MSHS NEWS

Welcome to Infobyte #12!
Written by Mr. Alex

I’d like to start with kudos to students and teachers for boosting academic focus and reducing mobile phone use during class in a commendable joint effort which will certainly improve students’ academic performance. 

I’d like to acknowledge our UGC department, especially Mr Stan, for organising a successful mini-university fair, featuring 17 universities, which provided a great opportunity for high school students to explore future educational paths. 

I would also like to welcome the 20 PKU Middle School students and 2 teachers on their exchange program visit to SWA. They'll be joining Grade 9 lessons next week and have a fantastic cultural exchange. On the note of travels, best of luck to Mr. Stan and SWA students representing us at the Model United Nations event in Kuala Lumpur this week. Your dedication to global issues is inspiring. 

I’d like to congratulate Grade 10 students for submitting their Personal Project Objective C with our Seniors, as they finalise IAs and approach final exams, the best of luck. In the spirit of respect and appreciation to others, remember: "Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners." - Laurence Sterne.

To conclude, I have exciting news: I had the honour to introduce SWA to the Brazilian Embassy on 18 January, strengthening our global ties. I met the Brazilian Ambassador, Mr. George Prata along with his staff of diplomats. Thank you all for your continuous efforts in making SWA a hub of academic excellence, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement

MYP Update

Written by Mr. Haoken

Empowering Futures: Celebrating Grade 10 Personal Projects at the PP Exhibition, 8.00 am - 12.00 noon, 23 February 2024

The Personal Project, a student-led initiative in the final year of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), allows students to delve into a subject of their choosing by acquiring new skills or knowledge and producing a tangible outcome or product. This project serves as a platform for students to exhibit and enhance their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.

As the pinnacle of the MYP, the Personal Project celebrates the educational journey of students in the programme. On 23 February, Grade 10 students will showcase their Personal Projects at the Art Building between 8.00 am and 12.00 noon. Parents are cordially invited to attend this exhibition. The event will also welcome visitors from external schools as well as students from our Elementary and Middle/High School sections.

A Glimpse into the last Year's Student Personal Project Exhibition:

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

As we embark on the second semester of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), here are some important updates regarding the academic journey of our Grade 11 and Grade 12 students.

Grade 12: Revision Time Begins - Tips for Success

For our Grade 12 students, the focus shifts towards revision in preparation for the upcoming examinations. This is a crucial period, and I encourage both students and parents to approach it with a strategic mindset. Here are some tips to support your child during this revision phase: 

Tips for Students:

• Create a Schedule: Develop a realistic and organized study schedule to cover all subjects systematically.

• Active Revision: Engage in active revision techniques such as summarizing notes, teaching concepts to peers, and practising past papers.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure a balance between study and self-care. Adequate sleep, regular breaks, and a balanced diet contribute to effective learning.

Tips for Parents:

• Provide a Supportive Environment: Create a quiet and comfortable study space for your child at home.

• Encourage Breaks: Remind your child to take breaks to avoid burnout. Short breaks enhance productivity.

• Communication is Key: Maintain open communication with your child. Be a source of encouragement and understanding.

As partners in your child's education, your support is invaluable. Together, we can navigate this challenging yet rewarding journey and help our students achieve their fullest potential. 

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the success of our students.

Engish Department

Written by Ms. Aleksandra

Exploring Literary Creativity: G7 and G8 Students Dive into "Wonder" and "Holes"

The classrooms at our school have been buzzing with excitement as our G7 and G8 students delved into the captivating worlds of literature. This time, the focus was on the novels "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio in G7 and "Holes" by Louis Sachar in G8. The students not only explored the narratives but also embarked on a journey of creative expression, showcasing their analytical and imaginative skills.

The literary voyage began with a profound analysis of the novels. The students engaged in discussions that unravelled the layers of these captivating stories, exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. 

To bring the characters to life, students embarked on the creative endeavour of conducting interviews with characters from the novels. The exercise not only honed their writing skills but also allowed them to empathize with the characters on a deeper level. The pen became a magic wand as G7 and G8 students wielded their creativity to draft sequels to these beloved novels. Building on the established narratives, students wove new tales, demonstrating an impressive understanding of the characters' personalities and the overall themes. The sequels were not mere continuations but fresh perspectives that showcased the students' narrative prowess.

The exploration of literature extended beyond words as students ventured into the realm of visual arts. The challenge was to design cover pages that captured the essence of the novels. These artistic endeavours reflected the students' interpretation of the stories, merging their literary insights with their visual creativity.

These activities have not only enhanced language skills but have also fostered empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. In bridging the gap between fiction and reality, our students have not only uncovered the nuances of these novels but have also discovered the boundless possibilities that lie within their own imaginations. This literary journey has not only enriched their academic experience but has also laid the foundation for a lifelong love of literature and the arts.

