MS HS NEWS

MSHS

Written by Mr. Alex 

Welcome to the Infobyte #21! 

As we approach the end of another successful academic year, it is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to the entire school community for the incredible accomplishments we have achieved together in the past 11 months.

First and foremost, I would like to recognise the remarkable achievements of our Grade 11 students. Their dedication and hard work in preparing for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) exhibition have paid off splendidly. The exhibition showcased their critical thinking skills, truly exemplifying the spirit of inquiry. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments, and we wish them the very best of luck as they embark on their Group 4 Projects. We have no doubt that they will continue to excel in their scientific endeavours.

Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our MSHS students who participated in the recent STEM Fair and Recognition Day Assembly. The innovative projects and scientific presentations were truly remarkable, highlighting your talent and passion for the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our students' dedication and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed, and we commend them for their exceptional contributions. The Recognition Day Assembly led by STUCO was also a highlight of our end-of-year activities.

On a different note, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who supported and participated in our whole school sports day. The spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed during the event was truly inspiring. Whether you were cheering from the sidelines, competing on the field, or helping to organise the activities, your involvement contributed to the success of the day. Together, we celebrated the importance of physical activity and teamwork, fostering a sense of unity within our school community.

As the summer break approaches, I would like to take a moment to wish everyone safe travels and a well-deserved rest. It has been a challenging year, and each and every one of you has demonstrated resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. May this summer provide an opportunity for rejuvenation, reflection, and quality time with loved ones. Let us return in the coming academic year with renewed energy and enthusiasm, ready to embrace new challenges and seize new opportunities.

Reflecting on this academic year, we are reminded of the immense power of collaboration and communication in building a strong and vibrant community. Through our collective efforts, we have fostered an environment where ideas are shared, diverse perspectives are respected, and collaboration flourishes. It is through effective communication and working together that we have accomplished great things, both academically and beyond.

As we continue to grow and learn together, let us remain committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and open dialogue. By actively engaging with one another, we can create an inclusive and supportive community where every voice is valued, and every individual is empowered to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your unconditional support and dedication throughout this academic year. Together, we have accomplished remarkable things, and I am confident that our future endeavours will be equally extraordinary.

Wishing you all a delightful summer filled with joy, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

STEM Exhibition

Yesterday was an important day for Grade 6 to Grade 9 students as they showcased their STEM projects, which they have been working on during term 4. The exhibition drew a lot of attention from parents and students, who had the opportunity to ask questions, try out the projects, and be curious about the students' work. Complex challenges are continually being overcome as new advances in technology arise, allowing for greater connectivity, access to information, and support for approaches that were previously difficult or time-consuming to engage in. The shift from analog to digital, lower- to higher-level thinking, and teacher- to student-directed activities all represent complex challenges. Innovative technology integration approaches and technology-based tools can help facilitate these shifts by providing resources that spark positive change and foster deeper thinking.

It was truly amazing to see the results of the students' projects. They ranged from creating distilled lemonade to extracting essential oils, designing an mBot capable of moving and assisting in trash collection, playing music using bananas as an interface, and even producing a very creative game and developing an AI-self-driven car. 

Congratulations to the winning team of the STEM Fair! Your hard work, dedication, and innovative ideas have truly paid off. Your project stood out among the rest, showcasing your exceptional skills and creativity. Keep up the great work and continue to strive for excellence in your future endeavours. Your achievement serves as an inspiration to others, and we look forward to seeing even more remarkable projects from you in the future. Well done!

DP UPDATE

Written by Ms. Andrea

The TOK exhibition is a significant event for students as it provides them with the opportunity to showcase their exploration and understanding of the Theory of Knowledge. It allows them to demonstrate critical thinking, analysis, and the application of TOK concepts to real-world situations. The exhibition encourages collaboration, creativity, and communication skills, fostering a deeper engagement with knowledge and its implications. 

Through the exhibition, students develop a greater appreciation for the diverse ways of knowing and gain a broader perspective on the nature of knowledge itself. It also serves as a platform for students to reflect on their personal growth and intellectual development throughout the course. Overall, the TOK exhibition is a valuable culmination of the students' TOK journey, celebrating their intellectual achievements and encouraging further intellectual inquiry and reflection.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Kevin

As the summer break approaches, the English Department at SWA would like to emphasise the significance of engaging in summer reading. Beyond the joy of getting lost in a captivating story, the act of reading during the summer offers numerous benefits that enrich academic growth and personal development.

