Introduction of School

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The Educational Goals of St. Paul’s Academy
聖パウロ学園の教育目標
Our school has three educational goals. Firstly, we aim to provide students
with a valuable preparatory period for their transition into society.
Secondly, we strive to shape students' character based on Catholicteachings during their junior high and Senior high school years. Lastly, weaim to equip students with the academic skills necessary to forge theirown path and contribute to the international community.

The Three Goals Set
By Kousen Catholic Junior High School and Senior High School are asFollows３つの目標

1. Shaping Character Based on Catholic Teachings「カトリックの教えに基づく人格形成」"Shaping character based on Catholic teachings" refers to the developmentof a personality filled with love. Our school conducts spiritual education
through activities such as Bible study and lectures, under the theme of"School Hour."

2. Ensuring a Path Through Academic Growth「学力を伸ばし進路を保障」
To ensure that students can pursue their desired career paths, our school
undertakes various initiatives. During their junior high and Senior highschool years, which require a diverse range of experiences to envision theirfuture, students have opportunities to learn various subjects, in addition
to regular classes.

3. Fostering Creative International Individuals「創造性豊かな国際人の育成」
To expose students to different cultures and cultivate an international
mindset, our school offers comprehensive English education, English
conversation classes, and school exchanges with sister schools in Detroit(USA), Nelson (New Zealand), and Sydney (Australia). We also provide
language training programs in New Zealand and the United Kingdom
during the three-week summer vacation. Furthermore, through activitiesof the Rotary Club's "Interact Club" in Kusatsu, we engage in international
exchanges with countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, and Cambodia.
2The Founding Philosophy
and Patron Saint of Our School are as Follows:
建学の理念・守護聖人について

Cultivating Individuals Who Become“The Salt of The Earth and The Light of The World”「地の塩、世の光」
The phrase “the salt of the earth and the light of the world” is takenfrom the famous “Sermon on the Mount” in the Gospel of Matthew,
Chapter 5:“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what canit be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrownout and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city
set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp andthen put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it
gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see yourgood deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”At our school, we aim to cultivate individuals who are “useful in society” like the salt of the earth
and who “illuminate and shine in this world” like the light of the world.

Fostering “Love, Justice, and Responsible Freedom”「愛と正義と責任ある自由」
Loving oneʼs neighbor as oneself, having a strong sense of justice
to confront injustice, and understanding freedom as a responsibility
rather than mere autonomy are all teachings of the Catholic faith.
By adhering to these teachings, we believe that we can contributeto the realization of peace for all humanity. The founding of Kousen
Catholic Junior High School and Kousen Catholic Senior HighSchool embodies the desire for students to become individuals whoembody and uphold love, justice, and responsible freedom, as they
strive towards the goal of peace for humanity.

Patron Saint
守護聖人についてThe patron saint of our school, Saint Paul the Apostle, was an early Christian missionary. Initially,
he persecuted Christians, but Jesus chose him as a vessel for the mission of evangelization. While
traveling to Damascus, he heard the voice of Jesus from heaven, and his sight was temporarily takenaway. After arriving at his destination, his sight was restored by a disciple sent by Jesus, and heunderwent conversion. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Paul embarked on numerousmissionary journeys, enduring persecution and performing miracles on behalfof God. He tirelessly spread the teachings of Jesus (the Gospel) and helped toexpand Christianity. Paul eventually suffered martyrdom due to persecution.
However, the places he traveled to became the birthplaces of various Christiancommunities. Through his self-sacrifice, he exemplified being the "salt of theearth and the light of the world," spreading the teachings of Jesus. Saint Paul
was a person of unwavering dedication who fulfilled his mission until the end,
inspiring us with his steadfastness and influencing our own attitudes andactions.
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History
沿 革Year1988

EventsEstablishment of Kousen Junior High School and High School (Capacity: Junior High:120 students, Senior High School: 200 students)

1989

Establishment of Class II Advanced Course

1990

Completion of the Second Ground Sports Facilities

1993

First Overseas Study Program conducted (3 weeks in New Zealand)

1998

Establishment of Kousen Senior High School Class III (Science and Mathematics Course)

1999

Integration of Seta Kousen Kindergarten into our institution

2000
2002

Expansion of school buildings completed (Chapel, Memorial Hall, Regular Classrooms,etc.)
Establishment of Kousen Senior High School Class III (Integrated Course) (Capacity:Senior High School changed to 280 students)

2005

Establishment of Kousen Senior High School Class III (Humanities Course)