Science And Design Department

Written by Ms. Michelle

The Grade 9 Biology class is currently exploring the concept of movement. As part of the unit, students carried out an investigation into the effect of varying sucrose concentrations on potato sticks. These budding scientists are not only absorbing theoretical knowledge but also cultivating practical skills through hands-on experiments. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the activity fosters teamwork and communication skills among the students. 

Mathematics Department

Written by Ms. Olive

G8 International Mathematics - Math Is Art!

Grade 8 IMA students turned math into a visual masterpiece. They created a visually captivating T-shirt design centered around the theme of PI-Day. Their designs not only raise awareness about the significance of PI in mathematics but also showcase the creative use of geometric transformations. Stay tuned for the release of the designs in the coming days, and support them as the designed T-shirts will be sold, with proceeds going towards a chosen service action project.

Chinese Department

Written by Mr. Xia

A Feast of Culture: Exploring Chinese New Year and Delightful Dumplings

In a festive spirit to celebrate the Chinese New Year and delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese food culture, the Grade 11 students in the Chinese section of our school recently embarked on an engaging cultural class. This lively exploration aimed to unravel the mysteries behind Chinese festival celebrations, with a special focus on the delightful art of crafting steamed buns and dumplings. 

The classroom buzzed with excitement as students eagerly gathered to immerse themselves in a journey through the heart of Chinese traditions. The vibrant atmosphere reflected the enthusiasm of our students to learn more about the customs and culinary delights associated with one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture.

Indonesian Department

Written by Ms. Yulia

Grade 9 Indonesian Language and Literature

This Indonesian language and literature class focuses on a topic closely related to students' daily lives, called Leisure time. Here, students will explore more deeply the themes related to hobbies, vacations, and music – activities that are also closely connected to the lives of the students today. In the introduction to the topic, students engage in brainstorming with their peers by discussing aspects related to their respective hobbies. They discuss what they particularly enjoy in their lives, how they develop their hobbies, how they balance their time between hobbies and studying, and whether there is parental support in pursuing these hobbies within their respective groups.

Subsequently, the results of these discussions will be used to carry out activities related to writing skills, such as creating descriptive texts, expressing ideas in posters, writing dialogues, and transcribing interviews. However, the focused skills are speaking and responding. This is done through activities such as discussions and conducting interviews. Students examine examples or references available in their language textbooks to better understand these themes.

In reading, students are asked to identify the main ideas conveyed by the author to the readers so that they can select important information through scanning and skimming techniques. In terms of language, students learn a great deal of vocabulary, phrases, and idioms that are new to them, and they seek meaning and effects based on the reading context. Students appear interested in the vocabulary, phrases, and idioms they learn, simultaneously feeling challenged to understand their meanings. They face numerous difficulties, especially in expressing their opinions due to limitations in language proficiency. Therefore, the Indonesian language learning process always focuses on improving language skills effectively and correctly.

Individuals & Societies Department
Written by Ms. Aleksandra

G6 Students Dive into the Ideal Society through ELL, ELA, and Human Geography 

In an exciting exploration of interdisciplinary learning, our G6 students recently embarked on an IDU that delved into the concept of an ideal society. The journey within the study of Human Geography commenced with the analysis of the geographical elements that shape societies. 

Understanding how landscapes, climates, and resources influence communities allowed the G6 students to envision the geographical foundations of an ideal society. The integration of technology enabled them to create maps and other visual representations, bringing their ideal communities to life. To culminate their interdisciplinary journey, the G6 students undertook creative projects that materialized their visions of an ideal society. In their multimedia presentations envisioning the geography of their utopias, the students showcased not only their understanding of the subjects but also their creativity and collaborative spirit. The reflective component added depth to their understanding, encouraging them to think critically about the complexities of societal design.

Beyond Individuals and Societies knowledge, they have honed their abilities to think critically, collaborate effectively, and envision possibilities for a better world. The interdisciplinary approach has empowered them to be not just learners but also budding visionaries with the capacity to shape the future.

Navigating the Digital Landscape: G9 Students Educate G6 on Responsible Cell Phone Use

In a dynamic intersection of technology and education, the G9 students recently addressed their younger peers, the G6 students, on the topic of responsible cell phone usage. The presentation was not just an insightful exploration of the negative aspects of cell phones but also a proactive effort to foster a culture of responsible digital citizenship within our school community.

The digital age has brought with it an array of technological marvels, and among them, cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, the misuse of this powerful tool can have consequences, especially for young minds. The G9 students recognized the importance of guiding their younger peers through the potential pitfalls of excessive or inappropriate cell phone usage.

The G9 presentation was a well-researched exploration of the negative impacts associated with cell phones. From the potential for distraction and reduced academic performance to issues of cyberbullying and the impact on mental health, the students provided a comprehensive analysis that allowed the G6 students to critically examine their own digital habits. The goal was to empower younger students to make informed decisions about their digital behavior. 

Follow-up discussions facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, promoting a sense of responsibility and awareness. This open dialogue not only highlighted the potential downsides of cell phone usage but also underscored the importance of using technology as a tool for learning, communication, and positive engagement.