Prospects and Issues on the Guidance and Counseling at a Compulsory Education School:A case study of Kirigaoka Gakuen of Yokohama City

In recent times, more and more issues associated with elementary and junior high school students have been drawing attention within our current school system. It is believed that changes in our social structure and one’s sense of values have influenced the thought and behavioral patterns of students, and the effects of these changes appear to be accelerated year by year. Under these circumstances, the importance of promoting a unified elementary and junior high school education system is considered as a new countermeasure to deal with the challenges we now face. Unified education from elementary through to junior high school (Year One to Nine) enables students of different age groups to interact with each other. The continuation of these interactions and activities helps to foster self-worth and purpose within students, in-turn this helps to form healthy human relationships. By utilizing the nine years of unified education from elementary to junior high school, Kirigaoka Gakuen Compulsory Education School in Yokohama City has been tackling various issues with a primary focus on the bullying problem. The results of such initiatives have been reflected in the questionnaires answered by elementary and junior high school students and their parents. In addition, it can be said that bullying, violence, and the refusal to go to school due to problems with personal relationships can be prevented at an early stage. If we reinforce the partnership between different schools and promote a unified education from elementary through to junior high school further, it is believed that not only will Guidance and Counseling be enriched, but also the development of the health of children.departmental bulletin pape