From learning English to using English
Connecting teaching, assessment and real-world communication to turn aspiration into confidence
For schools that emphasize international exchange and inquiry-based learning, developing real-world English communication skills is just as important as preparing students for university entrance examinations.
At Osaka Prefectural Ichiritsu Senior High School, Pearson learning materials and assessment solutions support a more connected approach to teaching, learning and assessment. Developed around the principles of the Pearson English Journey, these resources help students use English, understand their progress and connect learning with future opportunities.
Industry: Education Location: Japan Solution: Global Scale of English (GSE)
Challenge
Developing real-world communication while preparing students for their future
As a school with a strong focus on international exchange and inquiry-based learning, the high school wants students to develop English that they could use beyond the classroom. This means placing greater emphasis on listening and speaking alongside reading and writing, while continuing to support students in preparing for university entrance examinations.
Teachers also needed to support students with different levels of English proficiency and help them see tangible evidence of their development. When success is measured mainly through academic outcomes, growth in confidence and communication can be harder to recognize.
Solution
Creating a learning journey where students can use English meaningfully
The school developed a structured English curriculum using Pearson learning materials across different year levels and subjects. The curriculum combines communication, intercultural understanding and inquiry-based learning, giving students opportunities to use English in meaningful contexts rather than study it in isolation. All-English team-taught classes, led by Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) and Native English Teachers (NETs), involve discussions, presentations and collaborative activities that help students use English confidently to exchange ideas and express their own perspectives.
Results
Students can see their English growing
Students can track their progress through English Benchmark assessments taken before and after the school's Australia study program. Results are reported using the Global Scale of English (GSE), while "Can-Do" feedback helps students reflect on what they can do in English, set goals and recognise their development over time.
This clear evidence of progress helps build confidence and motivation. As students see their skills develop, they increasingly view English not simply as a subject to study, but as a tool for communication, exploring ideas and accessing future opportunities.
The impact can be seen both in students’ measured progress and in their attitudes towards English.
Results following the Australia study program
+2.4
Average increase in overall GSE scores
+3.5
Average increase in Listening and Speaking GSE scores
100%
Every student who took English Benchmark said they would recommend it to younger students
Introducing Pearson's learning materials and assessment solutions was more than a curriculum change—it became an opportunity to rethink and enhance our entire approach to English education. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen the connection between teaching and assessment while leveraging digital technologies to support personalized learning. We hope to continue using students' aspirations as a powerful driver of learning, helping them visualize their progress while building confidence and motivation for the next stage of their learning.
Ritsuko Tatsumi and Scott Talbot, English Teachers, Osaka Prefectural Ichiritsu Senior High School
"It's exciting to see my English ability measured against a global standard."
"I look forward to seeing my results."
"I could clearly see how much I improved during my Australia study program."
Students, Osaka Prefectural Ichiritsu Senior High School