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New information for StepOutNet volunteers
The StepOutNet Programme is changing. Please click here to find out about the new opportunities for StepOutNet volunteers.
What is StepOutNet?
The StepOutNet programme exists to create links between schools and Japanese-speaking volunteers, who carry out school visits across the UK to introduce students at any level to the Japanese language, often as part of an International or Japan day. Originally the domain of JFLLC language advisors, an increase in demand for Japanese language visits has encouraged us to open up the network to a wider audience of private tutors, teachers, volunteers and other enthusiasts interested in arranging and running Japanese taster lessons at primary and secondary schools in their area. One of the main purposes of StepOutNet is to give schools who do not teach Japanese the opportunity to find out what it is like to learn the language and to provide them with further information should they wish to start offering Japanese.
The Centre is now building up a network of individuals interested in joining the new Stepping Out Network ‘StepOutNet’. Guidance and training sessions will be offered to all members to prepare them for delivering Japanese taster sessions at schools.
Click here for more information on StepOutNet training days.
Is your school interested in organising a Japanese Language taster?
Is your school organising an International Day? Or even a
Japan day? Whatever your motivation, why not introduce your students
to the language of Manga, 
Karate, Sushi and much more…?! The main
purpose of a StepOutNet visit is to introduce schools who are not currently
teaching Japanese to the language and culture, and to inform them of how
to go about introducing the language as an extra-curricular activity or
curriculum subject. StepOutNet visits can be arranged to take place at
schools around the UK.
Please click here to download an application form.
Are you interested in becoming a StepOutNet volunteer?
Can you speak Japanese? Are you keen to promote the language to young people around the UK? By joining StepOutNet you will be a member of a UK-wide network of Japanese speakers who are keen to visit schools on a one-shot basis to carry out Japanese language tasters. StepOutNet is as big a time commitment as you want it to be. You are never obliged to do a school visit, yet if you are have time to spare, are keen and enthusiastic, it is a great opportunity to get some teaching experience. The Japan Foundation provides free training sessions to help prepare you for school visits, which are held at the JFLLC offices in London.
Click
here for StepOutNet Programme
information.
Click
here for an application form to become a StepOutNet volunteer.
Click here
for information about training days for volunteers.
Previous StepOutNet Visits
Follow the links to read about previous StepOutNet visits.
- Japanese takes off at Priory School in East Sussex
- StepOutNet Tasters at Primary School International Week
- Japanese taster at European Day of Languages
- Roding Valley High School: Japan Cultural Event
- 'Turning Japanese' at the Lammas School
- Japanese taster at Staines Prep School
StepOutNet Members
StepOutNet Members- Programme Logistics
Procedure for arranging a StepOutNet visit
Finding a School: Schools contact the JFLLC
- Interested school submits application to JFLLC
- JFLLC sends an email to all StepOutNet members with details of visit
- JFLLC contacts school and gives them details of volunteer
- JFLLC contacts volunteer with details of contact teacher at the school, who they should contact
- Volunteer contacts school to make arrangement
If you would like to visit a particular school or would like to look for a school yourself
- StepOutNet volunteer completes and returns the ‘Suggest a School’ form to the JFLLC
- JFLLC sends information pack to the school, and informs them that there is a volunteer in their area who is interested in coming to the school
- School submits application for visit
- JFLLC contacts volunteer
- Volunteer contacts school to make arrangements for visit
Liaising with the school
- Call the contact teacher at the school
- If you are unable to get through, send the form asking them to contact you
- Send the Materials Confirmation form to the school
- Let the JFLLC know by returning the StepOutNet Visit Confirmation
and application for Library use form
And finally.. - Check that you have done all of the above with the StepOutNet Volunteer Checklist
Materials
Please see the Teaching Resources page to download more resources which could be used for your language taster and the Links page for useful websites.
The Japan Foundation, London