top of page

Japanese for Teens
Beginners Course for English Speakers

We offer young people a space to learn alongside others who share their interest in Japanese. Our classes provide a friendly atmosphere and are led by experienced teachers, with guidance and support from me as the course coordinator.

About the course

  • Japanese classes for secondary school students and above

  • Lessons delivered in English

  • Small group classes (up to 6 students)

  • Online lesson

  • 1-hour session on Saturday mornings

Goals and Approach

Most students do not aim to take exams at first. Their motivations often include travelling to Japan, understanding culture, or simply a love of languages.

​

The course uses a beginner-friendly textbook to support steady progress. We include audio and visual materials to keep learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

​

Some students eventually become interested in taking the GCSE Japanese exam. If that happens, suitable lessons and guidance will be provided.

GCSE Japanese

There are two levels: Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and Higher Tier (grades 1–9).

 

Foundation Tier is suitable after 3 years of studying. Higher Tier is recommended for students who are dedicated and can commit more time to their studies, such as 3 hours a week for 3 to 4 years. Higher Tier requires about 3 times more kanji, and the Writing test is more challenging.

​

If you are studying for GCSE, a typical weekly plan includes a 1-hour class, 30 minutes of homework, and some extra independent learning. Early on, enjoying Japanese through your favourite content, such as YouTube videos or anime, can count as self-study. Later, it is important to organise more and focus on reading, writing, and kanji.

​

More information about GCSE Japanese

Trial Lesson

We offer trial lessons! Please get in touch. If a student decides not to continue, we welcome a voluntary contribution of up to £22 to support the time and coordination involved. This is entirely optional.

Our Classes

1 hour on Saturday mornings

£220 for 10 weeks

Our teachers are fluent Japanese speakers with international teaching backgrounds. DBS certified.

​​

Japanese for Absolute Beginner
Saturday 11:20 -12:20 Online
Started in September 2025

  • Availability -2 spaces

  • Suitable for complete beginners​

 

No prior knowledge is required, but some familiarity with Hiragana can be helpful, as most students tend to do a bit of self-study in Hiragana and Katakana before joining the class, often using apps like Duolingo.

Japanese Beginner 1A
Saturday 10:10 -11:10 Online
Started in January 2025

  • Reading level samples 

 

わたしはにほんごがすきです。イギリスにすんでいます。

​

A：ひるごはんはなにをたべますか。

B：カレーをたべます。

A：どこでたべますか。

B：あのみせでたべましょう。

​

Online Quiz: Food in my town

Online Quiz: Locations

 

Japanese Beginner 1B
Saturday 11:20-12:20 Online
Started in September 2025

  • Availability - 2 spaces

  • ​Textbook: Marugoto A1, currently Lesson 5

  • Suitable for those considering GCSE in Summer 2028

  • Students in this group are beginners with some prior learning experience, such as having studied with a tutor or having lived in Japan. They can read Hiragana and Katakana confidently.​​

  • Reading level samples

​​

わたしはにほんごがすきです。イギリスにすんでいます。

​

A：ひるごはんはなにをたべますか。

B：カレーをたべます。

A：どこでたべますか。

B：あのみせでたべましょう。

​

Online Quiz: Food in my town

Online Quiz: Locations​

Japanese Beginner 2
Saturday 9:00-10:00 Online

  • Availability - Full

  • Learning towards GCSE Summer 2027

  • Started in November 2023

  • Completed Marugoto A1 in November 2025

  • Curret Textbooks: Japanese for Teens, 200 Kanji for GCSE and N5/4

  • Reading level sample

私のかぞくは四人です。イギリスにすんでいます。私のまちに大きいびじゅつかんがあります。きょう、七時におきました。十時にこうえんに行きました。それからともだちとえいがを見ました。たのしかったです。こんしゅう、がっこうで日本語のテストがありますから、としょかんでべんきょうします。

Japanese Beginner 3
Saturday 9:00-10:00 Online
GCSE Summer 2026 Candidates

  • Availability - Full

  • Started in January 2023

  • Completed Marugoto A1 in March 2024

  • Completed Japanese for Teens in May 2025

  • Current Textbook: GCSE Writing Practice Workbook

  • Reading and writing level sample

私は日本語を勉強しています。しゅみはまんがを読むことです。私の学校は大きくて、新しいです。きのう学校のともだちと会いました。映画を見たり、カフェに行ったりしました。楽しかったです。​

​​​​

“I love Japanese lessons. Group lesson is stimulating and I can also relax because I have time to rest my head and listen to others. The teacher is kind and lets us take time to practise when it's challenging, and gives us good homework to review.”

— Ella, Y8

Pink Blossom

“My motivation for taking GCSE Janese was that I wanted to do well to make my grandmother proud, and so I can communicate better at my part-time work, Japanese restaurant. I find the writing practice helpful, especially the booklet with practice questions for writing and the Kanji booklet.”

— Bela, Y12

Students on Stairs

“Kazue and other teachers were always supportive. I have seen my classmates from that time on other occasions, which is nice. I'm at university now and looking forward to my Year in Japan programme.”

— Silas, 18

bottom of page