MSHS NEWS

Welcome Infobyte #8!
Written by Mr. Alex

I would like to start by expressing my sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our wonderful community, contributing their hard work and dedication in the past few weeks that have been nothing short of eventful, filled with activities that have left a lasting impact on our school. 

We celebrated International Day on October 24, an occasion that beautifully showcased the rich cultural diversity of our school. On October 31 we had the Halloween festivities organized by our Student Council (STUCO) that added a touch of spookiness and fun to our school life. The creative costumes, the Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, and the movie night were a great success, and I’d like to commend STUCO for their dedication and hard work in making this event memorable for our students.

The SWA Cup competition embodied teamwork and sportsmanship and also marked an exciting chapter in our school's journey marking the last week of October. Our students displayed great skill and camaraderie, making the event a memorable one for all involved. On top of all that, we recently celebrated SWA’s 16th anniversary, and this remarkable milestone was a time for us to reflect on the growth and success we have achieved over the years. We appreciate the collective effort that has made this journey possible and look forward to a future filled with continuous progress and achievements.

Thank you to all faculty and staff as well as students, parents and the wider community for the great support and engagement!

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, and 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 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 emphasize 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

First and foremost, I would like to extend my congratulations to our students from Grade 11 and Grade 12 who recently participated in the SWA Cup. It was truly heartwarming to witness their dedication and teamwork, and the success they achieved. 

For our Grade 12 students, the finalisation of IBDP exam registrations is swiftly approaching. This is a crucial step in their academic journey, and we encourage them to take this process seriously. Our dedicated staff is here to assist them every step of the way, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming examinations. 

As we approach the end of the first semester, we have scheduled pre-mock examination sessions for our Grade 12 students during the last two weeks of November. These sessions will help our students gauge their preparedness and identify areas where they may need additional support. It is a vital step on their path to success in the IB Diploma Programme. 

For our Grade 11 students, the end of semester 1 examination session is scheduled for the last week of November. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for them to practice and refine their examination techniques, helping them to excel in their future endeavours. 

A reminder to all Grade 12 students and their parents: there are upcoming deadlines for university applications. These applications are significant milestones for our young people as they embark on their higher education journeys. We encourage students to approach this process with diligence and seek assistance from our college counsellor to ensure they submit the strongest applications possible. 

In closing, I would like to wish all of our students, both Grade 11 and Grade 12, the best of luck in their upcoming examinations and university applications. These are crucial moments in their academic lives, and we believe in their abilities to excel. 

I also encourage parents to support their children in managing their time effectively and avoiding procrastination during this critical period. Your guidance and encouragement play a pivotal role in their success. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students and sharing more exciting news in the future.

MSHS United Nations Day Celebration
Written by Mr. Alex

Sinarmas World Academy (SWA) embraced its international spirit on October 24 during the MSHS United Nations Day. With 21 represented countries at SWA, this event beautifully showcased our diverse community. The event started with an assembly where each class showcased their talents, infusing the event with cultural performances. Homeroom booths displayed Asian countries' cultures, offering insights into diverse traditions in alignment with our vision of Embracing Asia and Engaging.

A cultural quiz added an educational yet competitive touch, fostering cultural understanding. Following the assembly, SWA's Peace Park saw a vibrant flag parade, involving students, parents, and staff, symbolizing unity in diversity. The celebration wrapped up with a potluck, uniting everyone in sharing global flavors. MSHS United Nations Day at SWA exemplifies our commitment to nurturing global citizenship and embracing diverse cultures.

MSHS STUCO Halloween 

Halloween arrived in style at our school, thanks to the remarkable efforts of our Student Council (STUCO). The spirit of Halloween filled the air, bringing joy, excitement, and a touch of spookiness to our campus. The STUCO Halloween event, which took place on 31 October 2023, left all our students in high spirits, and I would like to extend a huge thanks and congratulations to the STUCO team for organizing this unforgettable event. The event started with an assembly that set the perfect tone for the Halloween festivities. Students and staff gathered to witness the creative efforts of STUCO members. The assembly featured Halloween-themed performances, a pumpkin decoration competition, and the enthusiasm of everyone was clearly noticeable as the crowd enjoyed the showcase of talent and creativity.

