SOLTILO GSA After School is a program developed by international school professionals and global education specialists. In this world always transforming through globalization and diversification, we feel there is a need for our children, who will be carrying the weight of the new era on their shoulders, to hold the power to break through the future with their own strength. This is why the concept of our after school program is to make the best use of the knowledge, experience, and achievements of Global Step Academy.
This page is about the Elementary School after school program. For information on the kindergarten after school program, click the button below:
100% English Environment
Through inquiry-based learning and a variety of activities, we offer a unique program only available at SOLTILO GSA International School—designed to develop creative thinking alongside physical engagement. While learning English, students also use it as a tool to explore and learn a wide range of subjects. It’s not just fun—they steadily and effectively build real proficiency.
Developing Strong-minded Children Through Sports
Centered on the Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS), which build the foundation for physical ability and social skills, our physical education program enhances core strength, balance, and coordination, while also fostering emotional growth, such as self-expression and leadership.
Curriculum
Leveraging our experience and expertise in operating international schools, we offer an international after-school program held at least twice a week for over two hours per session. This program develops the four core English skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) while also building proficiency in both “Production” (presenting) and “Interaction” (two-way communication), enabling students to acquire practical, globally relevant English skills.
Being able to use English means being able to learn, think, and take action in English. To achieve this, it is essential to master all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In Japan, many people study English throughout junior high and high school, yet still struggle to watch movies without subtitles. Why is that? The reason is a lack of “output.” The true purpose of language acquisition is not just listening comprehension or pronunciation—it is communication: conveying and sharing ideas.
What you learn only becomes yours when you actively use it. There are no shortcuts—this is the most effective way to truly acquire a language.
Listening
Children will be able to absorb English sounds by hearing the native teachers speak. They will pick up English in a similar way to their first language, which is learned naturally from daily conversation.
Reading
Children familiar with phonics can read words even if they see them for the first time. Through lessons that encourage logical thinking, children will develop advanced reading comprehension skills.
Speaking
Children are supported by teachers specialized in language teaching. Students will train their English speaking skills by having discussions, presentations, and exploring different ways to express their thoughts.
Writing
Children will learn to write essays and compositions following the 3 steps of Draft, Writing, and Editing. Advanced students are challenged to effectively develop their creative writing.
SOLTILO Sports Program
The SOLTILO Sports Program is based on the insights of experienced coaches, including Keisuke Honda, and instructors active globally. This program is designed to build a strong foundation in both physical ability and social skills, centered on Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS). It not only enhances core strength, balance, and coordination, but also nurtures emotional growth, such as teamwork, self-expression, and leadership.
By experiencing and mastering the “36 fundamental movement skills” that form the basis of all sports, children develop their bodies in a well-balanced way. This foundation also enables them to smoothly and confidently transition into specialized sports in the future, should they choose to pursue one.
Why English and Sports?
Learning English through physical activity is widely recognized as an effective, research-based approach.
A. Movement supports language development: we incorporate TPR (Total Physical Response), a method that promotes language acquisition through physical activity.
B. Movement and emotion strengthen memory: exercise activates the brain, simultaneously stimulating the hippocampus (the center of memory) and the motor cortex, enhancing retention.
C. Builds language and social skills together: through physical activity and collaborative tasks, children develop both communication abilities and social skills.
D. Promotes integrated development: this approach supports the holistic development of the body, emotions, and language.
Time to learn English: “between 3000 and 5000 hours”
As Professor Wako Nakashima from Toronto University and Professor Terence Odlin from Ohio State University demonstrated with their research, “between 3000 and 5000 hours” is the standard time needed to acquire English competence. In Japan, after the educational reform of 2020, in elementary schools English hours were increased to 630. What about the 2370 hours left to reach the standard 3000? That is why additional English learning opportunities are so important.
The importance of reading comprehension
Our program focuses on teaching how fun it is to read. To succeed in language learning, consistent reading practice is extremely important. By reading, children will come across a richer vocabulary and deepen their understanding of English in relation to their mother tongue. During their learning journey, children will discover many new words. However, after developing their reading comprehension, it will become progressively easier to grasp the meaning of new words from the context. Reading aloud will give them confidence in their speaking and help with intonation and pronunciation. Listening to the teacher or other students read will help them develop active listening skills by remembering the story’s content, putting the events in sequence, and making guesses about the characters’ emotions and circumstances.
Through reading practice, students will be able to acquire rich knowledge and find their favorite book genre. Having a conspicuous reading experience in childhood will bear fruit for their whole lifetime!
National Geographic Learning
National Geographic Learning’s Look is an English learning series designed for elementary to junior high school students, developing the four core English skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—in a well-balanced way. Featuring the high-quality photography and videos unique to National Geographic, the program explores themes such as global nature, culture, and people, helping students acquire English not as a subject to study, but as a tool to connect with the world.
With a strong emphasis on phonics, it builds a solid foundation in reading and writing while progressively developing English proficiency through a structured 7-level system. This material is ideal for learners who want to cultivate not only their English skills, but also their curiosity, critical thinking, and ability to express themselves.
Don’t let the English your child gained in early childhood go to waste
Many children at SOLTILO GSA After School previously attended international schools during their early years. However, once they enter a Japanese elementary school, opportunities to use English often decrease, and the language skills they worked so hard to build can gradually fade.
By maintaining an English-rich environment, children can preserve and continue to improve their English proficiency.
Support System
Parent-Teacher Conference
Parents are invited to visit the school twice a year, where their child’s progress is clearly shared through a Progress Report.We work closely with each student, supporting and monitoring their growth together every step of the way.
Seasonal Programs
Seasonal programs are held during long vacations, where elementary school students can enjoy learning English naturally through play-based activities and hands-on experiences. The program also encourages focused learning over a short period, making it effective for building strong study habits. Through interactions with new friends and a variety of activities, students develop cooperation and independence.
※Seasonal programs require additional fees.
Schedule
| 時間 | 科目 |
|---|---|
| 15:30 - 16:00 | Arrival / Study Hall |
| 16:00 - 16:45 | Sports Program |
| 16:45 - 17:00 | Snacks / Transition |
| 17:00 - 17:20 | Circle Time / Journal |
| 17:20 - 17:50 | Phonics / Reading |
| 17:50 - 18:00 | Brain Break |
| 18:00 - 18:50 | Core Lesson |
| 18:50 - 19:00 | Goodbye Circle |
※The schedule above is an example.
※All activities are conducted in English.
