MSHS NEWS

Welcome to Infobyte #7
Written by Mr. Alex

As we start Term 2, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all students, teachers, parents, and staff. I trust that the break allowed you to recharge and spend quality time with your loved ones.

With the commencement of Term 2, we gear up for an important part of the academic year: the semester exams. It is a period that will challenge and push us to bring out our best. Let us embrace it with determination, grit, and the knowledge that our hard work will pave the way for a bright future.

The DP Subject Fair, which took place last week was an informative event where students and parents had the opportunity to learn more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and its subject offerings. The counsellors conducted a wonderful Assembly with several students having the opportunity to go on stage and share their experiences on Character Building. 

This week, we are excited to celebrate UN Day, an occasion that promotes international awareness and solidarity. Let’s take this opportunity to acknowledge the global community and our role in it. Don’t miss our whole school Halloween and the SWA Anniversary celebration events next week!

Community building and well-being are central to our educational mission. In line with this, I was delighted to receive the Grade 6 students who recently paid a visit to my office. It was a heartwarming experience to see the future of our school taking an active interest in their education and community.

A picture capturing this wonderful moment is attached below, showcasing the enthusiasm of our students.

This gesture reflects the sense of togetherness and unity we aim to foster within our school. It is a reminder that my office, and indeed, our entire school, is always open to any community member who wishes to engage, seek guidance, or simply share their thoughts and ideas. As we move forward in Term 2, let us remember that our school community is not just a place for learning but a place for growth, support, and connection. Together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling Term 2. Stay positive, stay motivated, and let's strive for excellence!

MYP Update

Written by Mr. Haoken

Dear Grade 6 - 10 Parents,

As we approach the conclusion of Term 2, we wish to share essential information about the upcoming semester one examination periods for our IB MYP students. These exams provide our learners with a valuable opportunity to consolidate their understanding and demonstrate their achievements. Our primary focus is to ensure that each student has the best possible opportunity to prepare for and perform well in these examinations.

Grades 6-9: Exams will be summative, covering content from both Term 1 and Term 2. They will exclusively assess MYP Criteria. Please see the shared G6 - 9 assessment timetable for specific details.

• Revision Week: 20 - 24 November 2023 (Please note: no new material will be introduced or assessed during this week)

• G6 - 9 Semester 1 Exam Period: 27 November - 1 December 2023

Grade 10: Students will sit for 'full mock exams,' which are summative over all of Grade 9, Term 1 and Term 2 of Grade 10. These mock IGCSE exams cover a broader range of material compared to the exams for Grades 6-9. Please find attached information regarding the Grade 10 Assessment Timetable.

• Revision Period: 16 - 21 November 2023 (Again, no new content or assessments during this period)

• G10 Semester 1 Exam (Mock Exam) Period: 22 November - 1 December 2023

We would like to emphasise the importance of a balanced approach to revision. Please ensure adequate breaks, sleep, and maintain a healthy routine. Students’ wellbeing is paramount. Kindly support your child by ensuring a conducive environment for revision at home and being understanding of their needs during this pivotal period. Should you have any concerns or questions regarding the exams, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Our foremost priority is the success and well-being of our students.

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

Dear Parents of Grade 11 and Grade 12 IBDP Students,

We hope this message finds you well and that your students have transitioned smoothly back into the school routine for Term 2. As we enter this next phase of the academic year, we want to share some important information and updates with you regarding the upcoming term.

Term 2 is a relatively short one, and it will undoubtedly be a busy time for our Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. With this in mind, we would like to remind everyone that this term will feature some significant milestones and assessments, particularly the End of Semester Exams for Grade 11 on 27 November - 1 December and the Pre-Mock Exams for Grade 12 on 20 November - 1 December.

For our Grade 11 students, the end-of-semester exams are a crucial checkpoint in their academic journey. They provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, review their understanding of the material covered so far, and make necessary adjustments to ensure success in the second half of the academic year. Encourage your Grade 11 children to manage their time wisely and seek help from their teachers if needed. Our teaching staff is here to support them every step of the way.

For Grade 12 students, the Pre-Mock Exams are an essential step in their preparation for the final IB Diploma exams. These exams simulate the conditions of the actual IB exams and help students identify areas where they need to focus their efforts. Success in the Pre-Mocks can build confidence and provide valuable insights for refining their study strategies. It's important that they take these exams seriously and make the most of this practice opportunity.

We want to reassure you that we are here to continuously support your students. Our teaching staff and the school's counselling team are available to address any concerns, offer guidance, and provide additional resources for those who may need it. We encourage open communication between parents, students, and the school to ensure the best outcomes for everyone.

In addition to the upcoming academic challenges, we'd like to share some highlights from recent activities at our school. Our Grade 11 and Grade 12 students recently organized a highly successful IBDP Subject Fair for our future IBDP students in Grade 10. This fair allowed the younger students to gain insights into the IB Diploma Programme, explore subject options, and interact with their older peers. It was a fun and informative event for all involved, showcasing the collaborative spirit of our school community.

