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International school・2026.10.07・12 min readPetra Parent Questions

Tokyo International School Curriculum Guide: IB, IGCSE, AP and K-12

K-12 describes a grade span, IB is a family of programmes, IGCSE is a subject-based qualification, and AP is a set of individual advanced courses. Here is how parents can compare them.

EIKEN・2026.09.27・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

One week before the EIKEN first stage: what to prioritise in the final 7 days

With one week left, it matters more to narrow down where marks are being lost than to add new materials. Here is how to use the final 7 days.

Parent learning advice・2026.09.27・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

How to choose an English tutor that suits your child: 7 things parents should check

A tutor's background alone does not decide the match. Goals, age, teaching style, language, schedule and location, and what to look for in a trial lesson.

Parent learning advice・2026.09.27・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

Does an English tutor need to speak Japanese? How to decide on a bilingual tutor

A tutor who speaks Japanese is not always better, and neither is English-only. Here is how to decide based on your child's goal and current level.

Overseas university & SAT・2026.09.21・8 min readPetra Parent Questions

How to study in the last week before the SAT: reviewing Bluebook practice tests and preparing the day before

One week left before the SAT: reviewing Bluebook practice tests, narrowing weak points, priorities for Reading and Writing and Math, and preparation the day before.

Overseas university & SAT・2026.09.21・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

5 things to do the night before the SAT: a checklist for last-minute study and test-day preparation

For students and parents unsure what to do the night before the SAT: priorities from last study, Bluebook, admission ticket, what to bring and the venue to bedtime, and what to avoid.

EIKEN・2026.09.21・8 min readPetra Parent Questions

Three days before the EIKEN interview: second-stage preparation you can still do

Three days before the EIKEN second stage: the interview flow, reading aloud, answering questions, opinion questions and the order to practise mock interviews, mainly for Grades 3, Pre-2, Pre-2 Plus and 2.

Overseas university & SAT・2026.09.21・8 min readPetra Parent Questions

5 reasons your SAT practice test score is not improving, and how to review

For students whose SAT score does not rise despite many practice tests: weak-point analysis with Score Details and My Practice, classifying causes of mistakes, and repeating with the Student Question Bank.

International school・2026.09.21・8 min readPetra Parent Questions

What is analysis in IB? How it differs from summary and how to write it

For IB students told they write only summary: the difference between summary and analysis, thinking in What, How and Why, examples, linking back to the question and how to revise.

International school・2026.09.21・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

Why words you memorised do not come out in English writing, and how to practise

How to turn known vocabulary into usable vocabulary for learners who understand words but cannot produce them in writing or conversation, using example sentences, recall, short sentences, paraphrasing and review.

Parent learning advice・2026.09.21・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

How to judge the quality of an English lesson: 5 things parents can look at

For parents who are not confident in English themselves: five ways to judge lesson quality through goals, your child's engagement, specific feedback, adjustment to understanding, and the next step.

Parent learning advice・2026.09.21・7 min readPetra Parent Questions

What to do 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before an exam

A revision plan for any kind of exam: checking the scope, fixing weak points, rehearsing the real format and preparing the day before, for students unsure what to prioritise at each stage.

EIKEN・2026.09.21・6 min readPetra Parent Questions

How to take EIKEN in Singapore: the difference between JAS and Satsuki Gakuen

Based on information confirmed as of September 21, 2026, this article sets out the main routes for taking EIKEN in Singapore and what to check before applying.

EIKEN・2026.09.17・6 min readPetra Parent Questions

EIKEN Pre-2 as an elementary school student: 3 things parents should prepare

The three places elementary students typically get stuck on Pre-2 (vocabulary, long passages and writing), plus home study steps and when outside support helps.

EIKEN・2026.09.17・5 min read

Vocabulary memorisation alone does not always improve EIKEN scores

At higher grades, the bottleneck is often not vocabulary. Here is how to tell what is actually costing points.

EIKEN・2026.09.17・6 min read

Why EIKEN writing stalls, and what to do about it

The pen often stops before vocabulary or grammar even come into it. Here is where students actually get stuck, and what helps.

EIKEN・2026.09.17・6 min readPetra Parent Questions

EIKEN past paper score is low. What should be fixed first?

A low score alone does not diagnose anything. Here is how to break the loss down by cause.

International school・2026.09.17・5 min read

What to check when written homework comes to a halt

When written homework stalls, check whether the question, structure and teacher's expectations are clear, as well as the student's writing ability.

International school・2026.09.17・6 min readPetra Parent Questions

What to check when English feels like it's too hard at international school

“Struggling with English” is not one problem. Here is how to work out which one it actually is.

Beginner English・2026.09.17・5 min read

What to focus on first so primary English remains manageable

How to choose between pronunciation, vocabulary, conversation and reading based on your family's situation.

Beginner English・2026.09.17・6 min readPetra Parent Questions

Phonics, conversation or school English: where should we start?

No single one of these is always the right place to start. Here is how to choose based on your child's current profile.

Overseas university & SAT・2026.09.17・7 min read

What is the SAT? Structure, difficulty and how parents can use it

The SAT is not an America-only test. Here is what it actually covers, how hard it is, and how it can support university applications in Japan and abroad.