An award ceremony was held at the gym of Akashi Nishi Senior High School in the 7th period on October 9, 2025, and eight DGA students were awarded.

First, two award winners of Toban-Deistrict English speech contests received their certificates; Ms. NAGANO Kokomi received the third prize of the contest, and Mr. TSUJITA Riichi got the certificate of the fourth place.

Next, two third-year DGA students received the certificate of EIKEN Pre-1st Grade. They were Ms.TAIRA Sachika and Ms. MAEDA Yuina.

Finally, four third-year DGA students received the certificate of GTEC Official Test Advanced B2 level, equivalent to EIKEN Pre-1st Grade. They were Ms. ANDO Manami, Mr. KANEMOTO Changki, Ms.KOUNO Yuuki, and Ms. TSUKUDA Emi. 

The 40th Hyogo Prefecture Higashi-Harima District Senior High School English Speech Contest was held at Miki Senior High School on October 4, 2025. Three students joined it from Akashi Nishi Senior High School.  All of them are the  2nd-year students belonging to the Department of Global Awareness(DGA). 

Ms. NAGANO Kokomi made a speech titled, 'Carrying My Hometown on My Shoulders' and  came in the third place. She has advanced to Hyogo Prefectural English Speech Contest. 

Mr. TSUJIMOTO Riichi came in the fourth place, and Ms. TAKAHASHI Hinako did her best.

The 21st Junior High School English Recitation Contest was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on September 27, 2025. Twenty-two students joined the standard section (一般部門）and four students joined the experienced section (特別部門)

Four students in each section were awarded. In the standard section, the first place went to MIYAZAKI Kouta from Iwaya Junior High School.

[Standard Section]

1st place: MIYAZAKI Kouta from Iwaya Junior High School.

 2nd: SHO Masahiro from Utashikiyama Junior High School

3rd: YOROZU Sari from Himeji International School

4th: TAKAHASHI Yuji from Kanki Junior High School.

In the experienced section, Mia Michelle STARK won the championship. 

[Experienced Section]

1st: Mia Michelle STARK from Utashikiyama Junior High School

2nd: KONAGAYA Shinba from Kakogawa Junior High School

3rd: Uy Xiao Ji PANGANIBAN from Nonoike Junior High School

4th: KINUGAWA Koumei from Suma Kita Junior High School

2025 Sports Day was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on September 26, 2025.

The third-year DGA (3-8) students joined the pink block (H) and won  the cheering competition.

Second-year DGA yellow-team students also did their best.

The first-year DGA green-team students participated in the cheering competition for the first time. 

ALTs also enjoyed joining the Sports Day.

The second open high school was held at Akashi Nishi Senior High School on September 20, 2025.

First, in the first half, junior high school students and their parents listened to explanations of (1) the whole school and the regular course, (2) Education course (3) the Department of Global Awareness(DGA).

Second, the DGA offered its own programs: 

(1) A first-year DGA student Ms.Kawabe made a speech; she was the champion of the speech contest held in the English Camp held in August at Aspia Akashi.

(2) A group of two or three students from the second-year DGA class answered the questions about (A) English and other classes (B) School events (C) Visiting universities  and (D) Club activities.

(3) The junior high school students listened to 2024 English listening test of the DGA.

(4) The junior high school students and their parents listened to self-introductions of three ALTs of Akashi NIshi;(1) Shaquille from America (2) Shelly from Balbados and (3) Brittany from Australia.

There were two sessions in the morning and in the afternoon. In total, the number of participants was 127. They were 64 students , 61 parents and two teachers. Thank all the participants for coming. See you at the next open high school in November! 

     2025 Akashi Nishi Senior High School English camp was held between July 23 and July 25.  The 1st year DGA students joined the camp, which was held at Aspia Akashi. During three days of the camp, all the participants were supposed to speak only English. Three ALTs and two ALTs from Akashi Josai High and Prefectural Agriculture High School  gave lessons in English. 

     On the first day and the second day the students had five lessons, which included a variety of activities such as debates, discussions, and games. They participated in the 'Ultra Quiz', in which four groups tried to answer 50 questions asked by ALTs. Team 4, Kangaroo, led by Ms. Kashimoto, came in the first place, Team 2, Panda, lead by Ms. Ueda, came in the second place, and Team 3 Lion headed by Mr. Ogura got the third prize.

     On the second day, there was a qualifying round of a speech contest. Thirteen students advanced to the finals, and they made wonderful speeches on the last day. Ms. Kawabe got the first prize, followed by Ms. Sugahara in the second place and Ms.Ueda and Ms. Kurita both came in the third place. 