2009

Completion of Artificial Turf Tennis Court

2010

Completion of Junior High School Martial Arts Gym

2010
2013

Increase in Senior high school capacity to 320 students and introduction of electronic
blackboards in classrooms
Commencement of Overseas Study Program in the UK (2 weeks)

2016

Increase in Senior high school capacity to 350 students

2017Completion of New Artificial Turf Ground

2019
2019
2019
2020

Establishment of Senior High School Regional Talent Development Program "Career
Path"
Introduction of "English Top Course" in the Junior High School curriculum
Renaming of Seta Kousen Kindergarten announced (to Kousen Catholic Kindergarten)
Change of school names to Kousen Catholic Senior High School and Kousen CatholicJunior High School respectively

4There are Five Courses Available at Kousen Catholic Senior High School
光泉カトリック高等学校の 5 つのコース
Each offering an optimal learning plan tailored to students' desired career paths. We provide full
support in realizing their goals.

S Course (Targeted to Kyoto Univ., Osaka Univ., Kobe Univ., Medical Univ.)
The S Course is designed for students aiming to enter prestigious universities such as Kyoto Univ.,
Osaka Univ., Kobe Univ., and national public medical schools (Faculty of Medicine). Experienced
teachers with expertise in exam preparation provide guidance and support for students pursuingthese goals.

A Course (Targeted to Doshisha Univ., Ritsumeikan Univ.)
The A Course is designed for students aiming to enter private universities such as Doshisha Univ.
and Ritsumeikan Univ.. From the second year, students specialize in three subjects specific to theirchosen academic stream (humanities or sciences) that are required for university entrance exams.
The course also includes specific instruction on entrance exam strategies for Doshisha Univ. andRitsumeikan Univ.. If students meet the required academic criteria, they have the option to switch
to other courses such as the S Course starting from the second year.

L Course (Targeted to National and Public Universities)
The L Course is designed for students aiming to enter national and public universities. From thesecond year, students focus on the five subjects required for the National Center Test for UniversityAdmissions. The course also includes instruction on preparing for the secondary examinations ofspecific universities. If students meet the required academic criteria, they have the option to switch
to other courses such as the S or A Course when advancing to the next grade.
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P Course (Targeted to Ryukoku Univ. and Kyoto Sangyo Univ.)
The P Course is designed for students aiming to enter private universities such as Ryukoku Univ.andKyoto Sangyo Univ.. From the second year, students specialize in the three subjects required forthe humanities stream of university entrance exams. They also receive instruction specificallytailored for the entrance exams of Ryukoku Univ. and Kyoto Sangyo Univ.. In the nursing track of
the P Course, students focus on preparing for entrance exams to private university nursing
departments. If students meet the required academic criteria, they have the option to switch toother courses such as the A or L Course when advancing to the next grade.

FR Course (Targeted to Private Universities)
The FR Course is designed for students aiming to enter private universities, junior colleges, andvocational schools. From the second year, students specialize in the three subjects required forhumanities-based private universities. They focus their studies on these subjects. If students meetthe required academic criteria, they have the option to switch to other courses such as the P, A, orL Course when advancing to the next grade.

Characteristics of Learning at Kousen Catholic Junior High School
光泉カトリック中学校の「学びの特徴」

The "3-Step Learning" method by Kousen aims to go beyond the level of understanding in daily
lessons. It is a collection of learning methods that achieve three stages: "Comprehension"(understanding), where the understood content is firmly internalized; "Retention" (memorization),where the memorized knowledge and reading/problem-solving skills are effectively utilized; and"Application" (utilization), which considers situations that lead to future paths such as exams andentrance exams.
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Annual School Events

Senior High School

年間行事（高校）

April

May

- Entrance ceremony for first-year Senior high school students- Orientation and club introduction- Field Trip for first-year Senior high school students (Village-dest imadu)- Field Trip for second-year Senior high school students (visit to universities inKyoto)- University-specific entrance exam explanation session for third-year students- Cleanup activities by the volunteer clubJune- The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

July- Mock lessons by subject for first-year students

AugustSeptember
October- Study workshops for students- Language Study Trip to New Zealand- Sports festival- Cultural festival- Career guidance sessions by department and course for second-year students- Evacuation DrillNovember- Second-year School TripDecember- Christmas MassJanuary- Student council officer elections

March- Graduation Ceremony for third-year students- Completion Ceremony- Ball sports tournament

Graduation Ceremony

Career Exploration

Field Trip

Sports Festival

Cultural Festival7

Annual School Events

Junior High School

年間行事（中学）
April
May
June
July
AugustSeptember
OctoberNovember
DecemberJanuary
February

