Bugs students achieve a high level of learning and emotional development through our curriculum, measured by the standards set in the British Association for Early Childhood Education (https://www.early-education.org.uk/). They benefit from a creative, broad, enriching and stimulating learning environment tailored to support both EAL/EFL students and native English speakers. Academic programmes guided by Read, Write Inc (phonics), Singapore Maths and the International Early Years Curriculum engage children in the learning process all day long and ready them for rigorous studies post-kindergarten. Furthermore, our small classes and high teacher:student ratio ensures pupils are enthusiastic about school life and are successful in each area of growth!

• Essential Information
  • Attendance

    Bugs have mandatory daily attendance, Monday to Friday inclusive.

    Regular Daily Attendance
    Drop Off: 8.40am
    Collection: 2.40pm
    Note: Children must be dressed, seated and ready to begin class promptly at 8.40am

    Extracurricular/After School
    3.00pm to 5.00pm in units of 1hr

    Optional Extension Hours
    Breakfast Club - 7.30am to 8.00am, 8.00am to 8.40am
    Extension Care - 5.00pm to 7.00pm in units of 1hr

  • After School Classes

    After School programmes vary each term. The selection is designed to entertain and suit the learning needs of the children and might include support EFL, sports classes, phonics and literacy, ICT club, chess, performing arts/dance classes, art classes, language programmes and various others.
    Click here to see current schedule

  • Learning Support

    Learning Support: Private tuition is available in both after school periods and within the regular school day. We offer a broad range of subjects including language, academic support and learning a musical instrument.
    Click here to read more

  • Meals

    Kiwi Kitchen is our school caterer of choice. They create meticulously prepared and tasty meals with attention to dietary needs, allergies, balance and presentation. There are 3 or 4 meals choices to select from daily and the meals are well loved by the children.

    Bugs children may also bring a packed lunch from home, prepared to our stringent Prohibited Foods Policy.

    Children that stay on with us for after school classes should have an extra snack, and those who enjoy extension care to 6.00pm or 7.00pm can also have a break later. Parents can order additional food or snacks from Kiwi Kitchen or provide their own.

    Visit the caterer's website here

    See more meals info on our web here

  • Bugs’ Uniform

    Regular Daily Uniform

    

    Sports Uniform

    

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• Bug’s Learning & Assessment
  • Bug’s Curriculum
    • Learning Areas - Big Bugs

      Big Bugs study the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS - Reception)
      
      The curriculum includes phonics, mathematics, guided reading, theme studies, continuous provision, music and PE, providing a perfectly balanced school education.
      
      Big Bugs children follow the seven areas of Learning & Development as outlined for the National Curriculum of England.
      
      Please click on each area below to find out more detail.
      
      Note: We also offer a vast collection of curriculum orientation documents for incoming parents and can arrange meetings to discuss our teaching systems, content, goals, and benchmarks in more depth.

      Three Prime Areas:

      • Communication and Language (English)

        We offer a fun and non-competitive environment for native English speakers to beginner learners to speak, listen and repeat on a one-to-one basis, as pairs, with a teacher and in larger groups. Every day we meet and cover essential vocabulary and theme related words/sentences, and we ensure that there is plenty of repetition and reiteration. Our goal is for students to use their language appropriately and learn to express and exchange ideas, question, and become part of all discussions.

        EAL/EFL NOTE
        Students join us with a very wide range of linguistic skills. The curriculum and set of expectations are created for children with native or fluent English skills, or continuing learners. If children are English beginners they are assessed and will receive a tailored study support package in order to progress at a realistic rate. This may be in the form of extra curricular classes and/or private tuition.

        Children requiring additional language support focus on English and Japanese is not offered as an option in the main curriculum, however it is provided as an extracurricular or private tuition option.

      • Physical development (including PE)

        PE is very important and we nurture students’ gross and fine motor skills. Children access a variety of topics within PE e.g. gymnastics, ball control and athletics. They have daily access to the roof and gym area for guided exercise and free play, learn to climb, balance, roll, throw, catch, kick and jump with precision. They enjoy at least one Sports Day annually, as well as walks to the nature park and outdoor games, occasional Football lessons, yoga, and running/laps for team games for charity causes and fun summer water play!

      • Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSHE)

        At Kspace our students work within classroom guidelines and expectations that encourage manners and etiquette, empathy, self-awareness and mindfulness, responsibility and independence. Tasks are designed to provide opportunities for group work, cooperation in pairs and self-driven projects. We learn to support one another and assist students experiencing challenges. Our Bugs learn about charity and play an active part in the wider Kspace community, and they also taken turns as Classroom Helpers. We encourage good personal hygiene habits and practice skills like getting dressed/undressed and putting on/taking off our shoes. Dangers in the environment, traffic safety and safe practices are also covered. We teach global citizenship and tolerance, and learn about other beliefs and cultures from a secular perspective.