Firstly, summer reading expands our horizons. It takes us on incredible journeys to far-off lands, introduces us to diverse cultures, and provides perspectives beyond our own. Through literature, we can explore different time periods, delve into the minds of intriguing characters, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Reading widens our knowledge, cultivates empathy, and encourages critical thinking.

Furthermore, summer reading keeps our minds active and sharp during the break. Like any muscle, the brain needs exercise to stay strong. By immersing ourselves in books, we enhance our vocabulary, improve comprehension skills, and strengthen our ability to analyze and interpret complex texts. These skills will undoubtedly benefit us academically, empowering us to excel in future coursework across all subjects.

In addition to intellectual growth, summer reading nurtures our imagination. It sparks creativity and fosters a love for storytelling. Whether we are immersed in a thrilling mystery, a thought-provoking science fiction novel, or a beautiful work of poetry, the stories we encounter during the summer leave lasting impressions. These stories become a part of us, shaping our own narratives and inspiring us to create, write, and dream.

Lastly, summer reading is a personal journey of self-discovery. It allows us to explore our own interests, passions, and values. With a wealth of genres and authors to choose from, we have the freedom to select books that resonate with our unique identities and curiosities. Through these choices, we develop a lifelong love for reading and become lifelong learners.

So, let us embrace the power of summer reading. Let us seek out books that captivate our hearts and minds. Together, let us embark on a journey of discovery and growth that will fuel our academic success and enrich our lives for years to come.

Wishing you all a summer filled with captivating stories and endless imagination!

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Charles

Grade 8 to 9 Transition Day (8 June, 2023)

The Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin Chinese (0547) is a course that aims to develop students' proficiency in the Chinese language. It is designed for non-native speakers who wish to learn Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. The course covers a wide range of language skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be taught grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure to enable them to communicate effectively in Chinese.

The course also emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation. Students will learn about the customs, traditions, and values of Chinese society, which can be useful for further study or for communication with Chinese-speaking communities around the world.

Assessment for this course includes written and oral exams, as well as coursework that evaluates students' ability to communicate effectively in Chinese. The exam will test students' ability to understand different genres of written Chinese, such as news articles, advertisements, and personal letters. The texts used in the exam may be written in simplified or traditional Chinese characters.

INDONESIAN/KOREAN DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Yulia

Grade 7 Indonesian Language and Literature

In the seventh-grade poetry unit, students explored the fascinating world of poetry forms and their functions. The lessons began with an introduction to Indonesian traditional poems, allowing students to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of their own country. They delved into forms such as pantun, syair, and gurindam, learning about their distinct structures, rhyme schemes, and rhythmic patterns. Students discovered how these traditional poems served as a means of storytelling, expressing emotions, and conveying wisdom to future generations. 

After that, the students continued to explore modern poetry. They explored various forms like sonnets and free verse. To show their understanding and creativity, the students were tasked with a summative project: creating their own poem anthology. The project allowed them to apply the knowledge they acquired and put their imagination to work. The results were excellent. The students demonstrated a higher level of engagement and enthusiasm throughout the project, infusing their poems with a blend of traditional and modern elements. Their anthology reflected their diverse perspectives and experiences, showing their growth as both poets and critical thinkers. 

The poetry unit not only enhanced the students' understanding of different poetic forms but also fostered their appreciation for Indonesian cultural heritage and the power of self-expression. Through their work and active participation, the students demonstrated a genuine passion for the topic. The poetry unit succeeded in improving their love for poetry, nurturing their creativity, and empowering them to communicate their thoughts and emotions through the beauty of words. 

Please find the result of the student's summative project in this link.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Transition
Written by Ms. Aleksandra

Transition activities foster various skills, including communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interaction. They create a positive learning environment and generate excitement and motivation among students. 

Furthermore, these activities encourage students to reflect on their accomplishments, collaborate with peers, and ignite their imagination, allowing them to approach their well-deserved break with a sense of fulfilment. The students were also encouraged to think about their academic, personal, and social goals, fostering a sense of motivation and direction. This sense of community and support contributes to a positive learning environment. 