As we venture into Term 2, let's continue to work together to support our student's academic endeavours. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and growth of your children.

Science And Design Department

Written by Ms Michelle

Egg-citing Experiment

The Grade 8 students concluded Term 1 with an egg-citing and educational experiment - the Egg Drop Experiment. In this thrilling activity, students formed teams to protect an egg from cracking when dropped from a considerable height. The experiment was not only a practical application of physics and engineering principles but also a lesson in teamwork and creativity.

Each group came up with unique designs using materials like cardboard, tissue paper and sponge to protect their precious cargo. As eggs were released from their designated heights, the excitement was palpable. Many teams celebrated success as their protective devices saved the eggs from cracking, while others saw it as an opportunity to refine their designs. The Egg Drop Experiment was a fantastic blend of learning and fun, showcasing the students' innovative thinking and their ability to tackle challenges as they concluded Term 1 with enthusiasm.

Mathematics Department

Written by Mr. Lukas

DP Students Hosting the SWA Subject Fair Showcase Diverse Offerings in the IB DP Mathematics Curriculum.

In a celebration of academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge, IB DP students of grade 11 and 12 recently hosted a Subject Fair, an event aimed at showcasing the various facets of different subjects within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) curriculum. The fair brought together students, parents, teachers, and educational experts, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of the IB DP program and its potential implications for future university majors.

The students taking mathematics emphasized the importance of the courses in shaping students' academic paths beyond high school. While Mathematics AA HL opens doors to a wide array of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors, Mathematics AA SL and Mathematics AI SL prepare students for a more versatile range of university majors, where mathematics plays a supporting but essential role.

The Subject Fair was a significant educational event that shed light on the IB DP curriculum's diverse mathematics offerings and their potential influence on university majors. It reinforced the idea that mathematics is not just a subject but a powerful tool that can shape one's academic and professional future. The fair was an excellent platform for students to explore their mathematical interests, interact with experts, and pave the way for their future success.

Indonesian Department
Written by Mr. Ahmad

A Class United: Cooking Together as a Symbol of Connection

At the culmination of their inquiry of “social relationship strengthens one's self-identity, culture and support system in life” the students of Grade 11 Indonesian B decided to translate their newfound understanding into action. The students’ activities of analyzing texts related to the effect of social media, discussing social relationships in the Indonesian traditional community, writing letters and e-mails related to communication in various social settings, the students then organized a unique class activity that would not only exemplify the strength of interpersonal connections but also celebrate their identity - they decided to cook together. 

In a collaborative effort, students from various cultural backgrounds came together, bringing a variety of recipes. As the aroma of spices filled the air, laughter and chatter intertwined, bridging the gaps between diverse traditions. 

Through their inquiry, these Grade 11 Indonesian students proved that interpersonal connections are not just a topic to study, but a powerful force that shapes our identities, strengthens cultural affiliations, and creates a robust support system. As they continue their educational journey, the students carry with them the profound knowledge that understanding one another is not just a lesson in a classroom, it's the foundation of a harmonious society.

Individual And Societies Department
Written by Mr. Greg

As we step into the second term of the academic year, we're excited to share what's in store for our Global Perspectives program. Throughout this term, students will continue their journey of exploration and discovery, further preparing for the written exam. This examination, which is a cornerstone of the Global Perspectives curriculum, will challenge our students to think critically and engage with complex global issues.

Recently, Grade 9 students participated in a debate reviewing a variety of topics they covered last term in Global Perspectives. They also started having discussions about animal rights, their nutritional value, and the impact of meat production on rainforests. In addition, they began research looking at the ethics of animal experimentation and what position they personally hold about the issue. These issues will naturally lead us to issues like biodiversity and the loss of ecosystems which will be explored later.

In addition to exam preparation, this term will also mark the beginning of an exciting phase as students work on finalizing both individual and group projects. These projects provide a unique opportunity for our students to apply the knowledge and skills they've acquired in the program to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of global challenges and solutions.

We look forward to an engaging and thought-provoking second term, and we can't wait to see the innovative projects our students will create as they delve into the diverse and intricate world of global perspectives. 

Besides the whole class project, the Grade 7 students in the Music class are also developing their rehearsal strategy for their piano test. Every student in Grade 7 will be assessed for their piano summative practical test in Rock n’ Roll piano style. We set 2 modes of differentiation method where the basic skill students can do the blocking chords as the accompaniment while the more advanced students can play the arpeggio on their left hand. 

Visual Arts

Written by Mr. Alan

Kirigami, Gesture, Observation Line Drawing

In the beginning of term 2, Grade 7 and Grade 9 students are engaging in some fun art activities. Grade 7 is hands-on with Kirigami papercraft making with just a scissor, pencil and sketch paper transforming into 3-dimensional forms and shapes, Grade 9 is exploring the gesture drawing where each student will put up a still posed in every 2 minutes for the class to draw. Also, the object line drawing where students have to pick an object, apply the observations and go through the object covers with line drawing techniques. Here are some snapshots: