Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ③

“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも4名の生徒が参加しました。

Report about Stay at UCL
July 25th, 2023

UCL Grand Challenge Workshops at UCL

Today, students are enthusiastically engaging in a series of captivating discussions, led by a knowledgeable PhD student from the esteemed UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR). These engaging discussions center around pressing global, national, and local issues, with a strong focus on finding effective solutions through collaborative group work. The session kicks off with students forming diverse groups, pooling their thoughts, and identifying various critical problems. They delve into a wide range of topics, including AI, poverty, war, sex education, mental health, climate change, and cultural understanding, among others. Together, they brainstorm and explore resourceful measures to tackle these challenges head-on. The pinnacle of creativity arises when each group crafts a compelling news headline, showcasing the culmination of their thought-provoking discussions. This exercise highlights their innovative thinking and ability to synthesize complex ideas. Throughout this process, collaboration stands as the cornerstone of their success in group work. However, amidst their collective efforts, they also learn the importance of meticulously organizing and presenting their findings. The ability to articulate and summarize their work effectively becomes a skill they carefully cultivate. Guiding these young minds is a dedicated lecturer who not only fosters a motivational environment for generating ideas but also emphasizes the significance of respectful and cooperative behavior within a team setting. These skills are seen as pivotal not only in academic endeavors but also in future professional and academic cooperative ventures. To sum up, the students’ passion for exploring and resolving realworld challenges, coupled with their aptitude for teamwork and presentation, ensures that they are well-prepared to make a positive impact in their academic and future careers.”https://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/report-of-ucl-japan-youth-challenge-3-2023/

Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ②Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ②Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ②Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ②

“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも4名の生徒が参加しました。

Report about Stay at Cambridge
July 24th, 2023

Welcome talk & Writing an Official Signature

In the opening ceremony, the distinguished Sir Laurie Bristow KCMG, President of Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, marked the official commencement of the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 with his signature. A former British diplomat, Sir Laurie focused his insightful talk on the UK’s diplomatic actions in the war-torn zone of Afghanistan, though fully considering the diverse array of cultures involved. This topic is both sensitive and political, making his perspective all the more valuable. The audience was privileged to hear his personal experiences from that time, particularly when he expressed a feeling of loneliness. The significance of this sentiment was not lost on the attendees, and many of us were curious to understand its deeper meaning. Nonetheless, we patiently waited as numerous students eagerly raised their hands to ask questions, displaying their genuine curiosity and enthusiasm. Among the participants were Rikkyo students, who were encouraged to prepare questions but seemed somewhat reserved in doing so. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was one of open engagement and appreciation for the valuable insights shared by Sir Laurie Bristow.

Following the welcome talk, Dr. Pete Dudley, a Governing Body Fellow of Hughes Hall and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the prestigious University of Cambridge, expertly led the post-talk discussion activities. His thought-provoking question on whether diplomatic decision-making should take precedence over cultural considerations ignited a vibrant and engaging conversation among the participants. They eagerly shared and debated their perspectives, resulting in a lively and dynamic exchange of ideas. Finally, the participants thoughtfully summarized their answers, culminating in a truly enriching experience for all involved.

Academic Lectures at Cambridge

After a satisfying lunch at Hughes Hall, we returned to Robinson College for a captivating series of academic lectures delivered by esteemed Cambridge lecturers. These intensive lectures revolved around the theme of “”Resilience”” and covered a diverse range of topics, from applications of robotics by Dr. Ishida in Engineering to air pollution toxicology discussed by Dr. Emirali from the MRC Toxicology Unit. Dr. Roughley from Archaeology shared insights on personal resilience, while Dr. Flipo from the Welding Institute explored developing a resilient mind and body through Aikido and Chado. It’s evident that such a profound theme can be best tackled in an interdisciplinary manner. Throughout the enlightening 5-hour lectures, some of the Rikkyo students displayed commendable courage by actively participating and asking thought-provoking questions. Witnessing their growth and enthusiasm made me genuinely happy.

