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Japanese for Teens
Beginners Classes for English Speakers

We offer young people a space to learn with others who share their interest in Japanese. Our small group classes are friendly and led by experienced teachers, with guidance and support provided by me as the course coordinator.

About this course

  • Japanese classes for secondary school students

  • Group lesson

  • Online

  • 1hour on Saturday mornings

  • Term fees: £220  for 10 weeks

  • Experienced teachers with DBS​

Goals and Approach

The majority of students do not aim to take the exams initially. Their motivations often include travelling to Japan, understanding culture such as anime, applying for a Japanese course at university in the future, or the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

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After an initial warm-up period, the course uses a textbook most suited for beginners to ensure steady progress. We use plenty of audio and visual materials to make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Some students eventually become interested in taking the GCSE Japanese exam. If that happens, suitable lessons and guidance will be provided.

GCSE Japanese

There are two levels in the GCSE Japanese exam: Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and Higher Tier (grades 1–9).

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  • The Foundation Tier: Reasonable option after 3 years of studying Japanese.

  • The Higher Tier: Recommended for students who are dedicated and can commit more time to their studies, such as 3 hours a week for 3 to 4 years. The Higher Tier requires three times more kanji than the Foundation Tier.

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If you are studying for GCSE Japanese, a typical plan includes 1-hour weekly lessons, 30 minutes of homework, and some extra self-study. Early on, this might mean watching YouTube videos or anime. Later, extended reading and using apps to learn kanji would be ideal. We can recommend useful resources to support your learning.

Classes

All classes: Saturday mornings, 1h

Term fees: £220 for 10 weeks

Teachers: Experienced in teaching Japanese, fluent in Japanese

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Timetable and Availability

Japanese for Absolute Beginner
Starting in January 2025

Saturday 10:10-11:10am Online

  • Availability  - 2 spaces

  • All beginners are welcome!

  • Some self-study with Hiragana (Japanese alphabet) in advance using e.g. Duolingo is recommended

  • Textbook: Marugoto A1 

Japanese Beginner 1
GCSE Summer 2027

Saturday 9-10am Online

  • Started in September 2023

  • Students can read Hiragana and Katakana comfortably and know some kanji

  • Textbook: Marugoto A1 Lesson Midway

  • Reading level sample:

はじめまして。わたしは エリーです。かぞくは 3にんです。イギリスにすんでいます。ハンバーガーがすきです。あさごはんは パンと たまごです。にくは すきじゃないです。わたしのうちはふるいです。いぬがいます。わたしのへやにしゃしんがあります。まいにち7時におきます。7じはんにあさごはんを食べます。​

  • Suitable for those who are considering GCSE in Summer 2027

  • Availability  - Limited

Japanese Beginner 2
GCSE Summer 2026

Saturday 9-10 am Online

  • Suitable for those with study experience

  • Textbook: Japanese for Teens Upper Beginner

  • Required key knowledge: Verbs conjugations, basic kanji etc

  • Reading level sample:

私は エリーです。学生です。まんがを読むことが好きです。日本語を勉強しています。私の学校はおおきくて、あたらしいです。私はきのう学校のともだちとえいがを見ました。おもしろかったです。(Verb in Dictionary form and てform, Adjective negative, past and てform)​

  • Learning towards GCSE Summer 2026 

  • Availability  - 2 spaces if the level is appropriate​

Japanese Beginner 3
GCSE Summer 2026

Saturday 11:20 am-12:20 pm Online

  • Suitable for those with study experience

  • Textbook: Marugoto A2-1 Midway, Japanese for Teens Upper Beginner

  • Required key knowledge: Verbs conjugations, basic kanji etc

  • Reading level sample:

私は エリーです。学生です。まんがを読むことが好きです。日本語を勉強しています。私の学校はおおきくて、あたらしいです。私はきのう学校のともだちとえいがを見ました。おもしろかったです。(Verb in Dictionary form and てform, Adjective negative, past and てform)​

  • Availability  - 2 spaces if the level is appropriate

Pink Blossom

“I love Japanese lessons. Group lesson is stimulating and I can also relax because I have time to rest my head and listen to others. The teacher is kind and lets us take time to practise when it's challenging, and gives us good homework to review.”

— Ella, Y10

Students on Stairs

“Kazue and other teachers were always supportive. I have seen my classmates from that time on other occasions, which is nice. I'm at university now and looking forward to my Year in Japan programme.”

— Silas, 18

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