    After the closing ceremony, 1-8 students gave presents to the ALTs to thank them.

The first Global Citizenship I (GCI) special lecture was delivered online to the first-year students of the Department of Global Awareness (DGA) on July 15, 2025.

The lecturer was Mr. Kouta Hirose, who is currently participating in a co-op program (also known as cooperative education) near Vancouver, Canada. Co-op programs in Canada integrate academic study with practical, paid work experience in a student's field of study.

Mr. Hirose graduated from Akashi Nishi Senior High School in March 2022 (the 44th graduating class and the 17th DGA graduate) and began studying English at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies in April. During his third year, he decided to study in Canada.

Mr. Hirose discussed the following topics online: 1) self-introduction; 2) what a co-op program is; 3) differences between co-op programs and working holiday programs; 4) his experiences at a language school and at work; 5) his career plans after the program; and 6) what he learned from the program.

After the one-hour lecture, several questions were asked, including about his favorite food, his English proficiency while studying at the DGA, and the languages used in Canada.

He said, "At first in Canada, my English speaking skills were weak because I didn't provide reasons for my statements. I was perceived as superficial. Since then, I have tried to support every statement with a reason. I encourage you to practice expressing your opinions with supporting reasons consistently."

In his final message, he said, "Of course, you should study English, but please also try to find another field of study besides English language learning. In Canada, there are many immigrants from around the world, and they all speak English."

The second day of the Meisei-sai (Akashi Nishi Cultural Festival) was held.

First, all the students gathered at the gym and saw the band made up of some teachers and students play music. The audience was excited. 

In the north building on the 1st floor, the Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangement Club held a tea ceremony. 

A cup of powdered green tea and a dumpling were served for free.

At the entrance area of the south building, there were two classes selling food---the 3-8 class was selling octopus balls and the 3-2 class was selling frankfurters. 

In the morning some volunteer singers and dancers performed on the stage. At 9:45, ITOOKASHI sang wonderfully. At 11:05, Landmine boys sang wonderful songs and danced beautifully.

In the afternoon,  an ALT Blake performed rakugo. The title was 'Zoo'.  The story amused the audience very much.

Then the 1-8 class sang a school song and a song titled 'This Is Me' in the finals of the chorus competition.

They did their best. They came in the fourth place.

At 14:05, the ESS (English Speaking Society), which many DGA class members belong to, held a play titled, 'Toy Story 3'.  The audience enjoyed a funny story performed by students and two ALTs. It was made easier to understand by Japanese subtitles on a screen.

Then the brass band played several songs. One of them was 'Matsuken Samba.'  Teachers of the third year appeared and sang and danced to the music. The students were amused and excited at the performance.

At 15:10, a closing ceremony was held.  The 2-7 class of the DGA received the third prize of all the 2nd-year plays. The 3-8 DGA class was awarded the first prize of all the 3rd-year food shops.

     Akashi Nishi Senior High School held a two-day cultural festival on June 11 and 12. 

In the morning of the first day, an opening ceremony was held. Commercial films for ESS and 3-8 were shown.

Every student enjoyed seeing the chorus club and the drama club perform.

After these wonderful performances, the 2-7(DGA) drama, "Remember Me", was performed. The story was clear and actors (double- or triple-casts) performed well. 

Then, a dance group from 3rd-year DGA girls, Twinkle's, danced beautifully on the stage, followed by The Beasts, a 3rd-year DGA male singer and a dancer, performed.

Outside, 3rd-year students were selling food. The 3-6 class, Fujichan Dango,  prepared tasty dumplings. The 3-4 class, CHIGU-Donald, fried French fries, seasoned with several-taste powders. The 3-5 class, Gori-chan Pancake, baked delicious pancakes.

The 3-7 class, Shiawase-no Baby Kasutera, sold  soft and small sponge cakes. The 3-2 class, Grand Maison Makino, broiled yakitori, grilled chicken. The class 3-1, KOBUSHI-DE Croffle, baked croffle, a kind of pancakes which combine croissants and waffles.

All the 1st-year classes took part in a preliminary round of the chorus competition.  The 1-8 class sang a school song and a song "This Is Me."

The 1-8 class was chosen as one of the four classes which have advanced to the finals. The final chorus competition  will be held in the afternoon  of June 12. 

On May 3rd, Yuma Hishitani, a second-year student from DGA, participated in Soroptimist International of Akashi Club Youth Forum. The theme was “A woman’s way of life in the bright future ~ Learning from ancient women~”. 7 students from Akashi city’s high schools made a speech on the theme.