Walking together with 'bonding', writing in paired hands, and tic tac toe with different tasks and topics, all of these require patience and persistence. Thus, students learn to remain focused, overcome challenges, and experience a sense of accomplishment. They learn effective communication, idea-sharing, and cooperation, thereby developing social skills and fostering positive peer interactions. Completing a jigsaw puzzle featuring world flags can offer numerous benefits to students in meaningful ways such as enhancing geographical knowledge and cognitive development, collaboration and teamwork. Expanding their understanding of different countries and their respective flags,  becoming familiar with the colours, symbols, and designs associated with various nations, contributes to deepening their global geography comprehension. Solving jigsaw puzzles stimulates various cognitive skills, including spatial awareness, shape recognition, and pattern identification. It also enhances concentration, attention to detail, and visual perception abilities.

Transition activities expose students to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. They can encourage students to be open-minded, receptive to different viewpoints, and willing to embrace change during the transition process.

"Building Strong Foundations in Economics: Promoting Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Global Competence through Simulations and Real-World Connections" 

Written By Ms. Renu

Engaging in economic activities and simulations can provide students with valuable learning experiences, fostering their understanding of economic principles and promoting the development of various skills. One effective approach to teaching economics is through simulations that replicate real-world economic scenarios. By participating in economic simulations, students can gain practical insights into concepts such as supply and demand, market forces, and decision-making. These simulations encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students analyze data, make predictions, and adjust their strategies based on changing market conditions. 

Moreover, group activities and cooperative learning can be particularly beneficial in economics education. Collaborative projects allow students to apply economic concepts to real-life situations, fostering effective communication, idea-sharing, and cooperation. Through group discussions and presentations, students can develop their presentation skills and articulate economic concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Passing the Enterprise Baton

Written by Mr. Marchev 

Last Friday, on 8 June, our future MYP Enterprise students got a chance to become more familiar with what awaits them in G9 in the Enterprise subject. It was heartwarming to see how this organically turned into a student lead activity where current G9 Enterprise students shared their experiences and presented the enterprises that they have worked so hard to develop over the course of the last academic year. By doing this, they genuinely applied their knowledge and demonstrated how their ideas and views have changed and evolved over time and some of the misconceptions they had which was very helpful. Current 8 students also asked questions which were mostly answered by their G9 peers. Overall it was a great opportunity to have both grades together and engage in meaningful discussions that promote deeper thinking and collaboration skills while familiarising future G9 students with the demands of the subject.

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

The Grade 7 Music students together with the Strings Club and Timbre Club supported the Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony by performing beautiful farewell-themed and motivational songs to show their gratitude and care to their most senior. The Strings Club working together with SWA IT and Design Team prepared a music video performance of SWA The Journey in a new setting and arrangement. We would like to thank Pak Jefta, Pak Ken, and Mr Firdaus for supporting the Strings Club on this project. 

The Graduation Ceremony started with a solo guitar performance from Erwin Chen followed by Samarth who sang O Sole Mio. The graduates’ march was accompanied by our  Strings Club playing Pomp and Circumstance at the sides of the graduates’ red carpet. 

The Grade 7 students have been learning and improving their singing skills during the vocal unit this semester, and they got a chance to demonstrate their progress through the farewell medley performance that they dedicate it for their senior, the graduates. The farewell medley started by a solo of “Proud of Your Boy” from Aladin was sang very well by Nathan who have been practicing their vocal with passion and strong willingness.

And it followed by the whole Grade 7 students singing in harmony presenting “It’s Time to Go” and “That’s What Friends Are For”. They hope the song will be always remembered by the Grade 12 and wish them all the best luck for their future. The STUCO executives together with Timbre also performed “Sky Full of Stars” for the graduates as a little surprise for them. 

All the Grade 12 feel grateful for all the support from their juniors, and teachers and they also performed during the ceremony as their very last performance as SWA students. They dedicated their farewell performance to their friends, juniors, teachers and parents. After their performance, they went down from the stage to give a flower bouquet to their beloved parents as tier gratitude and love. Below are their video performances. 

SA/CAS
Written by Ms. Elma

G7 Reflections on The Trip to Sekolah Kami

Community Engagement Inspiring New Technology

Community engagement and Interactions have provided our SWA student innovators insights into specific real-life problems and the possible ways of solving them. This understanding serves as a catalyst for inspiring the creation of new technologies that can effectively address those needs. Please watch the video to see them in action!