Future Learning Mobile Lab
The Future Learning Mobile Lab collects and analyses information on global educational trends, together with researching and developing cutting-edge 'learning through play' educational programmes and content. The lab teams up external fellows and executives and employees from various fields, including education, play, science, engineering, design, architecture and art, with the aim of encouraging open innovation, creating and connecting learning (Future Learning) that will be useful in the future, and fostering community. The aim of the project is to create, connect and foster a community.
The learning researched and developed in the lab will be put into practice at Global Sky Education's directly managed or affiliated learning hubs (educational facilities), and experienced at community events and workshops in Japan and abroad.
Global Sky also provides consultation on curricula and programmes, primarily in early childhood, primary and language education, international exchange and collaboration programmes and sister school partnerships, as well as training and study abroad programmes in all aspects of global vocational training (particularly bilingual childcare training) involving Australia. We also provide consultation on global vocational training (especially for bilingual childcare educators) and study-abroad programs.
As a "portable" mobile laboratory, the Future Learning Lab will lead the way in the transformation of learning as a research institute that creates learning that makes use of liberal arts materials in all parts of the world.
Research and development of cutting-edge educational content and teaching methods
Establishment of resource hubs to accumulate and disseminate research and findings
Teacher training, workshops, etc.
Research and Development
Global Education
Researches and develops world-class educational and cultural experiences that develop future talent, lifelong learners (Lifelong Learners) and global talent, as well as soft skills for surviving in the VUCA era. It also conducts research on diversity and intercultural understanding.
Creativity
Conducts research on creativity with the aim of training future creators who can create one from zero. Research and development of educational programmes for learning while creating, based on artistic thinking, through Show & Tell, theatre and other creative activities.
Pedagogy
Research and development of new teacher training programmes that are essential for future education, such as teaching methods including online as well as in and outside the classroom, creative learning teaching methods, STEAM education, data science, Reggio Emilia and the International Baccalaureate.
Educational Materials and Toys
We also work on the evaluation, improvement and new development of educational materials and educational toys from around the world. Based on an EdTech perspective, it also researches and develops the use of technology in education, including Virtual Reality, AI, programming and robotics.
We contribute to improving the quality of education from a global perspective by sharing the results of research and studies conducted in our laboratories and a variety of content, including best practice and know-how in our business activities to date.
Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia Approach is recognised as one of the world's premier early childhood education approaches. At our early learning and childcare centres, we are committed to putting it into practice every day.
This approach implements a collaborative project-based education with the atelier at its centre. It is highly regarded worldwide for fostering independence, creativity and problem-solving skills, and has not only been adopted in many early childhood education settings, but has also been introduced in the in-house preschools of large, well-known companies in the USA. Social Constructionism / Constructivism (Based on the concept of Social Constructionism (Social Constructionism) and the philosophy of '100 Words', this is an educational approach that values children's various forms of expression and communication, and encourages them to listen carefully, look carefully and learn together. The basic idea is not to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to the site and the children, but to emphasise elements such as localisation, culture and language. The Reggio Emilia Approach is characterised by a philosophy of freedom and flexibility in its approach, and only major directions, so that the actual implementation in every educational setting is different.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Sunnyside International School in Gifu Prefecture, with which Global Sky Education is affiliated, is the first school in Japan to be accredited by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).
The IB aims to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable and caring young people who, through understanding and respect for diverse cultures, will contribute to building a better, more peaceful world. Furthermore, it aims to provide graduates of accredited schools with an internationally recognised university entrance qualification (International Baccalaureate), ultimately ensuring a route to university entrance. Currently, the IBIC is developing a common curriculum for accredited schools, conducting the universal International Baccalaureate examinations, and evaluating and awarding the International Baccalaureate qualification.
Bush kindy/Beach kindy
The Bush Kindy Programme/Beach Kindy Programme is an educational programme that provides children with opportunities to develop a deep connection with nature.