Night Academic Sessions

Following a delightful dinner, a night academic session commenced, featuring Japanese researchers at Cambridge. Eleven researchers, predominantly specializing in science and medicine, passionately shared their research and its impact on society. The audience was captivated by their engaging talks, and the researchers were divided into groups, allowing participants to directly interact and inquire about their research or concerns for the future. Despite the late hour, the participants attentively listened and engaged with each researcher. One particular moment that left a lasting impression was when a researcher shared his experience of stepping out of his comfort zone with the support of his teacher, in response to a student’s question about studying abroad. This reminded me of the immense influence that teachers and mentors have on their students, often encouraging them to explore new paths they may not have considered before. To put it in a nutshell, providing opportunities for students to interact with knowledgeable and experienced individuals is crucial for broadening their horizons. This kind of mentorship and guidance can empower students to embrace new challenges and open doors to uncharted territories, ultimately fostering resilience and personal growth.”https://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/report-of-ucl-japan-youth-challenge-2-2023/

UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ③UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ③UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ③UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ③

“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも4名の生徒が参加しました。参加生徒の研修報告書を日本語と英語でご紹介します。

I took part in the UCL Japan Youth Challenge 2023 this summer. In this programme, selected high school students from schools in Japan and the UK take part in a variety of activities around an annual theme “Resilience”, with the aim of finding their own answers.

I participated in this program because I wanted to test myself to see what and how I could present myself in the company of high-achieving students. As it turned out, the answer to this motive was unsatisfactory. Looking back, I have more regrets than achievements. However, I am sure that what I gained during these ten days was an irreplaceable memory for me and a major turning point in my life from now on.

 

The first two days were held at our school. Therefore the Rikkyo students played the role of hosts to the participants and other people involved. I was a little anxious about fulfilling the dual roles of host and participant during these two days, which were a period of getting to know each other and the people we would be working with over the next ten days. However, I think I was able to deepen my friendship with my fellow students through the team games of dodgeball and football held in the gymnasium and the conversations we had during meals.

After finishing my stay at Rikkyo, I stayed at Cambridge and UCL in that order. I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to live and study at two of the greatest universities the world has ever heard of, which has become such nice memories in my life.

At Cambridge, the table tennis we all played together after dinner was memorable. When the programme had only started a few days earlier, I was casually playing table tennis in a communal area with some good Japanese friends. Gradually, more and more people gathered and I realised that I had become friends with friends I had never spoken to before. I had been worried that I could only talk to certain friends for a few days, but through this opportunity I was able to make British as well as Japanese friends. The casual moments outside of lectures are some of my favourite memories. https://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/ucl-japan-youth-challenge-3-2023/

Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ①Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ①Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ①Report of UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 ①

“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも4名の生徒が参加しました。

Report about Stay at Cambridge
July 23rd, 2023

Punting

On the inaugural day of our Cambridge experience, everything feels refreshingly delightful. The sky stretches in a brilliant blue expanse above, setting the perfect backdrop for a leisurely punting session. As I oversee the group, I can’t help but notice one of the Rikkyo students, blending in effortlessly with the British students, thoroughly relishing the majestic views of St John’s College, Trinity College, and King’s College. Engaging in cheerful conversations, marked by smiles and a genuine eagerness to comprehend local customs, he appears completely at ease. Amidst the tranquil ambiance of this academic city, I find myself thoroughly immersed in the atmosphere as well, cherishing every moment. Cambridge’s charm exudes from every corner, and it’s a pleasure to witness my students forming connections with the surroundings and the people. The leisurely pace and relaxing mood of the day only add to the joy of this unforgettable experience.

Cambridge group sightseeing

In the heart of Cambridge, our sightseeing journey begins with simple questions like, “”What’s that building?”” But it quickly evolves into engaging conversations about the history of each college. A kind British member enthusiastically shares captivating tales, like the tree at Trinity College, where an apple allegedly hit Isaac Newton, inspiring his theory of gravity. However, he humorously admits that this anecdote is just a delightful fabrication to entertain visitors like us. Despite the tale’s fictional nature, it adds charm to the already enchanting Cambridge experience, making our visit truly memorable.

Dinner Dining Hall, Robinson College

The day culminated in a formal dinner, providing an opportunity for Rikkyo students to exemplify exemplary manners for the other participants. Regrettably, I found myself engrossed in casual conversations with local students about Japanese cultures, inadvertently missing some significant moments. Nevertheless, it brought me immense joy to learn that many participants in the academic program harbored a profound interest in Japan, even considering it in their academic journey. Sharing this delightful discovery with my students undoubtedly lifted their spirits, leaving them feeling pleased and content. “https://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/rreport-of-ucl-japan-youth-challenge-1-2023/

UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ②UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ②UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ②UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ②

“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも4名の生徒が参加しました。参加生徒の研修報告書を日本語と英語でご紹介します。

This program was such a valuable and enjoyable experience throughout this summer. Before this program, I was very anxious because I was the only H3 student from Rikkyo School. However, I tried to interact with many students from Japan and abroad and was able to make close friends whom we still keep in touch with through this program. I often look back at the album and wish I could go back to that time. The program lasted for 10 days.

