MS HS NEWS

MS HS

Written by Mr. Alex Nenes

Celebrating Success and Excitement: A Recap of the Parent Orientation and First Day of School

Greetings to the SWA community! I would like to extend my warm gratitude to all parents who graced us with their presence at the Parents Orientation on Friday, August 4th. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and lay the foundation for a successful academic year ahead. As we kick off this new chapter, let's take a moment to celebrate the success of the first day of school and the vibrant energy on campus. 

The curtains of the school year rose with a grand assembly that brought together students, teachers, and staff. The stage buzzed with performances from Grade 6 and Timber. The assembly was not only about showcasing talents but also about sharing vital information that will guide us throughout the year. Our administrators took the stage to welcome the students back to school after the summer break and brief everyone about school policies, important dates on the calendar, and other aspects crucial for a smooth academic journey. 

Following the assembly, students were ushered into homeroom sessions where they received tailored guidance. These sessions delved deeper into school policies, helping students align themselves with the values and expectations that will guide them through the coming months. The academic calendar was discussed in detail, ensuring that everyone is well-informed about upcoming events and milestones. 

The morning wasn't just about information, it was also about camaraderie and building a sense of belonging. MSHS took on an enchanting atmosphere as students and teachers gathered for the Houses assembly. Drawing inspiration from the beloved world of Harry Potter, new students and teachers were sorted into houses. This was a moment of excitement and connection, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. 

The morning's activities ended with students engaged in the election of house captains, spirit masters, and grade level house representatives. These roles are integral to nurturing a vibrant house spirit and encouraging students to take ownership of their school community. 

After a well deserved lunch break that buzzed with conversations and laughter, it was time for students to embark on their academic journey. Regular classes commenced, setting the tone for the intellectual growth and exploration that will define this academic year. 

The start of this academic year has been nothing short of incredible, thanks to the collective energy and positivity that everyone brought to the table. As we look ahead, there's an air of anticipation for the remarkable achievements and memories that will be created in the days to come. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every member of our community for their unwavering support. Your involvement, enthusiasm, and dedication lay the foundation for a successful year ahead. Together, we can make this a year to remember, full of growth, learning, and cherished moments. Here's to a fantastic journey ahead!

MYP Update
Written by Mr. Haoken

Welcome to the exciting academic year 2023-2024 at SWA! As your MYP Coordinator, I'm thrilled to guide our dynamic community, championing discovery, creativity, and growth. Upholding our commitment to global, holistic, and learner-centred education in the IB MYP program, we'll focus on teamwork, nurturing our learning environment.

This year, we'll delve further into our distinctive MYP framework. Our experiential projects and Interdisciplinary Units will ignite intellectual curiosity and broaden understanding across various disciplines, while the Personal Project will allow MYP5 students to showcase their passion and creativity. We'll also enrich experiences with exciting events, from celebrating cultural heritage on UN Day and engaging intellect on Pi Day and STEM Fair to demonstrating critical thinking in the World Scholar's Cup and physical prowess on Sports Day. We'll honour the diversity of our community while celebrating our students' talents and skills.

Remaining steadfast in promoting personal and social development, our PSE sessions will equip students with resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. Remembering that MYP goes beyond academics, we're eager to support our students' holistic growth. Let's embrace this year with optimism and collaboration, turning challenges into opportunities for learning. Welcome to our enlightening journey in 2023-2024!

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

Welcome to the new academic year 2023-2024 at SWA! Being fascinated with IB Education and actively engaged with it for almost 20 years, I am delighted to join the SWA community as a new DP Coordinator, in its mission “to shape the future as a dynamic learning community that embraces Asia and engages globally”.

This school year brings several changes to the IB DP curriculum as new subject guides are introduced for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in Grade 11. For our senior students, this will be a school year full of electrifying moments with the final IB examinations in May 2024. 

As each student has different goals and starting points, we will focus on providing each student with the proper tools, so that he/she can succeed in reaching them. This I believe, characterizes the successful classroom performance of both students and staff and as a result, a successful school.

“Every beginning is only a sequel, after all, and the book of events is always open halfway through.” With this in mind, I wish all of us, members of the SWA community, an exciting and fruitful new academic year 2023-2024!

English Department

Written by Mr. Daniele

With enthusiasm, we are pleased to start a new chapter in the history book of SWA’s academic journey. With the cloud of COVID slowly dissipating, we enter a period of the new, new normal. In this exciting time, we welcome a new member, Mr. Greg Seifert to our team of dedicated teachers in the English department. Once again this year, the emphasis will be on guiding our students to become critical thinkers as they engage in literary and non-literary texts from different cultures, periods, and places on the globe. Students are seen here, beginning the year with concentration, reflection, and admiration–qualities that will serve them well throughout the year.

Science and Design Department

Written by Haoken

At SWA, MYP/DP Science is more than just a traditional science class. It's an exciting journey into the world of scientific discovery, where students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and explore the interconnected nature of scientific disciplines. Through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning, students at our school delve into physics, chemistry, and biology in a way that fosters curiosity and creativity. The MYP/DP Science curriculum encourages learners to see the relevance of science in everyday life, emphasising the application of scientific concepts to real-world situations.

One of the most exhilarating aspects of the IB Science program at SWA is the integration of community projects and the use of modern technology. Students have the opportunity to apply their scientific knowledge to address genuine community needs, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the world around them. Additionally, the innovative use of simulations, virtual labs, and technology-driven learning tools enables students to explore complex scientific phenomena in an engaging and accessible way. Whether working on collaborative projects, conducting experiments, or exploring personal interests through personal project, the Science program offers a dynamic and enriching learning experience that prepares students for the future.

