ECC and Sony Global Education Co-develop Exclusive Curriculum

ECC and Sony Global Education Co-develop After-school Curriculum

ECC, a comprehensive education and lifelong learning institution, has partnered with Sony Global Education (SGED), a leader in STEAM education, to co-develop a new inquiry-based learning curriculum for next-generation after-school childcare.

### Addressing the New Imperative in Education

In today's rapidly changing and unpredictable society, fostering the "zest for life" as championed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is a critical imperative. Beyond its traditional English education offerings, ECC has been exploring innovative programs to develop non-cognitive skills and the capacity to navigate a diverse society. This project fuses SGED's design philosophy—centered on inquiry, thought, and creation—with ECC's extensive practical expertise to enable children to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills in an engaging environment.

### Distinctive Learning Model

The curriculum features include:

1. **Cyclical Curriculum**: Designed to ensure maximum learning for all students regardless of attendance frequency. 2. **Grade-free Hybrid Design**: Utilizing tailored worksheets for lower and upper elementary grades to support deep, personalized learning. 3. **Building Sociality and Self-esteem**: Helping children recognize their unique roles within a group to foster self-esteem through interaction with peers.

### Integration of Advanced Technology and AI

The curriculum incorporates an AI chatbot specifically for inquiry-based research. This AI optimizes language expression for different grade levels, restricts inappropriate queries, and provides hints and examples. It also auto-generates quizzes at the end of dialogues to reinforce understanding, supporting active, student-led learning.

### Future Outlook

The curriculum will be introduced at ECC's after-school program, "ECC Mirai After School," starting July 1, 2026, with plans to roll it out to franchise schools from April 2027 onwards.