During their three years in middle school, English is added to this list. Recently, the number of schools using computers has increased, and many have access to the Internet. There are around 30 students in a typical elementary school class. Every day the students also clean the rooms, halls, toilets, and yards of their own school.
Most middle schools require uniforms for their students.
Almost all middle school students take part in an after-school club activity of their choice, such as a musical or arts group, a sports team, or a science club. All Japanese children are required to attend school through the ninth grade. Students must pass tests in order to enter high school or college, and they study very diligently for these exams. It is not unusual for high school graduates who fail on their first sitting to attend a special school for a year or two to prepare for a second or third try at the college entrance exams. Some people worry that studying so hard for the exams throws the youngsters' mental, moral, and physical development off balance.