About Kasugaoka High School

Kasugaoka has a history of over 100 years and its symbol is the wisteria flower because of the wisteria trellis in the courtyard. The wisteria is a climbing plant with bunches of pale, purple or white flowers that hang down. The name wisteria appears in most Kasugaoka activities and songs which are called "Touin". The "tou" part of "touin" means wisteria and the in part means shade. So "touin" is the wisteria shade. However, it is not just that. It has another meaning which is "the help of another person." In other words, "touin" means that we help each other in this high school along with the beautiful wisteria.
The school was founded in 1911 as Mishima Girls' School before becoming Ibaraki Girls' High School in 1928. After being damaged by a typhoon in 1934, a new building was opened in 1937. After 1948, the name was changed again to Kasugaoka and the school became coeducational admitting boys. It is now one of the top-ranked high schools in Osaka Prefecture with over 30,000 graduates. The school is recognised as a Global Leaders' High School and a UNESCO School (for more information on UNESCO Schools, please look at the International Page).
The motto of Kasugaoka is independence, autonomy, and freedom. The reason that the students at Kasugaoka don't have to wear a school uniform and have freedom is that the students formed a movement in 1974. This lead to the creation of Kasugaoka's motto.
Independence means that the students take control of many of the events. We can develop independence through experiencing failure and frustration.
Autonomy is to think by oneself what kind of action you should take in various situations.
Freedom is earned after developing common sense, a sense of responsibility, and being aware of the human rights of others.
Although Kasugaoka has a traditional school song, there is a second song which all the students enjoy singing. This song is called Toinharuwo. It was written by the students for the 70th Anniversary. It is played every morning as the chime to start the day.
The school's education policy has six main points:
1. Substantial Classes: High level classes are provided to all students
2. Time for Integrated Learning: Time will be spent thinking about the students' futures; learning about universities and different kinds of courses.
3. School Events: There will be a variety of events that all students can enjoy. Also, students will be given an opportunity to talk with graduates and university students.
4. Survey: students will have a chance to give their opinion about the lessons twice a year. This helps the teachers think about how to make better classes.
5. Information Transparency: Information about the courses will be published so all students can know about it.
6. Shared Experience: Junior students will be able to learn from their seniors about their experiences to help them make better decisions.