Derby Japanese School Moves to Derby College Broomfield Hall

Derby, United Kingdom, April 13, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Derby Japanese School, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is gearing up for re-opening at its new home at Derby College’s Broomfield Hall campus in Morley.

The Japanese School, which welcomes more than 90 Japanese young people aged six to 18 every Saturday, recently moved from its original base hosted by Derby College at the campus in Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, which has now been sold.

Students returning for the new term on Saturday April 9 will now be based at Broomfield Hall where they will enjoy a host of facilities including classrooms, a library and use of the campus' gardens and green open space.

The school helps Japanese young people whose families are currently based in the UK to keep up to date with the curriculum back at home with all lessons conducted in Japanese. Morning classes focus on Japanese language and literature and the afternoon sessions concentrate on mathematics. numeracy.

Derby Japanese School Headmaster Mr Tamotsu Asai said: “We are looking forward to welcoming students back after the Spring break to our new home and it is the perfect time of year to enjoy Broomfield Hall in all its glory.

“Derby College has provided us with very good support and we are delighted that the Principal has been able to provide facilities at Broomfield following the closure of Mackworth.”

Derby Japanese School is one of around ten in the UK and is supported by the Japanese Government, 14 teachers, the Steering Committee and a rota of parents who volunteer their time to the weekly activities.

Mr Asai continued: “Japanese families who are seconded to the UK usually stay for around three to five years and the school was founded for children from all over the Midlands, with around half from Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

“It can be very difficult for Japanese children to come to the UK, especially for young children who have never learnt English or who have had few opportunities to practice the language before.

“It is therefore important that the children support their English education with the Japanese curriculum to help them settle back into school when they return home.　

“It is also a good for them to mix with their friends in an environment that enables them to speak Japanese and enjoy our cultural celebrations.

“The children work hard here but they also really enjoy themselves and have described it as their ‘oasis.’ We also involve the families a lot with various activities and events during the year.

Derby College Principal David Croll added: “Derby College is extremely proud to be associated with the School and our relationship was first forged more than 20 years ago when we hosted the industry resource centre at Mackworth.

“The Japanese School has gone from strength to strength and I am particularly pleased that it has grown as Derby College has expanded.

“After 20 years at the Prince Charles Avenue campus in Mackworth, I am sure that the new home at our Broomfield Hall site has been welcomed by staff, students and their families with its glorious setting and unique atmosphere.

“Over the years, Derby Japanese School has positively impacted on the lives of thousands of young people – allowing them to keep in touch with their Japanese culture and educational standards whilst simultaneously adapting to life in a new country.”

Media enquiries:
Sarah Jenkin-Jones, PR Officer, Derby College, Tel: 07951 945 665; sarah.jenkin-jones@derby-college.ac.uk

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