The basic outline of the school year will be the same throughout Japan, although details will vary from school to school and region to region. When an activity refers to a particular year group, every student in that year is usually involved. Activities usually involve the whole student body.
| April |
- ceremonies to mark the start of the academic year (around 5 April)
- outing (sometimes 1-2 day residential) for new intake (sometimes also with other year groups to help students get to know each other)
- home visits. Form teachers are required to visit the homes of each of the students in their class.
- level assessment tests for 3rd grade (junior & senior high) students, to help decide which school / university they should apply for. These are held periodically through the year.
- Golden week holiday (a number of days off between 29 April - 5 May)
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| May |
- mid-term tests
- school trip. Usually 3 - 4 days, for 6th grade elementary, 3rd grade junior high and 2nd grade senior high students. Timing varies eg some senior high schools have ski trips in winter instead.
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| June |
- inter school sports tournaments
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| July |
- inter school sports tournaments
- choir concert (each class performing)
- term end tests
- end of term (around 19 July)
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| August |
- summer holiday. Staff still attend school regularly.
- club activities continue
- some school trips
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| Sept |
- beginning of term ceremony (1 September)
- level assessment tests (most high schools)
- sports day (May in some regions)
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| Oct |
- mid-term tests
- discussion with students / parents about senior high school or university choices
- culture festival (June in some schools)
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| Nov |
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| Dec |
- term end tests
- end of term ceremony (around 23 December)
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| Jan |
- beginning of term ceremony (around 8 January)
- university entrance exams
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| Feb |
- end of year tests (except 3rd grade junior & senior high)
- university entrance exams
- entrance exams for private senior and junior high schools
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| March |
- state senior high school entrance exams
- graduation ceremony (6th grade elementary, 3rd grade junior high and 3rd grade senior high)
- end of year ceremony (around 25 March)
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