Ms Hishitani talked about her experience of learning traditional Japanese dance.

After the speeches, 7 participants discussed the theme and deepened their understanding.

     In the evening of April 17 (Thu), a farewell party for Churchlands students was held. Churchlands students, teachers,  ALTs, and host brothers and sisters with host family members came to a careteria of Akashi Nishi.  They talked over pizza and drink. They had a good time, singing a song in the end.

     Early in the morning  on Apri18, the host family brought Churchlands students to school, and said farewell

to each other.  Churchlands students  left school on foot to JR Tsuchiyama station. They were going

to stay in Kyoto for a few days. Then they were going back to Australia. Their trip to Japan was from April 6 to April 21.

    Second- and third-year  students of the Department of Global Awareness (DGA) held a welcome meeting  for the first-year DGA students in the gym on April16 (Wed), 2025.

   First, the 1st-year students entered the gym and they were welcomed by their seniors. Two second-year MCs, Mr. Kotake and Mr. Tsujita, announced they were going to start a welcome ceremony. A principal, a DGA chief, DGA staff including homeroom teachers and ALTs greeted the first-year students.

     Then, in 14 groups, the senior students talked about their study and school events.

     A welcome ceremony for Churchlands students was held on April 14, 2025. A teacher and three students told Akashi Nishi students that they would like to not just learn the Japanese language but also learn about Japanese culture as well as make friendships.

    They made okonomiyaki or Japanese-style savory pancakes in a cooking room. They cooked them and enjoyed eating them.

   On April 15(Tue), Churchlands students talked with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year Akashi Nishi DGA students. They talked about their hobbies, favorite movies, anime as well as their favorite food both in English and Japanese.

They also learned how to perform karate moves from Mr. Sato, a karate master. 

After school, they joined club activities. Some practiced kendo, a traditional martial art of swordsmanship.

   28 students and three teachers came from Chruchlands High School in Perth, Western Australia to Akashi on April 11. They arrived in Akashi Nishi Senior High School around16:00, and they met their host brothers and sisters. Their host family took them home.

     They  are going to stay in Akashi for 8 days. They will come to school with their host brothers and sisters. Before coming to Akashi, they spent 4 days in Tokyo.  

 In the afternoon of  April 9, 2025, a meeting ceremony or taimenshiki was held.  First-year students entered a gym, while second- and third-year students were clapping their hands and welcomed them, with the brass band playing music.

Then a representative of the first-year students, Ms. Fujioka from Class1-8, expressed her determination on behalf of the first-year students, and Ms. Hasegawa, a student council president, hoped that they would do their best..

Next, a farewell ceremony was held. Second- and third-year students took part in it.  Each of the teachers talked about a good point of Akashi Nishi Senior High School students. Mr. Mitani said they were gentle, and Ms. Ano said they were patient.  Ms. Takeuchi hoped that Akashi Nishi students would not limit themselves and take on a challenge.  They all thanked the students  for their memorable school life here at Akashi Nishi. 

     The 23rd students of the Department of Global Awareness at Akashi Nishi High School attended an entrance ceremony  on April 8, 2025.

     After the ceremony, they entered their homeroom class, 1-8, and met three Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs)--Blake from Australia, Jaleeca from Trinidad and Tobago, and Keke from South Africa, as well as  two Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs)----Mr. Takagi (Mike), chief of the DGA, and Mr. Mitsutake (John), chief of Planning & Promotion Department.

     After they listened to necessary information about Akashi NIshi from their homeroom teacher, Ms. Yamane, they came out to a middle yard and had their pictures taken.

2025年4月4日（金）兵庫県立明石西高等学校50回生の合格者登校があり、国際人間科23期生33名が登校しました。

注文していた制服、体操服、シューズなどを受け取りました。そのあと、新２年生が1年生8組の教室へ行き、新入生に学校生活のアドバイスをしました。そのあと、桜の木の近くで、23期生と22期生の代表と写真をとりました！

　進路先輩体験談を聞く会が行われ、国際人間科を今年度3月に卒業した47回生の５名（Sくん（島根県立大学）、Sさん（国際基督教大学）、Nさん（神戸市外国語大学）、Hくん（徳島大学）、Oさん（金沢大学））が出席して、国際人間科１，２年生に体験談を話しました。

