On Wednesday 3 June 2026, our year 11 and 12 Japanese class had the opportunity to attend the Japanese NCEA Day workshop at the University of Canterbury. The event brought together students from a variety of schools across Canterbury who are currently studying Japanese. It was an exciting and valuable experience that allowed us to practise our language skills, learn from experienced teachers, and meet other students who share an interest in Japanese language and culture.

Throughout the day, we participated in three different workshops, each led by a different Japanese teacher from a different school. We were split into mixed groups, which meant we had the chance to work alongside students we had never met before. This helped create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone could learn together.

Each workshop focused on different aspects of the Year 12 NCEA Japanese curriculum. The activities were designed to help us improve our understanding of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structures, and communication skills. We completed a range of interactive tasks that encouraged us to use Japanese in practical situations. Rather than simply listening to presentations, we were actively involved in discussions, speaking exercises, and group activities.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the workshops was having the opportunity to practise speaking Japanese with students from other schools. Since we were working in mixed groups, we were constantly encouraged to communicate and collaborate. It was interesting to hear how other students approached the language and to learn from their experiences. Speaking with new people helped build my confidence and allowed me to use Japanese in a more natural and authentic way.

The teacher leading the workshops were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and supportive. Each teacher had a different teaching style, which made every workshop unique and engaging. They provided helpful explanations and gave us useful tips that could assist us in our NCEA assessments. Their passion for teaching Japanese made the learning experience even more enjoyable.

During morning tea, we were treated to Japanese cream bread. This was a special addition to the day and gave us a chance to experience a popular Japanese snack. Many students enjoyed trying the cream bread while chatting with new friends and discussing the activities from the morning sessions. It was a simple but memorable part of the experience.

At lunchtime, we were given the opportunity to explore the University of Canterbury campus and visit the cafeteria. This allowed us to experience what university life might be like in the future. The campus was busy and welcoming, with many students studying, socialising, and attending classes. Exploring the university gave us a glimpse into the opportunities available after high school and encouraged many of us to think about our future education pathways.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting new people. Because students from multiple schools attended the event, we had the chance to make new friends who share similar interests. It was exciting to connect with others who are also studying Japanese and to learn about their experiences. Throughout the day, we used Japanese phrases and conversations whenever possible, making the event both educational and social.

The Japanese NCEA Day workshop was an excellent learning opportunity that combined education, culture, and social interaction. It helped reinforce the skills we have been developing in class while also introducing us to new ideas and perspectives. The workshops challenged us to think more confidently and creatively when using Japanese.

Overall, the trip to the University of Canterbury was both enjoyable and beneficial. The combination of engaging workshops, delicious Japanese cream bread, campus exploration, and opportunities to meet new people made the day memorable. I left feeling more confident in my Japanese abilities and motivated to continue improving my language skills. It was an experience that I would highly recommend to future Japanese students.

Story by Ilham Ahmad Sufi