March- Entrance Ceremony/Opening Ceremony- Field Trip for 2nd-year students (off-campus learning)- Overnight Training for 1st-year students- Spring Sports Event Send-off Ceremony- Study Trip for 3rd-year students- The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles- Summer Sports Event Send-off Ceremony- End of 1st Semester Ceremony- Summer Courses- Summer Courses- Language Study Trip to New Zealand- Opening Ceremony for 2nd Semester- School Sports Festival- Autumn Sports Event Send-off Ceremony- Junior High School Cultural Festival- Study Camp for 3rd-year students- Christmas Mass
- End of 2nd Semester Ceremony- Hyakunin Isshu (Traditional Japanese Poetry) Competition- Opening Ceremony for 3rd Semester- Ski Training for 2nd-year students- Skating Lessons for 1st-year students- Sports Experience for Students with Disabilities (2nd-year)- Farewell Event for 3rd-year students- Graduation Ceremony- Completion Ceremony

Ski Training

Hyakunin Isshu Competition

Cultural Festival

Sports Festival

Farm Experience

Childcare Exchange

Overnight Training

Christmas Mass8Club Activities
クラブ活動

BaseballVolleyball

Men's Basketball

Men's Tennis

Rugby FootballIce Hockey

Athletics

Soccer9

KendoBadminton

Table Tennis

Women's Tennis

Women's Basketball

Literary Manga

Brass Band

Exploring Nature

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ShogiBroadcasting

ChorusTea Ceremony.

Computer

Volunteer Enthusiast Association

Course and Enrollment
修了年数・学科・入学定員
SchoolDuration

CourseEnrollment Quota

Junior High School

3 years-120 × 3 = 360

Senior High School

3 years

General Course

350 × 3 = 1,050

11Facilities
施 設Chapel

Memorial Auditorium

BakeryCafeteria

Gymnasium

Martial Arts Gym

Artificial Turf Ground

Computer Room

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Kusatsu as a Historical Landmark
歴史上の名所としての草津市

歌川広重画 近江八景「矢橋の帰帆」
The "Kihan Returning Sails at Yabase," painted by Hiroshige Utagawa in the mid-19thcentury, is a famous ukiyo-e print that depicts the direction of Kyoto. It is part of hisrenowned series called the "Eight Views of Omi." The artwork portrays the scene fromthe ferry terminal, which connects the island of Kihan in Kusatsu City, near Kousen
Catholic High School, to Otsu on the opposite shore of Lake Biwa. In the distance, you
can see Mt. Hiei, with Kyoto located beyond it.

Good Locations for Field Trips
校外学習好適地
彦根城・ひこにゃん（滋賀県彦根市）
Hikone Castle and its beloved mascot, Hikonyan, are iconic symbols of Hikone City.
Hikone Castle, a designated national treasure, is a well-preserved feudal castle thatshowcases traditional Japanese architecture and offers breathtaking views of Lake Biwa.
Hikonyan, the castle's adorable cat mascot, has won the hearts of visitors with its
charming presence and playful personality. Together, Hikone Castle and Hikonyan
provide a delightful cultural experience for tourists and locals alike.

清水寺・金閣寺（京都市）
Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji are two iconic and representative temples of Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera, meaning "Pure Water Temple," is known for its magnificent wooden
terrace that offers panoramic views of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site anda popular destination for its historic significance and stunning architecture. On the otherhand, Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple covered
in gold leaf, reflecting its beauty on the surrounding pond. It is a striking testament to
the elegance and splendor of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Both temples attract
countless visitors each year, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual essenceof Kyoto.

日本橋（大阪市）
Nipponbashi in Osaka, known as a holy land for anime and otaku culture, is a prime
destination for enthusiasts of cool Japan. It offers a vibrant hub where fans can immersethemselves in anime, manga, and unique otaku experiences. From specialty stores tothemed cafes and regular events, Nipponbashi captures the essence of Japan's pop
culture, making it a must-visit spot for anime lovers and otaku enthusiasts.

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Transportation (by train)from Kansai Airport: 1 hour and 45 minutes
from Osaka: about 1 hour.

St. Paul’s Academy
Kousen Catholic Junior and Senior High SchoolNoji-cho 178, Kusatsu City, Shiga Pref., Japan, 525-8566
Telephone +81-77-564-5600

Facsimile +81-77-564-5136

525-8566 滋賀県草津市野路町 178
学校法⼈聖パウロ学園 光泉カトリック中学校・⾼等学校

www.kousen.ed.jp/junior/

www.kousen.ed.jp/high/special/©29 August 2023

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