　「資格（英検など）は早めにとっておきましょう」「1年生からすべての課題を丁寧にしておきましょう」「学校のテストはどの教科も70％はとれるようにしましょう」「受験までに１教科でも得意教科を作っておきましょう」「受験時SNSの利用時間を制限しましょう」「大学の情報は1,２年のうちに調べておきましょう」「小テストはがんばりましょう」「一般入試のみを考えていても、部活・評定が関係することがあるのでがんばっておきましょう」

など、具体的で、体験者だからこそいえるアドバイスをたくさんしていただきました。ありがとうございました。

明石北高校、明石清水高校、明石西高校の２年生有志生徒が、明石北高校に集まり、課題研究の成果を発表しました。

本校からは３グループ、７人の生徒が参加しました。

それぞれ「日本の農業の活性化」「家庭における食品廃棄の改善方法」「ジェンダー偏見による職業選択の実態」をテーマに発表しました。

英語での発表であり、他校の生徒さんや先生方から、DGA生の英語の発音のよさや話すことへの慣れ、自信を感じたという声をいただきました。

本校生にとっても、プレゼン力をつけるいい経験となったと思います。

会場準備からお世話になった明石北高校の皆さん、ありがとうございました。

　2025年3月6日(木)、2024年度第３回Global Citizenship I 特別講義が同窓会館2Fで行われ、国際人間科1,2年が参加しました。講師は、本校第１回卒業生であり関西学院大学総合政策学部清水康子教授でした。清水教授は国際協力に関するゼミ担当で、清水ゼミの生徒３名が今年度の７月と９月のGCI特別講義で「平和について」の授業をしてくれました。

　今回の講演のタイトルは、「世界の平和を考える～難民支援の現場から」でした。内容は３つにわかれており、１）自己紹介　２）勤務されていた国連難民高等弁務官事務所（UNHCR)での経験　３）現在の仕事と平和について　でした。

まず１）の自己紹介の中では、関西学院大学経済学部在学中に「古典芸能研究部」に所属したが、小中高校で行った芸術鑑賞で歌舞伎や落語などに触れて興味を持ったことを話され、自分のバックグラウンド（日本人なら伝統的な日本のこと）に触れて知識を持っておき披露できるように、とのお話しがありました。

次に２）UNHCRで勤務した経験について話されました。最初に「難民条約に基づく定義」、「国連の定義」、「パレスチナ難民」など難民の定義を考え、「国内避難民」なども足していけば、日本人の人口と同じくらいになることを学びました。そして、ユーゴスラビアのコソボ自治州におけるコソボ紛争についての説明がありました。コソボでアルバニア人とセルビア人の対立があり、１９８９年にセルビア共和国がコソボを統治しアルバニア系住民を弾圧したため、1998年コソボ解放軍が政府施設を破壊し、セルビア治安当局との紛争状態となりました。そのあと、1999年3月にＮＡＴＯがユーゴスラビアを空爆しため、セルビア治安部隊は激しくアルバニア系住民攻撃を攻撃し、８４万人以上の人が隣国アルバニアとマケドニアへ難民として逃げていった、ということを学びました。

　そのような中で、UNHCRはコソボ紛争時に緊急援助をしました。清水氏は1998年7月--12月にコソボで勤務し、現地の状況を見ました。また、1999年1月ー5月にアルバニアで勤務し、コソボから逃げてきたコソボ難民と関わりました。ウガンダでも1996--1998年、1999--2001年に勤務しました。その時に迫害から逃れる人々などと関わり、それについてのエピソードを話されました。その中で、「戦うことが平和になるのか」という問いがありました。「平和」→「攻撃」→「怒り、憎しみ」→「戦い」という連鎖で平和になるのでしょうか。

最後に「３つのメッセージ」がありました。

①選択する際に平和につながる選択をしましょう。

②笑いの効用を使いましょう。（しんどいときこそ声をだし笑おう）

③国際社会で活躍するため、日本人なら伝統的な日本の文化に興味をもち話せるようにしましょう。

（英語なら、小話をお勧めします。）

Q＆Aでは、①に関して、「高校生として平和につながる選択とは何ですか」、という質問がありました。答は「選挙に行く」というお答えでした。

　　今回、清水先生は明石西高校の卒業生として上記のことを実践され、よきロール・モデルとなってくださいました。また、インスピレーション、動機づけを与えていただきました。ありがとうございました。国際人間科の生徒のみなさん、Global Citizenship特別講義をきっかけに①難民問題を含め世界の動きを知り、世界平和について考えましょう。また　②英語力の向上　③自分たちの文化の紹介　に取り組み、よき'Global Citizens'になりましょう。