First day was held at Rikkyo School. We did self-presentation, and then went to the gym and played some sports. My team was named Draemon because our bibs were blue. We started with Dodgebee, and while our team performed well, we unfortunately lost all the games. Subsequently, before starting futsal, we changed our team name to Manchester. To my surprise, we were able to win all the games. That ice-breaking activity was so much fun. Following that, we had curry rice prepared by the Rikkyo staff. The meal tasted even better than usual after the physical activities.

On the second day, we moved to Cambridge and stayed at Robinson College for 2 days. During our first day in Cambridge, we went punting and explored the city. Later, I had a valuable experience: visiting the lab of the teacher who accompanied our sightseeing group. Besides that, we listened to beautiful Choir songs and ate delicious ice cream.

The following day marked the start of the lectures. I was nervous whether I would be able to understand what the professor said, but perhaps because I regularly take English classes at Rikkyo, I was able to understand what was being said, and I was able to gauge my current English proficiency. My favorite part of the lecture was about robotics. Surprisingly, I’m not usually interested in that topic, but this lecture turned out to be captivating.

On the fourth day, we moved to UCL and stayed in the dorm for 5 days. Every day was highly stimulating for me. We studied resilience related to SDGs to prepare for our final presentation. I chose “”Poverty”” as my topic and became a leader for this group, which involved listening to everyone’s opinions and engaging in numerous discussions with fellow members. We all worked together and made the presentation a success. That day, adults from Fukushima Prefecture prepared delicious sushi, famous sweets, snacks and other food for us. We all enjoyed our final dinner.

I am really happy that I was able to participate in this program this time. I am very grateful to all the people who gave me this opportunity, such as attending lectures at UCL and Cambridge University, creating a presentation with people from different nationalities, and meeting new people of the same age from different backgrounds who have clear dreams for the future. I would like to make use of this experience and continue challenging myself in various endeavors to acquire more knowledge.

このプログラムは、この夏休みを通して一番貴重で楽しい経験をさせていただいたものでした。参加する前は、立教英国学院の高校3年生は私だけだったのでとても不安でした。しかし、このプログラムを通じて国内外からの多くの学生と交流を図り、今でも連絡を取り合うほど親しい友達を作ることができました。アルバムをよく見返して、あの頃に戻りたいなとよく余韻に浸っています。このUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023は、10日間にわたって行われました。

初日は立教英国学院で開催されました。各学校の紹介や自己紹介を参加者の前で全員が発表した後は、アイスブレイキングアクティビティーがありました。立教の広大な体育館を使用し、5つのチームに分かれてスポーツを競い合うものでした。私のチームのビブスの色は青だったので、「ドラえもん」というチーム名にしました。ドッジビーからスタートし、チーム力はあったのですが、残念ながら全敗してしまいました。その後、フットサルに競技が変わる時、チーム名を変えたほうがいいのではないかとチーム内でhttps://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/ucl-japan-youth-challenge-2-2023/なり、マンチェスターに変更したら、見事私たちのチームは全勝することができました。スポーツを通して絆を深めつつ、緊張もほぐすことができてとても楽しかったです。夜ご飯は、立教スタッフのサイモンやユキさんが作ってくださったカレーライスを美味しくいただきました。運動後のカレーはいつもより美味しく感じました。

2日目はケンブリッジに移動し、ロビンソン大学に2日間滞在しました。ケンブリッジでの初日は街に出て、パンティングをしました。その後の観光は、運良く私のグループの引率の先生がケンブリッジ大学で研究をしている人で、ラボを訪問して脳神経の研究を見学するという非常に貴重な経験をすることができました。それに加え、クワイヤーの歌をチャペルで聴いたり美味しいジェラートを食べたりなど、楽しい一日を過ごすことができました。

翌日からはついに講義が始まりました。教授の言っていることを理解することができるか不安でしたが、普段から立教で英国人による英語科目の授業をたくさん受けているからか、理解することができ、自分の今の英語力を知ることができました。一番好きな講義は、ロボット工学についてでした。以前まではこのテーマには興味がありませんでしたが、この講義は興味深く、もっとロボット工学について知りたいなと思えたので、私の中で新しい発見となりました。

