month of withdrawal.
(e.g., withdrawal at the end of February/February 5 deadline)

Please submit a change of address, telephone number, etc.