Mathematics Department
Written by Mr. Haoken

The MYP/DP Mathematics at SWA is a unique and inspiring approach to learning maths that goes beyond mere calculations and formulas. Our Mathematics curriculum focuses on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and real-world application. The course encourages students to see the connections between different mathematical disciplines, such as algebra, geometry, and statistics. This interconnected thinking not only nurtures a robust comprehension of mathematics but also stimulates curiosity and creativity, making mathematics accessible and engaging for all learners.

One of the standout features of the Mathematics program at SWA is the emphasis on individual exploration and collaborative projects. Students are encouraged to investigate mathematical concepts that interest them, working both individually and in groups to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. Through technology integration, like interactive software and virtual manipulatives, learners are provided with dynamic tools to visualise and explore mathematical ideas. Whether working on a mathematical model to understand a real-world scenario or collaborating on an interdisciplinary project that blends maths with I&S, science or art, the Mathematics program at our school offers an enriching and stimulating environment that fosters a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and utility of mathematics.

Chinese Department
Written by Ms Yuan

Learning Mandarin Chinese transcends being a mere language skill; it serves as a gateway to a diverse world, offering boundless opportunities and rewards for individuals and the global community alike. This year, MYP students will enhance their Chinese language proficiency through the study of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. With a solid foundation in character recognition, students are encouraged to share effective methods for memorising and writing Chinese characters, fostering a love for characters and a passion for learning the Chinese language.

Individuals & Societies Department
Written by Ms. Aleksandra 

Individuals and Societies (I&S) subject focuses on developing students' understanding of the relationships between individuals, societies, and the world around them. It aims to promote a sense of international-mindedness, critical thinking, and an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of human history, cultures, societies, and their interconnectedness. Furthermore, it encourages students to engage with different perspectives, think critically about the world around them, and develop skills that will be valuable in their academic journey and beyond. 

The I&S curriculum typically introduces students to a range of social sciences, including history, geography, economics, and politics. The focus is on building a broad understanding of different societies and their interactions. The MYP organises learning through global contexts, which provide a framework for exploring various themes and concepts. Students are engaged with global contexts such as "Orientation in Space and Time," "Personal and Cultural Expression," and "Scientific and Technical Innovation." The MYP curriculum is structured around key concepts that encourage students to think critically and analytically. Some of the key concepts relevant to I&S include Change, Culture, Globalization, Identity, and Systems. I&S encourages inquiry-based learning, where students actively explore questions and problems, conduct research, and engage in discussions to deepen their understanding of societal issues and historical events. Students are encouraged to develop skills such as research skills, communication skills (both oral and written), critical thinking, and the ability to analyse and evaluate different perspectives.

The MYP emphasises the interconnectedness of subjects. Grade 6 I&S might have interdisciplinary connections with other subjects, such as Language and Literature, Science, and Arts. Assessment in I&S includes a mix of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments help teachers monitor students' progress and provide feedback and students realise what it is that they should work on in order to improve the outcomes of their learning, while summative assessments evaluate students' understanding of concepts and their ability to apply knowledge.

The MYP also focuses on developing Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, which are essential skills that support students' learning across all subjects. These include research skills, communication skills, self-management, social skills, and thinking skills.

Music

Written by Mr. Freddy

The new academic year has begun and the Music students started with excitement in their welcoming performance during the first assembly on Monday, 7 Aug 2023. Our new member of MSHS, the Grade 6 students introduced themselves with a cheerful performance at the opening of the assembly. They presented the song “Permission to Dance” by singing and playing ukulele together. 

It was followed by Timbre music students with amazing band performances presenting 2 songs that liven up the ambiance of the morning assembly. Below are the videos:

It is a very busy week for the Grade 8 MYP3 Music students who are working on their choir performance for the 17 August Flag Ceremony to celebrate Independence Day since we only have 1 week of preparation since the first day of school. They will be performing the national anthem, national songs, and folk songs from Indonesia during the ceremony. This will be their first project of Term 1 that will improve not only their vocal music skills, appreciation, and interpretation, but also their affective skills and social skills in this collaborative project. 

We believe that Music is not just a part of MYP Arts lessons but Music is a life experience for the students, and the exposure to music will support students’ development with a positive impact in every aspect of their lives including their learning process in almost all subjects. Music can also help students to build their confidence and self-esteem as we saw from the last term event, the MSHS Recognition Day, we could see many new talents from MYP students who have developed more confidence to perform as amazing soloists like Harry, Grant, Kyle, Ethel, Sophia, Zuriel, and many more. Music can also support them in developing their social skills with affective skills in their teamwork in every ensemble and band project.

Visual Arts

Written by Mr. Alan

Summer Break Program in Singapore

From 20 July to 30 July, two of our visual art students went for an orientation program during the summer break in Singapore. Jasmine and Clarissa, both students, approached me before the summer break about wanting to learn something during the holiday break, so I went and spoke to my contact. I was given the opportunity for these two students to attend the 10 days of hands-on experience in an actual animation studio, Ink Fusion Singapore. They got to see how the workflow runs during their day-to-day activities. Both students followed the daily working hours from morning to evening, Monday to Friday, and including Saturday. They got to explore a Wacom tablet with some illustration work given to them and met some real clients. Here are some snapshots taken by the students.

“We learned a lot of new useful things from this orientation visit program. For instance, learning how to use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Aside from that, we got to experience what work life is like. Furthermore, we developed new life skills, which are communication, time management, and taking responsibility. We believe that this is only one of many orientation programs that we will do in the future and we are thrilled that this one was a success. We really recommend doing programs like these for those interested in the arts.” - Clarissa & Jasmine, G11