Following the assembly, the real adventure began with the Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt held within the GM building. After that there was a delightful potluck. Students and staff contributed with delicious dishes, and it was a great opportunity to bond with friends and have a good laugh, making it a memorable part of the Halloween celebration. The activity ended with a movie night with popcorn, snacks and soft drinks, which offered a perfect conclusion to our Halloween adventure.

Thank you SWA MSHS STUCO for the wonderful event!

English Department

Written by Mr. Alex

Grade 11 English B class is currently working on the theme of experiences and reading the novel “The Circle” by Dave Eggers. The story is very thought-provoking and explores the course theme of experiences, and it is within this context that our students recently engaged in a dynamic discussion about the role of social media as an element of peer pressure and how it impacts our interactions with others. During our class discussions, students exchanged their perspectives on how social media acts as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it connects us with a global audience, giving us a platform to share our experiences, thoughts, and interests. On the other hand, it introduces us to the world of peer pressure, where we may feel compelled to conform to certain norms or standards set by our online peers. 

The class also explored the concept of different types of pilgrimages in the receptive skills practice. This discussion offered a fresh perspective, as we related it to the characters in "The Circle" who embark on their own journeys within the digital realm. We examined the significance of these pilgrimages, such as the pursuit of knowledge or personal growth. Grade 11 English B students have been actively engaged in exploring the course theme of experiences through the lens of "The Circle." and other texts. 

Science And Design Department
Written by Mr. Rajesh

Empowering Grades 6-9 with Tech Moguls: Paving the Way for Future Challenges

The Tech Moguls course for students in grades 6-9 is a dynamic platform aimed at preparing young minds for the challenges they'll face in higher education and professional careers. This innovative module focuses on essential tech skills, notably MySQL database management and Java Netbeans swing controls on JFrame Forms.

MySQL Database:

Students dive into the basics of MySQL database management, learning how to create databases, design tables, add records, and retrieve information using queries. This fundamental understanding of database structures and the query language forms the bedrock for efficient data organization, an indispensable skill in numerous professional fields requiring data management and analysis.

Java Netbeans Swing Controls on JFrame Forms:

The course also introduces students to Java Netbeans swing controls, allowing them to design user-friendly interfaces. Students learn to integrate various controls such as buttons, text fields, and data grids on JFrame Forms. They gain insight into creating a seamless interaction between the user interface and the backend database, laying the groundwork for practical application development.

Critical Thinking Through Game Development:

One of the standout components of the course involves engaging students in the development of a Tic Tac Toe game. This exercise challenges students to think critically and strategically, planning the game's strategies to achieve victory. The game development not only reinforces their programming and design skills but also fosters logical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Application of Skills:

The acquired skills extend far beyond the classroom, providing a foundation for potential careers in software development, data analysis, and information technology. Additionally, the problem-solving and critical thinking skills cultivated during the course are transferable to any field, fostering an analytical mindset and logical thinking essential for success in higher education and the professional world.

Mathematics Department

Written by Mr. Emerson

The semester 1 examination is approaching, and students are beginning to revise the topics they have studied in Term 1, and even from the last academic year, for G10 and G12 students. There are various methods students use to prepare for their exams. Some students attempt past papers to acquaint themselves with the external exam format. Others revisit questions from their textbooks to enhance their understanding. A select group of students also review the formative and summative assessments they have received previously.

Below, you will find some photographs of mathematics students revising for the Semester 1 examination.

Chinese Department

Written by Mr. Xia

Effectively articulating, elaborating on, and summarizing viewpoints in an argumentative essay poses a significant aspect and task for G10 students during their educational journey. In the classroom, students engaged in comprehensive studies and pursued independent research endeavours, culminating in the development of their research outcomes. The pictures below show their research efforts through presentations.

Indonesian Department

Written by Ms. Evi

G7 ILA students have been actively involved in language learning activities centered around various topics, including family, daily routines, and shopping. One of the speaking assessment criteria involves pairs of students, where one takes on the role of a seller and the other acts as a buyer in a simulated shopping scenario. This approach effectively addresses several language learning objectives, including vocabulary enrichment, interactive learning and real-world application. 

Each pair is given a specific situational task. For example:

• Role-play a conversation where one student sells a watch to the other, discussing its features and negotiating the price.

• Simulate a scenario in which a student buys a pair of shoes, considering factors like size, colour, and style.

• Engage in a conversation where a student sells a car, providing information about its make, model, and price.

• Role-play a situation where a student buys clothing, discussing size, style, and any potential discounts.

