MSHS NEWS

MSHS

Written by Mr. Alex Nenes

Welcome to Infobyte #17!

As we conclude another vibrant period in the academic year, I want to extend a warm congratulations to all MSHS students, particularly our Arts and Music departments and all students who performed on stage and those who prepared their art pieces, for the spectacular Art Exhibition and Music Performances held on Thursday, 28 March. Your talent and dedication shone brightly, bringing immense pride to our community. I also wish to express my gratitude to everyone who showed immense kindness by contributing to the food drive and donation initiative. Your generosity made a significant difference.

I also want to thank all participants of the Buka Puasa event for fostering such a spirit of community and togetherness. To those who celebrated, I hope you had a joyful and meaningful Easter and as we step into the term break, I wish each of you a safe, restful, and pleasant time. May this break rejuvenate and inspire us all for the exciting term ahead.

MYP Update

Written by Mr. Haoken

As we conclude another successful term, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the unwavering support and encouragement you provide to your children. Their dedication and hard work throughout this term have been remarkable, and it's clear that such achievements are often fueled by the nurturing environment you foster at home.

Term Break Announcement:
Please note that our Term break begin on Wednesday, 3 April, and classes will resume on Monday, 15 April. This break offers a valuable opportunity for students to recharge, spend precious time with family and friends, and prepare for the exciting challenges that the next term will bring.

Looking Forward to Term 4:
Term 4 represents not only the final stretch of our academic year but also a pivotal period leading up to our Semester 2 examinations. These exams play a crucial role in assessing the students’ comprehension and application of the material taught throughout the semester.

Semester 2 Exams Overview for Grades 6 - 9

• Revision Week (20 - 24 May):
This week is allocated for reviewing and reinforcing the material covered in Semester 2. It's an essential time for students to solidify their understanding and clarify any uncertainties, as no new material will be introduced, nor will there be any assessments.

• Semester 2 Exam Week (27 - 31 May):
The exams scheduled for this week are designed to evaluate the students' abilities to apply the MYP Criteria across the various subjects studied. It’s a testament to their learning and progress throughout the semester.

Grade 10 Students:

IGCSE Exams and Diploma Programme Preparation:
As we approach the upcoming IGCSE exams, it's a significant time for our students. We understand the dedication and hard work required to prepare for these exams. 

Schedule for Grade 10 Students (Starting 26 April):

• Exam Takers: Starting from 26 April, all Grade 10 students scheduled for IGCSE exams will only be required to report to school for their exams. Should students need further assistance, our teachers are on hand to offer their support and guidance throughout the exam period, from the end of April until the start of June 2024.

• Non-Exam Takers: Students not participating in the IGCSE exams will follow a tailored schedule designed to enhance their readiness for the IB Diploma Programme. This includes engaging in online coursework and additional English classes to strengthen their academic foundation (Detailed email sent out on April 1).

We encourage all students to use the term break to rest, recharge, and begin preparing for the challenges ahead. For Grade 10 students, whether you are preparing for the IGCSE exams or the IB Diploma Programme, this is a time to focus on your goals and work towards achieving them with determination and resilience.

We are here to support every student from Grades 6 to 10 in their journey, and we look forward to seeing their hard work come to fruition. Thank you once again for your partnership and support in creating a nurturing and productive learning environment for our students.

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

As we step into the final stretch of the academic year, I would like to share some important updates and reminders with you.

To our Grade 12 students, congratulations on completing your mock exams! These assessments are a vital step before the actual exams, which are just a few weeks away. With the last day of school on 17 April, Wednesday, and the first exam scheduled for Wednesday, 24 April, it is crucial to prioritise your final revision and exam preparation during this time.

In support of our Grade 12 students, we have organised a special lock-in event from 16 to 17 April. Among wide range of activities, these days will also offer workshops focusing on university life preparation and, most importantly, strategies for success in the exams. 

For our Grade 11 students and parents, as we enter short term 4, it is essential to maintain focus on completing ongoing tasks promptly. The Extended Essay preparation, TOK exhibition, and end-of-semester 2 exams are significant milestones approaching rapidly. We urge Grade 11 students to manage their time effectively, seek assistance as needed, and stay proactive in their academic endeavours.

Parents, your continued support and encouragement are invaluable during this period of intense preparation and assessment. Please ensure that your children have the resources they need, create a conducive study environment at home, and provide them with emotional support as they navigate through this challenging yet rewarding phase.

As we emphasise the importance of final revision and consolidation of knowledge, we remind both students and parents to utilise available resources such as study materials, teacher guidance, and peer support networks.

Wishing all our students the very best in their preparations and upcoming exams.

Science and Design Department

Written by Ms. Michelle

Excitement fills the air as Grade 8 students immerse themselves in their Interdisciplinary Unit project, "Holistic House”. This interdisciplinary endeavour, merging Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, and Science, explores the profound impact of well-designed spaces on human well-being.

Inspired by architect Louis Kahn's wisdom, "A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable," students thoroughly investigate the tangible and intangible aspects of architectural design. Through extensive research and collaboration, they aim to uncover the symbiotic relationship between holistic design and residents' quality of life.