4日目はロンドン大学(UCL = University College London)に移動し、実際にUCLの学生寮に5日間滞在しました。私にとってこの期間はとても刺激的な毎日でした。最終プレゼンテーションに向けて、SDGsに関するレジリエンスについて勉強しました。私は「貧困」というテーマを選び、そのテーマのグループリーダーとして皆の意見を聞き、メンバーと議論を重ねました。チームで力を合わせて成功させることができたプレゼンテーションは、とても達成感がありました。その日の夜ご飯は、福島県の関係者の方々が美味しいお寿司や福島県産のスイーツ、お菓子などを用意してくださいました。参加者、引率の先生方皆で最後の夕食を楽しみました。

今回このプログラムに参加することができて、本当に嬉しく思います。UCLやケンブリッジ大学で実際に講義を受けたり、様々な国籍を持っている人たちとプレゼンテーションを作成したり、同世代で異なるバックグラウンドを持っていながらも、将来の明確な夢があり、その夢に向かって頑張っている人たちとの出会うことができたりと、このような機会を与えてくださった全ての方々にとても感謝しています。この経験を活かして、これからも様々なことに挑戦し、知識を深めていきたいと思っています。

(高等部3年女子)”

UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ①UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ①UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ①UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 報告書 ①

“夏期休暇中に英国で行われたUCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023に本校からも4名の生徒が参加しました。参加生徒の研修報告書を日本語と英語でご紹介します。

UCL Japan Youth Challenge is a summer programme for high school students in Japan and the UK. It is organized by Prof. Ohnuma, whom I met at UCL during the programme. The program lasted for 10 days, during which we stayed at Rikkyo, Cambridge, and UCL for a total of 9 days. On day 1 and day 2, we stayed at Rikkyo, where we had an opening ceremony and an ice-breaking activity. On day 3 and day 4, we stayed in Cambridge and enjoyed sightseeing and punting. From day 5 onward, we stayed in UCL accommodation, attending many lectures of different fields. The theme of this year was resilience. Through those lectures, we explored resilience from various perspectives.

The reasons why I participated in this programme include experiencing how lectures in a university are like and meeting new people to stimulate and raise myself. I take pride in successfully achieving both these objectives.

Throughout the lectures, I keenly felt my shortcomings, especially in English proficiency and assertiveness. It was evident that my English was not as strong as that of the other participants. I really struggled with understanding the lectures. I was still not used to listening to natural spoken English so it was difficult to maintain my concentration. Despite these challenges, this experience provided a valuable insight into my current skills. During every lecture, I pushed myself to participate by raising my hand. While this was quite demanding, sometimes I was able to raise my hand, thanks to the people around me who were not afraid to express their opinions.

The aspect I enjoyed the most was the presentations and subsequent discussions. We made a number of groups to give a presentation about contemporary disasters, and I chose to focus on climate change. In the process of making a presentation, I was quite surprised by the members’ behaviors. Of course, conflicting opinions sometimes emerged, but I was impressed by the mutual respect everyone showed towards these viewpoints without accepting them. Being a part of the presentation and working alongside fellow members filled me with appreciation.

Over the course of the 10 days, I was influenced by both fellow participants and those involved in this programme. I was especially impressed by how other participants consider their own future. They displayed a deep concern for their future selves and were diligently working in a linear fashion to attain their goals. That’s an aspect I want to emulate and I’m very happy to have met people who can be role models for me.

In addition, as all the participants come from different backgrounds, I had numerous opportunities to listen to various opinions in daily conversations. That helped me to broaden my horizons, which I believe will influence my present and future decision-making.

Personally, I really enjoyed interacting with people studying in Cambridge. I didn’t know that people from Japan, like them, studied at such a prestigious university abroad. The subjects they studied were especially interesting for me, for I was planning to study those kinds of things.

Through this programme, I feel that I’ve undergone personal growth. The opportunity to connect with numerous new people and engage in meaningful exchanges played a pivotal role in my development. Looking back, I consider this experience to be truly rewarding. I was very happy to have an opportunity to take part in this programme. Most importantly, I’d like to appreciate all the people who made this programme possible and valuable.