Children are natural learners of nature. The programme uses natural environments such as forests and beaches to give children the freedom to explore, play, learn and develop. The programme demonstrates eight benefits that learning outdoors brings to children
Building self-confidence and independence
Empathy with others and nature
Improved health
Mental health benefits
Learning through hands-on experience
Manageable risk-taking
Improved sleep and mood
Understanding of spiritual meaning
Activities in the programme include exploring forest trails, watching creatures in puddles with magnifying glasses, watching birds with binoculars and tracking changes in wildlife in and around bushes. They gain experience through a variety of creative activities, such as digging in the earth, making crafts with natural materials, walking on bumpy ground, climbing rocks and trees, making mud dumplings and drawing art in the sand. Through this programme, children develop the motivation that comes with curiosity, as well as developing focus, confidence, independence, strength and self-esteem. This not only prepares them for primary school, but also gives them problem-solving skills, creativity and a way of spending time that is independent of facilities and artifacts.
Food education
It is extremely important for children to understand the joy of eating with pleasure and to acquire correct knowledge about nutritious food habits. Through nutrition education, we hope that children will develop the ability to make appropriate choices about food, which is important for human beings, and we put this into practice in all our learning hubs.
In providing meals at our centres, we aim to provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (and breakfast in some centres), in principle, house-made by professional chefs, using safe and healthy ingredients, balanced nutrition and a diverse range of food culture experiences. We have a strict policy to manage allergies, together with respecting religious and other food preparation requirements. In addition, a food and herb garden is typically established in a corner of the yard, with composting used to reduce food loss. Organic farming is practiced with the children to demonstrate sustainable agricultural methods. Efforts are also made to deepen learning about ecosystems and vegetation through beekeeping with stingless bees. Furthermore, we regularly organise nutrition education seminars on nutrition to provide opportunities for parents and children to learn about the importance of a balanced diet and the diversity of food cultures.
Team building
This is a team-building workshop for product-out using creative learning methods, and is a key feature of in-house training and educational programmes at various conferences.
A workshop is used to hone the teamwork and communication skills of educators and staff through a series of 'collaborate, present and empathise' activities so that children learn while playing. Specific subjects include producing a 30-second commercial for their company, designing a logo and making playground equipment out of pieces of pallets (actually used in the Learning Hub).
Career design
Based on the 'Will-Can-Must' framework, our career design workshop is used in in-house training as well as in consultations for those wishing to participate in the Global Career Pathway.
This workshop uses a framework for self-analysis of Will (what you want to do), Can (what you can do) and Must (what you should do) for each individual considering career design, and also incorporates a process of 'presenting and empathising' with other participants to develop a deeper self-analysis and career plan.
Aboriginal art workshops
Workshops for children on Aboriginal art as a global advanced education experience.
This workshop is designed to deepen children's creativity and cross-cultural understanding and improve their communication skills through the experience of 'creating, presenting and empathising' in English with the art of Aboriginal people, who are considered to be the indigenous people of Australia and the oldest culture in the world. The unique colours and expression techniques of Aboriginal art are unparalleled in other cultures and are now attracting worldwide attention, and the uniqueness of conveying culture and events through drawing rather than writing, and the depth of a life lived as if at one with nature.
Early childhood centres and schools at the heart of a community should not be places where artificial yards and gardens surround a box of long, narrow corridors and inorganic rooms. We have a strong desire to bring natural light and surrounding greenery inside under a big sky, to create a sense of openness and upliftment, to be safe, comfortable and easy to use, and to be a place where the people who will create the future can come together to interact and learn from each other easily and naturally, especially in a learning environment that stimulates creativity.
We are committed to developing leading-edge educational and childcare facilities, not only in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Japan and North America (including Hawaii), with the aim of creating decarbonised and environmentally sound facilities. We also offer consultancy services on all aspects of facility development, drawing on our expertise gained through the refurbishment of existing facilities and the development of new ones.