Below is one of the examples of Bahasa situational tasks i.e watch (or jam tangan):

Individuals & Societies Department
Written by Ms. Marta

Our students within the Individuals and Societies Department are continuously broadening their horizons. In Geography, in Grade 6, they are studying weather elements, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, precipitation, types of clouds, climate, climate zones, atmosphere, biomes, habitats, and more. 

In Grade 8, students have been tackling essential topics like economic development and food production. This unit seeks to heighten their awareness of problems arising from uneven economic development among countries, understanding the reasons for these differences, and the impact on populations. A key aspect of this unit is food production, aiming to develop critical thinking skills about how food is produced, the supply chains involved, and the role geographical factors play in food production, including the impact of extreme climate events on food shortages. The students conducted research during the unit, utilizing images to illustrate their points, particularly in relation to food and rice production. 

In History class, students have been honing their critical thinking skills while exploring the events that have shaped our world. This historical perspective equips them to analyze, question, and derive meaningful insights from historical narratives. Seventh-grade students are currently preparing their summative assessments on Germany during World War II. They were given a choice of projects to complete in groups, which included producing a visual presentation, a multimedia presentation, writing a report, or analyzing propaganda posters. Each group will present their project to the class. 

Our Grade 10 Economics students are sharing their research on how the cyclical nature of global economics affects individuals and societies. Each student has chosen a crisis to investigate, providing background information on the country, describing the circumstances leading up to the crisis, and highlighting economic connections with other countries. This activity offers an excellent opportunity for learning and sharing. 

Within our Global Perspectives program, students have been refining their research and critical thinking skills, preparing them for future academic endeavours. For our Grade 10 students in Global Perspectives, the upcoming weeks are crucial as they finalize individual and group reports, contributing not only to their academic development but also to their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. 

Our Enterprise students played an important role in the recent SWA 16th birthday celebrations, showcasing their skills and enthusiasm. Moreover, students have been actively participating in Model United Nations (MUN) clubs, where they've honed their debate, diplomacy, and critical thinking abilities.

Congratulations to all the participants in SWA The Journey Song Arrangement contest, especially for the winners that were announced last Friday, 3 November 2023 during the SWA 16th Anniversary celebration at the Arts Building. In celebration of SWA's 16th Anniversary, we gave an opportunity to SWA Music students to improve their music creativity by creating an arrangement of SWA The Journey song and to express their love and appreciation to our school Sinarmas World Academy. Andrew Tan from Grade 10 won the first place, Carlos from Grade 8 won the second place, and Sara from Grade 7 won the third place in this contest. 

The celebration of SWA 16th Anniversary was started by the opening performance from the collaboration of Grade 7 and Grade 8 students presenting our school theme song SWA The Journey lively in the settings of singing with strings, hulusi, and kulintang ensemble. It’s followed by the Happy Birthday song accompanied by different rhythm patterns from Grade 1 to Grade 8 using the untuned percussions or the objects that they bring from home. 

During the SWA Cup Soft Opening, the MSHS Music clubs collaborated with ES Choir presenting their performances with excitement for the SWA Cup 2023. The ES Choir performed a joyful song “What Has Happened to Spring” conducted by Ms. Melissa, followed by OneTake Dance Club with their energetic KPop dance opening performance. The Strings Club demonstrated the Highlights from Harry Potter scoring music featuring Ms. Klara as the cellist. Nathan and Qiara from Grade 8 also showed their singing skills as soloists with their beautiful voices, followed by Timbre Band performing an Indonesian song “Bendera”. Jia Ni from Grade 10 collaborated with Jet Wong from Grade 5 to present a Chinese song playing piano and Gu Zheng in harmony and closed with relaxing jazz music from Mr. Lukas on his saxophone presenting “Misty” accompanied by Mr. Freddy.

Here are some videos taken from the events:

• String Club Harry Potter scoring music

• Nathan solo

• Qiara solo

• Timbre Band "Bendera"

• Relaxing jazz music

Visual Arts 

Written by Mr. Alan

Grade 11, DP1 Visual Art - My Mini Process Portfolio and 3 Dimension art form

These past two weeks were very busy, MSHS celebrated Halloween, followed by the SWA 16th Anniversary. Having all these activities was great but what was more beautiful to see how students working on their formatives, My Mini Process Portfolio, and 3 Dimensional art form from Grade 11 students, here are some of the snapshots.