UCL Japan youth challengeはUCLの大沼教授によって企画された、日本とイギリスの高校生を対象としたサマープログラムです。このプログラムは計10日間にわたって開催されました。初日と2日目は立教英国学院に滞在し、オープニングセレモニーとアイスブレーキングアクティビティーを行いました。3日目と4日目はケンブリッジ大学の学生寮に滞在し、講義を受けたり、名物のパンティングを含む観光を楽しんだりしました。5日目以降はロンドン大学(UCL = University College London) の学生寮に泊まり、さまざまな講義を受けました。今年のテーマは「レジリエンス」でした。講義を通して、「レジリエンス」について様々な観点から探求しました。

わたしがこのプログラムに参加した理由は、大学での講義を体験することと、自分を刺激し高めてくれる人に出会うことです。わたしはこの2つの目標が達成されたことを自負しています。

プログラム中に行われたすべての講義を通して、わたしは自分の力不足を、特に英語力と自己主張力の面で痛感しました。わたしの英語力が他の参加者達のように十分でなかったので、毎回の授業を理解することがとても大変でした。まだ自然な英語のスピードに慣れていないので、講義中に集中力を保つことがとても難しかったです。しかし、この経験はわたしの現状を知るきっかけとなりました。授業では発言することを特に意識していました。これは私にとってなかなか難しいことですが、他の参加者の間違いを恐れずに発言をする姿に感化されて、何度か発言することができました。

わたしが今回のプログラムで最も楽しかったことは、グループプレゼンテーションとそのためのディスカッションです。私たちは様々な災害について幾つかのグループを作りましたが、わたしのグループは気候変動を選択しました。プレゼンテーションを作る過程で、他のグループメンバーの姿勢に驚かされました。議論が白熱して進むにつれて、対立する意見が出ることもありましたが、それら全てを一つの意見として尊重する場面が見受けられました。他のメンバー達と共にプレゼンテーションを作る一員となれた事に感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです。

この10日間を通して、わたしは他の参加者や、このプログラムに関わった人から様々な影響を受けました。特に、他の参加者達がそれぞれの将来を考える姿勢に驚かされました。彼らは将来の自分を熟考し、目標に向かって一直線に真摯に取り組んでいました。そういうところはわたしが見習うべき一面であり、お手本になるような人たちに出会えてとても幸運だと思いました。

それに加え、すべての参加者が異なる背景を持つので、普段の会話からたくさんの興味深い考えを聞くことができました。わたしは彼らによって視野が広げられたと感じました。これは将来のわたしの節々の意思決定に影響を与えるでしょう。

また個人的には、ケンブリッジで勉強している日本人の学生や研究者と会って、交流できたことがとても楽しかったです。彼らのように、日本から来た人がケンブリッジ大学のような権威のある大学で勉強していることを初めて知りました。また、彼らが勉強しているような分野は、わたしが大学へ行ってから勉強したい分野と近いので、とても興味深い話を聞けました。

このプログラムを通して、私は人間的な成長を遂げたと感じています。数多くの新しい人たちとつながり、有意義な交流をする機会は、私の成長に極めて重要な役割を果たしたことでしょう。振り返ってみると、この経験は本当に実り多いものだったと思います。このプログラムに参加する機会を得て、とても幸運でした。何よりも、このプログラムを作り上げて、価値のあるものにしてくれたすべての人々に感謝したいです。

(高等部2年女子)”https://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/ucl-japan-youth-challenge-1-2023/

本校はロンドン大学連合の一角を担い世界的評価も高い(QS World University Rankings 2024, 第9位)University College London(UCL)と教育進学連携協定を結び、本校生徒の英国大学進学を支えています。その一環として、2015年以来国際的なアカデミックプログラムであるUCL-Japan Youth Challengeを共催者として運営してきました。

今年度は4年ぶりの対面実施が実現し、日英の高校生が友情を育みながらUCLやケンブリッジ大学といった世界のトップ大学で貴重な経験をすることができました。以下、その様子になります。

関連して、本校英語科教諭が英国大学進学に役立つ動画を作成しましたので、以下に共有いたします。なお、動画内容はUCL CLIE (Centre for Language & International Education) の正式な承認を受けております。

本校生徒だけではなく、日本の高校生が今後広く世界の大学に羽ばたいていくことを強く望んでいます。https://www.rikkyo.co.uk/new/latestnews/ucl-japan-youth-challenge-2023/

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