Jerudong International School has celebrated 10 years of its Japanese Language and Culture Programme, giving students opportunities to learn through cultural exchange, practical activities and immersive experiences.
Nineteen students from Jerudong International School (JIS) received certificates from His Excellency Mr. Kikuta Yutaka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, following their participation in the school’s week-long programme.
The initiative highlights how international schools can extend learning beyond the classroom while helping students develop a deeper understanding of different cultures.
A Week of Japanese Language and Culture Learning
The Japanese Language and Culture Programme began with a Bon Odori workshop led by Embassy staff. Students were introduced to the traditional Japanese folk dance before taking part in a hands-on judo workshop delivered by members of the Brunei Judo Federation.
Throughout the week, students also visited the Embassy of Japan for a workshop exploring traditional Japanese clothing. In addition, they were welcomed to the Ambassador’s Residence, where the Ambassador’s chef taught them how to prepare sushi.
Students further explored Japanese culture by creating hachimaki, traditional Japanese headbands, and learning shodo, Japanese calligraphy.
The programme concluded with student presentations on different aspects of Japanese culture. His Excellency Ambassador Kikuta then presented certificates to the 19 participating students.
Kendo Demonstration Highlights Japanese Culture And A Decade Of Collaboration
The certificate ceremony also featured a Kendo demonstration by His Excellency Ambassador Kikuta and members of the Brunei Kendo Renmei.
The demonstration introduced students to the traditional Japanese martial art, which developed from samurai swordsmanship. Moreover, the live display gave students a practical insight into another important aspect of Japanese heritage.
For students, activities such as these can make cultural learning more memorable by connecting classroom knowledge with direct experience and participation.
The celebration also marked the tenth anniversary of the Japanese Language and Culture Programme.
His Excellency Ambassador Kikuta presented JIS with a commemorative certificate recognising a decade of collaboration between the school and the Embassy of Japan.
Established in 2016 by Mr. Andrew McCulloch and Mr. Russell Mann, the programme has since given approximately 150 students the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of Japanese language and culture.
The milestone reflects the long-term value of partnerships between schools and cultural organisations. Such collaborations can give students access to experiences that may not be available through traditional classroom learning alone.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Mr. Andrew McCulloch, Programme Leader and Teacher at JIS, explained that the initiative was inspired by his own experience on the Japanese Government’s Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 25 years ago, which he describes as both highly valuable and life-changing.
The programme continues to show how international experiences and cultural exchange can influence the way educators create meaningful learning opportunities for students.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Alex Cook, Academic Director at JIS, highlighted the importance of the final week of the academic year in providing students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. He noted that the Japanese Language and Culture Programme exemplifies JIS’s commitment to developing globally minded students through meaningful cultural exchange, active participation and immersive learning experiences.
For parents and educators, the programme also offers an example of how schools can support global learning through practical experiences. By engaging directly with language, food, art, sport and traditions, students can gain a richer understanding of cultures beyond their own.
As JIS celebrates a decade of collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, the Japanese Language and Culture Programme continues to demonstrate the educational value of cultural exchange and learning through experience.
