Japanese ab initio Standard Level International Baccalaureate group 2 subject

Applications Open - 3 November 2025

Applications Close - 23 January 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications will still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements

IBCP: 3 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IBDP: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IB course option: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

The overall objective of the ab initio course at Dane Court is for students to achieve communicative competence in a variety of everyday situations. To promote this, the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be regularly practised so that students develop their ability to both understand and use the written and spoken word. Learning a foreign language provides the opportunity for enjoyment, creativity and intellectual stimulation. We will encourage an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures.

The aim of the ab initio course is to promote the idea that learning a language is more than a school subject and to encourage students to continue to use their language skills independently after the course.

This is an intensive language learning course which will enable committed students to achieve a very high standard by the end of the two years. During the course, visiting the target language country to practise language skills acquired is therefore highly recommended.

The course focuses on everyday situations and aspects of the culture related to them. This ensures that the appropriate emphasis is placed on communication. The course is organized into topic areas which provide the teacher and the student with a context in which communicative functions and grammatical structures and vocabulary can be practised. Topics studied include the following:

Individual and society:

• Daily routines
• Education
• Food and drink
• Physical health
• Relationships
• Shopping

Leisure and work:

• Employment
• Entertainment
• Holidays
• Media
• Transport
• Technology
• Sport

Urban and rural environment

• Global issues
• Environmental concerns
• Neighbourhood
• Physical geography
• Town and services
• Weather

External assessment:

• Paper 1: Text handling (30%)
• Paper 2: Written production (25%)
• Written assignment (20%)

Internal assessment:

• Oral exam (25%)

General entry requirements:

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6 B and 2 C grades at GCSE

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 3 B and 2 C grades at GCSE