Passage V

A Schedule for Success

[1]

Japanese students observe a rigorous annually schedule. Beginning in the second week of April and extending through the following March. The students have no long breaks or full summer vacations. (63)

[2]

[1] Japanese students finish their first term at the end of July and go on vacation until the beginning of September. [2] Then students return for their third term. [3] The second term ends on December 25 for the upcoming New Year's holiday. (64)

[3]

The Japanese school system consists of six years of elementary, three years of middle, and three years of high school. Although high school is not compulsory, attendees have become virtually universal. Acceptance into the best Japanese high schools however, are highly competitive.

[4]

Japanese students have mixed attitudes toward school. Attending school six days a week, taking as many as nine courses during a term. Typical, a ninth-grader takes Japanese, social studies, mathematics, science, music, fine arts, physical education, English, and homemaking or workshop are taken. The greatest emphasis, however, is on the basic skills of writing, reading, and mathematical abilities and aptitudes.

[5]

Because each major Japanese corporation recruits new employees by arrangement from particular universities year after year, getting into the right university is important for students. Therefore, most parents encourage their children to attend jukus, or private preparatory schools, on weeknights and Sundays. The extra work helps the students to score well on entrance exams, which determine what universities they may attend. Once accepted into college, students are almost guaranteed graduation and a good job afterward.

[6]

With this emphasis on education, Japan has attained one of the highest literacy rates in the world; about 99 percent. Meanwhile, Japan's educational system and its business community have joined forces to ensure that a steady supply of well-prepared youth continue to enter the work force.