        Big Bugs enjoy a very special project that encourages empathy and respect: They are allowed to take home our cute class mascot and share experiences, document their feelings and activities, and enjoy a brief role as a carer.

      Four Specific Areas:

      • Literacy

        Kspace follows the fantastic Read Write Inc. UK Phonics scheme. Big Bugs’ have at least 1 hour of synthetic phonics daily, and they also practice reading and writing. They learn to recognise sounds using visuals – and then begin to learn to segment and blend simple words to read and write. Eventually they read simple stories and write simple sentences. If children’s reading has reached a certain level of competence we introduce our guided reading scheme; Fitzroy Readers. These are wonderful books that compliment the books read in phonics. There are 70 Readers in the Fitzroy Method, however children might read the majority during their graduation year in Super Bugs.

        Enrolled parents are welcomed into the school for information meetings about our literacy curriculum, and there is also more information here.

      • Mathematics

        We use a UK specific approach to teach an infamous and globally recognized system called Mathematics Mastery, also referred to as ‘Singapore Maths’. It encourages in-depth maths study exploring the ‘how’, ‘why’ and ‘what if’, so children are encouraged to problem solve. Bugs spend a lot of time learning maths! As well as a daily maths lesson they begin each day with a 15 minute brain storm and discussion called a ‘Maths Meeting’. Maths at Kspace incorporates lots of different maths topics, such as days of the week, weather, place value, number bonds and shape – studied in groups/pairs/as individuals and through songs, experiments, games, science and threaded through themes.

        Parents enjoy a full Maths orientation at the school. Web visitors can find out more about Singapore Maths here.

      • Understanding the World (Science, History, Geography, Computing)

        Bugs children have the opportunity to develop cultural awareness and curiosity through their various theme studies and special projects. We learn about climate and geography, to people, food and culture. During our theme study time we enjoy science activities and delve into history. As a British system based school we enjoy many UK calendar highlights (Pancake Day, St. Patrick’s Day etc.) and children participate in Valentine’s, Easter and Christmas festivities. Japanese cultural highlights may be added throughout the year, as well as enjoyment of other festivals from around the world that might thread through our themed topics.

      • Expressive Arts and Design (Art and Design, Music)

        Kspace children are surrounded by gifted musicians and professional artists who inspire and mentor. Lessons are influenced by the theme studies and students have opportunities to use instruments such as drums, keyboard, guitar, xylophone and tambourine. Children are introduced to musical concepts such as pitch, pace and rhythm. They are encouraged to creatively express themselves and have many opportunities for dance, performance through shows, and ongoing project work for exhibitions. They are offered a huge range of artistic challenges and use all sorts of mediums and materials.

    • Learning Areas - Super Bugs

      The Super Bugs study Key Stage 1 (KS1)
      
      The curriculum includes phonics, mathematics, guided reading, theme studies, continuous provision, music, and PE, providing a perfectly balanced school education.
      
      Super Bugs children follow the seven areas of Learning & Development as outlined for the National Curriculum of England.
      
      Please click on each area below to find out more detail.
      
      Note: We also offer a vast collection of curriculum orientation documents for incoming parents and can arrange meetings to discuss our teaching systems, content, goals, and benchmarks in more depth.

      Three Prime Areas:

      • Communication and Language (English)

        We offer a fun and non-competitive environment for native English speakers to beginner learners. They are encouraged to speak, listen and repeat on a one-to-one basis, as pairs, with a teacher and in larger groups. Every day we meet and cover essential vocabulary and theme related words/sentences, and we ensure that there is plenty of repetition and reiteration. Our goal is for students to use their language appropriately and learn to express and exchange ideas, question, and become an active and integral part of all discussions.

        EAL/EFL NOTE
        Students join us with a very wide range of linguistic skills. The set of expectations and language comprehension required are quite sophisticated. Overall the tasks are created for children with native or fluent English skills, or continuing learners. If children are English beginners they receive a mandatory tailored study support package that will assist comprehension, and help them to begin progressing. This may be in the form of extra curricular classes and/or private tuition.

        Children requiring additional language support focus on English and Japanese is not offered as an option in the main curriculum, however it is provided as an extracurricular or private tuition option.

      • Physical development (including PE)

        PE is very important and we nurture students’ gross and fine motor skills. Children access a variety of topics within PE e.g. gymnastics, ball control and athletics. They have daily access to the roof and gym area for guided exercise and free play, learn to climb, balance, roll, throw, catch, kick and jump with precision. They enjoy at least one Sports Day annually, as well as walks to the nature park and outdoor games, occasional Football lessons, yoga, and running/laps for team games for charity causes and fun summer water play!

      • Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSHE)

        At Kspace Super Bugs work within structured classroom guidelines and expectations that are appropriate for pre-graduates. We encourage manners and etiquette, empathy, self-awareness and mindfulness, responsibility and independence. All tasks are designed to provide opportunities for group work, cooperation in pairs and self-driven projects. We learn to support one another and assist students experiencing challenges. Our Bugs learn about charity and play an active part in the wider Kspace community, and they also taken turns as Classroom Helpers. Super Bugs are involved in a mentorship programme where they occasionally assist younger students. We encourage good personal hygiene habits and practice skills like getting dressed/undressed and putting on/taking off our shoes. Dangers in the environment, traffic safety and safe practices are also covered. We teach global citizenship and tolerance, and learn about other beliefs and cultures from a secular perspective.

        Super Bugs enjoy a very special two day calendar highlight prior to graduation: the overnight trip (students and teachers only) requires the children to be away from parents, manage their belongings, cook and tidy, document their experience and travel.

      Four Specific Areas:

      • Literacy

        Kspace follows the fantastic Read Write Inc. UK Phonics scheme. Children have fun at least 1 hour of synthetic phonics daily, and they also practice reading and writing. Super Bugs should recognise sounds and be at a stage where they are segmenting/ blending simple words/reading and writing. The children are challenged daily and will be supported if they enter below this stage. Through our approach, children become fluent readers, confident speakers and willing writers. In addition to phonics, they have many diverse opportunities for independent writing, documenting their theme work and creating their own mini-books. Classrooms have a book corner for independent and specially guided reading sessions: Once children’s reading has reached a certain level, we introduce our guided reading scheme; Fitzroy Readers. These are wonderful books that compliment the books read in phonics. There are 70 Readers in the Fitzroy Method.

        Enrolled parents are welcomed into the school for information meetings about our literacy curriculum, and there is also more information here.

      • Mathematics

        We use a UK specific approach to teach an infamous and globally recognized system called Mathematics Mastery, also referred to as ‘Singapore Maths’. It encourages in-depth maths study exploring the ‘how’, ‘why’ and ‘what if?, so children are encouraged to problem solve. Bugs spend a lot of time learning maths! As well as a daily maths lesson they begin each day with a 15 minute brain storm and discussion called a ‘Maths Meeting’. Maths at Kspace incorporates lots of different maths topics, such as days of the week, weather, place value, number bonds and shape – studied in groups/pairs/as individuals and through songs, experiments, games, science and threaded through themes.

        Parents enjoy a full Maths orientation at the school. Web visitors can find out more about Singapore Maths here.

      • Understanding the World (Science, History, Geography, Computing)

        Bugs children have the opportunity to develop cultural awareness and curiosity through their various theme studies and special projects. We learn about climate and geography, to people, food and culture. During our theme study time we enjoy science activities and delve into history. As a British system based school we enjoy many UK calendar highlights (Pancake Day, St. Patrick’s Day etc.) and children participate in Valentine’s, Easter and Christmas festivities. Japanese cultural highlights may be added throughout the year, as well as enjoyment of other festivals from around the world that might thread through our themed topics.

      • Expressive Arts and Design (Art and Design, Music)

        Kspace children are surrounded by gifted musicians and professional artists who inspire and mentor. Lessons are influenced by the theme studies and students have opportunities to use instruments such as drums, keyboard, guitar, xylophone and tambourine. Super Bugs learn musical concepts such as pitch, pace and rhythm (as well as the Solfege system), and they learn one instrument (recorder or melodica). As they prepare for their shows the music and voice teachers join forces and the groups may form a small choir. They are encouraged to creatively express themselves and have many opportunities for dance, performance through shows, and ongoing project work for exhibitions. They are offered a huge range of artistic challenges and use all sorts of mediums and materials.

    • Assessment

      Monitoring Progress

      Bugs students are observed on a regular basis. Staff members monitor each of the above learning and development areas against goals and benchmarks. Observations are noted for in-house use. Students who have private tuition also receive written feedback and written notes following all 1-1 lessons.

      Individual's progress is noted by the Head Teachers and collated with records photographs, observations and comments, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage to build up data for the written reports each term. Students work often in small focus groups. Parents of children who are on a course of support study of some nature will receive ongoing feedback from teachers about progress.

      To keep you informed of your child’s continuing development, Parent-Teacher meetings are held in all three terms, where you will be invited to discuss your child's progress with your senior member of staff.

      Group updates are issued weekly via the school newsletter, with video footage also sent to parents. Each attending student also becomes part of our annual Yearbook.

  • Bugs' Study Themes

    Big Bug Themes

    1. All About Me
    2. Once Upon A Time...
    3. Going Places
    4. Superheroes
    5. The World Around Us

    Super Bugs Themes

    1. All About Me
    2. We Are What We Eat
    3. Water World
    4. The Stories People Tell
    5. Media Magic

    At the end of each theme (lasting approximately every half term), Bugs perform a show to present their learning to families. The shows often feature a few songs and each child will say a few memorised lines. Over the years, children’s confidence to speak in groups is developed and children feel empowered and supported in performing in front of others. The expectation for shows move with the development of the children to be sufficiently supportive and challenging.

