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A level Japanese

Japanese at Ashbourne is taught in small groups or on a one-to-one basis which means students get plenty of individual attention to help them build confidence and fluency in the language.

Japanese is a challenging yet rewarding language to learn and is best suited to able students who are prepared to work hard and commit.

Why study Japanese?

Japan is a prosperous country and well known for innovation in a wide range of fields particularly technology and industry. Sony, Toshiba and Toyota are among the many leading Japanese companies.

Being able to speak Japanese and having a real understanding of cultural values and views will be a great benefit in finding work worldwide.

Japan is not only about business though. There is a rich heritage of art, culture, history, economy and philosophy to explore.

Which syllabus do we follow?

Ashbourne follows the Edexcel specification for Japenese A level

What does this course cover?

You will learn the skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) necessary to express yourself fluently in Japanese. Students will develop these skills by exploring a range of social, political and cultural topics which include youth culture (e.g. music, art, technology, relationships), lifestyle, health and fitness, and the world around us (e.g. tourism, transport, environment).

Students will also undertake a research project on a topic of their choice to illustrate their proficiency in Japanese. They will learn how to translate from Japanese to English and the other way round and produce extended written work on a range of topics relating to the culture, society, region, annual events of Japan and Japanese-speaking communities. A level students will also read novels in Japanese.

Who teaches this course?

Sakae Osakabe

Japanese Language teaching certificate

Sakae has plenty of experience teaching at all levels in a wide range of business and academic institutions. She also enjoys reading, travelling and music.

Beyond A level Japanese

With A level Japanese you will be well equipped to expand your studies of Japanese history, politics and culture by taking a degree in Japanese or by doing a combined degree in Oriental Studies, History, Business, Design and other languages.

Suggested reading and resources

JP Books

Booksellers in Denmark Street offering a wide range of books and publications in Japanese as well as other cultural goodies.

Grant & Cutler (Foyles)

Long established foreign-language bookshop with books and media in more than 150 languages, as well as national newspapers and magazines. Now owned by independent bookseller Foyles on Charing Cross Road.

JapanFoundation

The Foundation runs a variety of arts, culture, education and language activities in London and across the UK.

Japan Centre

The Japan Centre was set up in 1976 to bring a wide range of authentic Japanese goods to the UK. It’s now a bustling supermarket and deli with a wide range of books and magazines.

Textbooks

Minna no Nihongo 1 & 2 with grammar notes

Basic Kanji book

Don don yomeru iroirona hanashi by Miharu Akimoto et. al

Kitchen

Madogiwa no Totto-chan

Films

Spirited Away

Nobody knows

Dear Doctor

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