Unveiling the Dynamics: Grade 9's Exploration of Exponential Models

Grade 9 Additional Mathematics students were tasked with conducting research on exponential models applicable for modelling the growth of social media views. Among them, Christopher has demonstrated exceptional diligence in his research efforts. He not only delved deep into the various exponential models available but also elucidated the essential prerequisites and limitations for their effective application. Moreover, Christopher explored the utilisation of technology to generate and visualise these models, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

In his presentation, Christopher meticulously structured his findings in a logical sequence, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout. His use of language was not only articulate but also accessible, making complex mathematical concepts understandable to his peers. Find further details of Christopher's insightful work in this link.

Chinese Department

Written by Ms. Yuan

In the Grade 11 Chinese B class, students held a debate on the topic of "The Growth Environment of Urban and Rural Areas: Which is Better for Young People?" The debate was divided into three sections: opening statements, free debate, and conclusion.

Through this debate, students not only deepened their understanding and resonance with the current situation of young people, but also gained a comprehensive understanding of how to write debate speeches. They brainstormed and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of urban and rural areas from different perspectives, providing conditions for their self-reflection as well.

Indonesian Department

Written by Ms. Evi

As part of their summative task, Grade 7 ILA conducted research on their dream job in Bahasa. They were required to elaborate on the details of their dream job and present their findings (in Bahasa) to the rest of the class. First, they had to explain what interests them in choosing this profession and why it is so special to them. Additionally, they had to describe in detail what individuals working in this profession typically do and explain the skills and expertise needed to succeed in this profession.

Furthermore, they were required to provide reasons why this profession is their choice and whether any specific experiences or interests led them to this decision. Moreover, they had to share their plans to achieve this dream, such as the schools or training they will attend, and how they will prepare themselves to enter this profession. They were also asked to share their aspirations for their future career in this profession and what they hope to achieve or contribute through this profession.

In conclusion, they were tasked with summarising the main points of their presentation and asking questions to their classmates to stimulate discussion, which helped sharpen their skills in listening and speaking in Bahasa.

Individuals & Societies Department

Written by Ms. Aleksandra

Grade 6 students visit the school library to give a set of the handmade booklets they made during their Interdisciplinary Unit project

In a special project, our Grade 6 students have been exploring human geography, a field that looks at how people interact with their environments. They've been learning and researching about  human development and organisation of societies. And now, they've put their knowledge into something tangible – handmade booklets.

These booklets are not just ordinary books. They're filled with interesting facts and colourful illustrations. What's even more special is that they're bilingual, meaning they have information in more than one language and they are meant to be given as presents to the students of schools our students visit for their SA. This makes them accessible to more people and helps celebrate our diverse community. 

Recently, the Grade 6 students decided to share their booklets with everyone by giving them to our school library as gifts. It was a thoughtful gesture that shows how much they value learning and sharing with others. With smiles on their faces and excitement in their hearts, they handed over their booklets to the librarians, knowing that these booklets would inspire and educate future generations of students.

Now, anyone who visits the library can enjoy and learn from these wonderful creations, inspiring curiosity and understanding in our school community. The Grade 6 students have taught us a valuable lesson – that knowledge is not confined within the walls of a classroom but is meant to be shared, cherished, and celebrated by all. So, let us continue to explore, learn, and grow together, inspired by the curiosity and creativity of our young students.Through projects like these, we not only expand our horizons but also cultivate a sense of empathy and understanding towards the world around us.

Music

Written by Mr. Freddy

In the Term 3 of Grade 8 MYP 3 Music, our students have embarked on an exhilarating journey into the realm of indie music, where freedom and creativity reign supreme. In a captivating exploration of indie music's unique form and structure, they've delved deep into the heart of this genre, uncovering its essence and discovering the limitless possibilities it offers for musical expression.

At the core of this exploration lies the music composing project, a cornerstone of our Pop Indie Music unit. Here, our students are not merely passive learners but active creators, tasked with the exciting challenge of crafting their own original songs inspired by the indie ethos. Whether working collaboratively or independently, they are encouraged to let their imaginations be more creative, channelling their thoughts and emotions into melodies and lyrics that reflect their unique perspectives.

But the journey doesn't stop at composition. In a departure from traditional projects, Grade 8 students are tasked with transforming their musical creations into fully realised performances. This holistic approach to music-making challenges them to think beyond notes and chords, considering every aspect of their presentation, from stage blocking and choreography to lighting and set design. By taking ownership of every element of their performance, they are not only honing their artistic skills but also cultivating valuable traits such as initiative, resourcefulness, and self-reliance.

Indeed, the benefits of music composition extend far beyond the realm of music itself. Through this creative process, our students are developing critical thinking skills, learning to analyse and evaluate their own work. They are also honing their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, as they strive to convey their artistic vision to their peers and teacher. Moreover, music composition serves as a powerful form of therapy, offering students a safe and supportive outlet for self-expression.

As they pour their thoughts and feelings into their music, they are gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, building self-esteem and confidence with each note they write. In the end, the music composing project is not just about creating songs; it's about empowering our students to become confident, independent thinkers and creators.

UGC

Written by Mr. Stan

Students who applied early to universities have started receiving their acceptance letters. We wish to congratulate all of our students on their acceptances so far and wish them all the best as they continue to apply to other universities throughout the semester. Regular Decision acceptances should be received by April and acceptances to some universities in other countries may be received as late as July. This acceptance list will be updated as they come in.

*Please note this is the early list and does not include the majority of admission decisions  which will come in March/April