April 2 was an important day for NIC, as our team of teachers and staff welcomed students participating in the Bridging Programme. The cohort moved into the Boarding House, under the watchful eye of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The Bridging Programme (BP), which is offered to students who have graduated from junior high school (Grade 9) by March of the year of enrollment, is designed to help students bridge the gap academic between junior high school and the highly demanding academic programme of the IB DP and make a smooth transition to boarding education, helping them acquire the necessary skills to lead their school life and acquire good lifestyle habits.
During the three months, from April to June, students will take intensive classes in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and other subjects - all in English.
After saying goodbye to their parents who came to send them off, an emergency drill was held together with the Year 10 students, who are half a year older than the students, under the guidance of Mr Chaytor, NIC's acting principal, and Mr Incleto, House Director. The students will live in a safe and secure environment that is unparalleled in Japan and abroad.
Dinner time was a time to celebrate the start of their new life, living in the dormitory. BP students were introduced to their respective buddies, G10 seniors, who will be supporting them in their daily life together.
At NIC Boarding House, BP students can find support towards their buddies, but also house supervisors and mentors. It is no exaggeration to say that relationships built here are the greatest feature of being at a boarding school.
Good luck to all of them!