    Exhibitions of children’s work display many self-driven projects and Super Bugs are highly involved in the direction of their planning for these events.

  • Daily Schedules

    Big Bugs Schedule

    

    Super Bugs Schedule

    

•  
• Teachers
  • Teacher Student Ratio

    Classes are kept small and we manage size carefully to ensure a fantastic level of attention for each child.

    The Bugs’ floor has a full capacity for 35 children in total across the Big Bug and Super Bugs’ groups.

    We keep a high teacher:student ratio of 1 teacher: 8 students.

  • Teaching Teams

    Our highly qualified team members are not only expert in teaching the National Curriculum of England but have vast experience working across many countries, are experienced ELL specialists, and have hands-on knowledge of many other great teaching systems and pedagogies.

    All main teachers are English native speakers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

    On the Bugs’ floor there are:

    • Two Head Teachers

    • Senior Teachers and Literacy Specialists

    • Music Teacher (visiting)

    • Japanese Teacher (visiting guest)

    • Art Teacher (visiting guest)

    Periods are also spent with guest and visiting teachers, including dance and vocal tutors who assist with pre-show preparation and theme work.

    Visit the Bugs’ team pages – profiles are available on request or are accessed following enrollment:

    Big Bugs’ Team: Click for Big Bugs’ Team

    Super Bugs’ Team: Click for Super Bugs’ Team

    Please feel free to ask us for teacher profiles so that you can learn more about out qualified and experienced team.

•  
• Admissions
  • International School Term Dates

    International School terms run from late August to the following July.

    There are three terms in one academic year plus two seasonal school periods in summer and winter, offering excellent continuity.

    Click here to see term dates in detail

  • Year Group Eligibility

    Kspace International operates a UK Year Group System, with main class placement dependant on date of birth.
    
    To enter children must be the age stated below by August 31st:
    Big Bugs (Foundation/Reception) – Age 4
    Super Bugs (Key Stage 1/Year 1) – Age 5

    Notes:

    • Both Bugs groups share the same floor. Focused learning for some phonics/literacy and mathematics periods are divided into small groups and level-specific streams decided by our Head Teachers.

    • Some EAL/ELL (or other) students may be eligible for admissions into our Bugs group based purely on their date of birth. However, if a student is assessed (at any stage) as unable to match the pace and comprehension required to study our content, entrance (or continued placement) is offered subject to them following our proposed study support plan. This may include additional paid 1-1 tuition and an extracurricular plan. In some cases the student may spend focus study time in a different stream or age group.

    • Our Super Bugs’ year has an extension period called ‘Super Duper Bugs’. This is available for students who require ongoing tuition or extra support at age 6 (based on DOB above). General reasons for acceptance of students of this older age are that they may be unable to reach the required educational benchmarks, or perhaps require continuous schooling past their main school year. Please ask for details.

  • Admissions Policy

    New children from all backgrounds are welcome at any time during the year if space is available in the correct age group.

    Late Entrance: New students entering late in the year (or in April, based on the Japanese system) may be required to attend extra programmes in order to catch up with their peers, unless they are crossing over into the school from a similar/British system school.

    Assessment: No entrance exam is necessary, however new students may be assessed for language/literacy, emotional and physical development, and academic compatibility with the class level at incoming stage. Assessments are built into their trial period and may require an additional tutor-assessment fee or admissions admin fee.

    Support: If learning or general language support is required, parents are informed of the student-assistance package needed in order to maximize progress and enable the admissions request. Adherence to our support recommendations is required in order to continue at the school once enrolled.

    Physical Exam: No physical examination is required for admissions however parents must agree to follow the school calendar closely and visit their physician to provide us with Health Forms when required. These are part of the regulations laid down by the Department of Education and Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Parents are advised well in advance when the forms will be sent out and must be returned. The school policy on vaccinations is available upon request.
    Note: Unfortunately due to the nature of the design of our facility we are unable to offer placement to students with challenged mobility, based on the necessity for rapid and safe exit in emergencies.

    Documentation: When completing your Online Admissions Form please supply us with a recent photo of your child. A photocopy of relevant passport pages may be requested.

    Residence: Children must reside with a parent/parents or legal guardian.

    Reports: For children that have attended school before, we may ask for previous reports and/or recommendation if it might assist us in our decision.

Big Bugs Math Meeting

An Introduction to the Big Bugs Year & Behavioural Expectations

The Early Years Foundation Stage

An in-depth look at the literacy curriculum, Read Write, Inc.

An in-depth look at Singapore Maths

An in-depth look at the International Early Years Curriculum

Complimentary Curricula: Bugs' Specials