English School "Little." Revamps Curriculum

Gakken Link Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Atsushi Kawabata), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Hiroaki Miyahara), will rebrand its children's English school brand "Little.". The logo design will be renewed, and the curriculum will be enhanced to a next-generation model tailored to the AI era and societal changes, with deployment to begin sequentially from April 2026.

■ What is "Little."

"Little." is not just a place to "teach" English. It is an entryway to learning that fosters the ability to think, communicate, and pioneer the future through English, looking towards conversational English, grammar, obtaining various English qualifications and certifications, and beyond. We provide learning that allows for step-by-step growth, starting from enjoyment, leading to understanding, and then to practice.

■ Background and Purpose of Rebranding

"Little." has always provided a curriculum for ages 0 to 12, tailored to age and level, enabling students to acquire the four skills of "listening," "speaking," "reading," and "writing." However, in today's world where technology is evolving and translation tools are widespread, the objective of English learning is shifting from "mere acquisition of knowledge" to "what can be created using English." This rebranding aims to evolve "Little." from a place that "teaches English" into an entryway to learning that fosters the ability to "think, communicate, and pioneer the future" through English.

■ Three Core Pillars of the New "Little."

1. Fun First! (English is Fun) The first thing we want to foster is the feeling of "I love English!"

Through play and communication, we create an environment where children can naturally encounter English, while retaining the thinking skills developed freely in Japanese.

2. Gradual Design (Small Steps) From "enjoyment" to "structural understanding," and then to "practice and application."

It is designed by following stages of understanding, trial, and expression. Accumulating small successes fosters confidence and initiative in English.

3. Future Standard (Sustainable English Proficiency) Obtaining certifications and taking exams are merely stepping stones.
We emphasize the ability to hold and convey one's own thoughts and learn collaboratively with others, even in an era of advancing AI.

■ Three Diversified New Courses

Courses have been redefined to allow selection of the optimal education in accordance with family values and societal changes.

・Conversational English Course (Target: 0 years old to elementary school students) Emphasizes experiences that foster a "liking" for English through play with familiar themes and Total Physical Response (TPR) instruction.

・Grammar Enhancement Course (Target: Grades 1-9) Aims to transition from "vaguely understanding" to "being able to use with a basis." Strives for reproducible understanding that leads to qualification acquisition and junior/senior high school English.

・Global Thinking Course (Target: Toddlers to elementary school students) Fosters the ability to "create value" in English with a two-person instructor system comprising Japanese and foreign teachers. This is a high-level course with private school or overseas advancement in mind.

Official Website

https://gakken-link-classroom.com/newlittle_lp/02/

Official Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/_little_by_gakken_?igsh=MTdremdvcTJvZnJwdw%3D%3D

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■About Gakken Link Co., Ltd.

https://gakken-link.co.jp/

"Connecting children to a better future with high-quality content and reliable human resources."

Established in October 2024. Supporting the future of the next generation of children through education is the mission of Gakken Link.

Modern society is facing significant changes such as declining birthrates, nuclearization of families, and the advancement of digitalization, and the educational environment for children is evolving daily. In such circumstances, we are committed to providing educational services with the vision of "connecting children to a better future with high-quality content and reliable human resources."

■ About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/

A holding company engaged in education, medical, and welfare-related businesses, founded in 1946. In the education sector, it operates the "Gakken Classroom" and other school/cram school businesses, the publishing content business for learning materials represented by "Kagaku" and "Gakushu," and school-related businesses for kindergartens and schools including textbooks and childcare supplies. In the medical and welfare sector, it operates businesses such as serviced housing for the elderly, dementia group homes, and childcare support services including nursery schools and after-school care. It conducts activities related to education and medical welfare in over 150 countries globally. In November 2023, aiming to realize its newly declared aspiration "To become a company that pursues human potential endlessly," it will contribute to expanding the possibilities of people and society as a company that supports the challenges of all people by embracing the curiosity of all generations, from children to students, working adults, and seniors. Sales for the fiscal year ending September 2025 are 199.1 billion yen, with 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities Code: 9470).