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日本人は英語が苦手と言われます。
実際に世界と比べたときに日本人の英語力はどの程度なのでしょうか？
ランキングにしたときに何位だと思いますか？

その指数の一つがEF英語能力指数というものです。

https://www.efjapan.co.jp/epi/

こちらによると日本の英語能力は世界８８か国中４９位だそうです。
分類としては「低い」の部類です。

このランキング自体危惧すべきことですが、それ以上に心配なのが全世界的には英語力が向上しているのにも関わらず、日本は年々ランキングとスコアを下げているということです…。２０１１年の統計では日本は１４位でした。それが年々と順位を落とし、今年は４９位です。

もちろん英語さえできればいいというわけではありません。いわゆる「生きる力」とよばれるような全人的な育成が、保育・教育には重要です。

それでも、グローバル化がますます進むこれからの国際社会を生きる子どもたちが英語力を身につけるということは、非常に大切なことです。

英語が「勉強」になる前に。
テストで点数をつけられる前に。
単語を覚えたり文法に気を付けたりしなければいけなくなる前に。
英語が苦手になる前に。

本園では、外国人の先生と一緒に幼少期から英語に楽しみながらふれつつ、母語と同じように習得することを目的としています。世界中の人とコミュニケーションをとるという英語本来の楽しさを十分味わい、日本の質の高い保育と両立することができれば、きっとこれからの国際社会で輝くことのできる子どもたちが育っていくと信じています。

Japanese people often say that they are not good at speaking English.
How good are Japanese people when it comes to English abilities? How do you think Japanese people would be ranked compared to other countries when it comes to English speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities?

There is one reliable index in use. This is called the EF English Proficiency Index. Here is a link to the index:
https://www.efjapan.co.jp/epi/

According to this index, out of 88 countries, Japan is ranked 49th. This ranking falls under the category of “Low Proficiency” rating.

This is a worry to a great many and more seriously, the world’s average English proficiency is improving, but the level of English proficiency in Japan keeps dipping every year. Japan was 14th place according to the index in 2011. Since then, Japan has been remained at 49th place, including this year.

The hope for Japanese children to acquire English language skills is extremely significant, considering the fact that they are living in a world that is more globally connected than ever before.
Of course, being able to speak English is not enough. A holistic education, which nurtures the “zest for living” is equally important and necessary to equip children, so that they can be well positioned to face the challenges of the future and live life to the fullest.

Long ago, the English language was a “subject”. Back then, English language learning focused on tests and writing skill development. Most English language learners worried about remembering vocabulary and grammar rules before considering speaking English with their fellow citizens or foreigners.

To address the above concerns, our preschool education will focus on children enjoying English from a tender age. We hope to create the perfect environment to enable children to acquire language skills from their infancy, just like their peers in other English speaking countries, just like they acquire their mother tongue. The joy of being able to speak English, communicate with people all over the world, and being able to consistently nurture learners to a high-quality standard are key points and I am sure we will be able to educate children who to shine and make a positive impact in the international society. We are determined to succeed and will remain firm and resolute to our aims and goals while we strive to achieve excellence. The success of the future generations of children that would be entrusted into our care is our topmost priority and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence.