We often receive inquiries from families who are returning to Japan at the same time as high school entrance exams, asking, “What should I do while I’m in Singapore?”
There is less information about high school entrance exams than junior high school entrance exams, and each school has a different system for entrance exams for returning students, so it is difficult to know where to start. However, there are many preparations you can make while abroad.
In this article, we will explain the following points regarding high school entrance exams for returnee children.
- Differences in the types and systems of high schools that conduct entrance exams for returning students
- Three conditions to check for application qualifications
- National, public, and private exam dates
- Specific measures you can take while in Singapore
Differences in the types and systems of high schools that conduct entrance exams for returning students
First, let’s organize your options for the school you want to apply to.
The systems differ greatly between national, public, and private schools.
Entrance exams for returning students are administered differently at national high schools, public high schools, and private high schools.
A relatively large number of private high schools conduct entrance exams for returning students, and the selection methods vary from school to school. Some schools also offer online exams for overseas students.
For public high schools, the system differs depending on the prefecture. Some local governments hold the returnee entrance examination on a different date from the general entrance examination, while others hold it on the same day. In addition, at public full-time high schools, there are cases in which the applicant must be able to move to the prefecture by the date of admission, and in some cases application eligibility will be reviewed before the application documents are submitted.We recommend that you contact the board of education of the local government you wish to apply to as soon as possible, as this will directly determine the timing of your return.
Approximate exam timing
As a general rule of thumb, there are the following trends:
However, these are trends and change depending on the school, local government, and year.Please be sure to check the latest recruitment guidelines for your desired school.
Three conditions to check for application qualifications
There are application requirements for the returnee entrance exam, and if you do not meet these requirements, you will not be able to take the exam.
Condition 1: Number of years living overseas
The condition is how long you stayed abroad. Generally speaking, most schools require a period of 2 to 3 years, but there are also schools that require a period of 1 year or more, so there is a wide range.
Condition 2: Number of years that have passed since returning to Japan
The condition is within how many years have passed since returning to Japan. It is said that many schools here also require that you apply within 2-3 years after returning to your country.
In other words, if you start looking for schools after returning to your home country, the schools you can apply to may be narrowed down based on the number of years that have passed.You should check the schools of your choice before returning to your home country.
Condition 3: Type of school attended
A condition is whether you were enrolled in an international school, a Japanese school, or a local school. Many schools offer both of the above, but each school may handle them differently.
The combination of these three conditions will determine which schools you can apply to. If there is room for your family to adjust the timing of your return, it is ideal to make a decision that is consistent with these conditions.
4 things you can do while in Singapore
So what can you do while you’re abroad? Organize in order of priority.
Measure 1: Obtain an English qualification
In the entrance examination for returning students, the presence or absence of English qualifications such as Eiken or TOEFL, and the level they have acquired may be evaluated.
Singapore has an English environment and you can take the Eiken test locally.Taking advantage of this environment and obtaining qualifications early will be a great advantage.Qualifications are objective achievements that can be stated in application documents, and some schools are concerned with the application qualifications themselves.
Measure 2: Do not lower your school grades (reported scores)
For high school entrance exams, internally reported scores may be taken into consideration even for returnee students.
If you are enrolled in a Japanese school,It is important to complete regular tests and submissions and maintain the grades on your report card.
Even if you are enrolled in a local school or international school, your daily grades will be subject to evaluation, as transcripts from your school are required as part of your application documents.
Measure 3: Start preparing application documents early
For returnee entrance exams, there are more documents to prepare than for general applicants.
It may take time to obtain certificates of residence overseas, academic transcripts from schools attended, etc. In particular, documents issued by the school you are enrolled in depend on the pace of the school’s administrative procedures, so please make sure to request them well in advance.The last mistake you want to avoid is not being able to apply due to incomplete or incomplete documents.
Measure 4: Continue preparing for the academic achievement test
Many schools also require academic ability tests in Japanese, mathematics, English, etc. for returnee entrance exams.
Because you live overseas, where the learning environment in Japanese is limited, you need to consciously continue to take measures for this part.In particular, it is essential for children enrolled in local schools or inter-school schools to separately study Japanese and mathematics in accordance with Japanese textbooks.By using online study support, you can prepare for the Japanese entrance exam while staying in Singapore.
summary
Preparation before returning home will determine your options. We will summarize important points for high school entrance exams for returnee children.
- As the systems and exam dates differ between national, public, and private schools, it is necessary to check each type of school you wish to apply to.
- Public high schools may require certainty of relocation as an application qualification, so early inquiries with the board of education are effective.
- Application qualifications are determined by three conditions: “years living overseas,” “years elapsed since returning to Japan,” and “type of school attended.”
- Obtaining an English qualification is the most important preparation to take advantage of the Singapore environment.
- Preparation of application documents and application documents are items that should be started before returning to Japan.
Whether the timing of your return to Japan matches the application requirements for your desired school, and what you should prioritize starting from the current school year will depend on your family circumstances. For information on learning plans tailored to your child’s situation, please request free information below.