MSHS NEWS

MSHS

Written by Mr. Alex

Welcome to Infobyte #21!

I would like to start this Infobyte welcome note by expressing my gratitude to all the parents and teachers for their amazing support during the semester exams which finished on Friday, 31 May 2024. Your dedication has been extremely important in helping our students achieve their best.

I’d like to take a moment to give a huge round of applause to our students for their diligence and hard work. Your commitment to your studies has been truly inspiring.

And I want to give a note of special congratulations to our community, particularly the Grade 12 parents and students, for the graduation ceremony that took place on 29 May 2024. It was a beautiful and flawless event, marking a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates.

As we reflect on this academic year, we are filled with appreciation for the incredible journey it has been. The support and collaboration of our community have made it a memorable and successful year.

Finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks for the support provided to me as the MSHS Co-Principal over the past five years. It has been an honour to lead such a dedicated and passionate community and I wish everyone a bright and prosperous future ahead.

Thank you all for being a part of this amazing journey!

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Haoken

As we close another academic year, it’s crucial to reflect on the tremendous growth and success our students have achieved through dedication, curiosity, and the unwavering support of our educators and community. The MYP curriculum, with its focus on holistic learning and inquiry-based education, has once again proven its value in fostering not only academic skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among our students.

Our students from grades 6 to 9 have just completed their semester exams, demonstrating impressive mastery over their subjects. Meanwhile, our Grade 10 students are continuing their rigorous Cambridge IGCSE examinations, which will conclude on 13 June 2024. This challenging period showcases their dedication to academic excellence and their ability to apply knowledge creatively—a critical aspect of our educational framework.

MSHS STEM Fair & DP1 Group 4 Project on 13 June 2024 at 8.00 am - 12.00pm

Looking forward, the excitement is palpable as we gear up for our annual STEM Fair scheduled for 13 June 2024. This event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of innovation and scientific inquiry, with students presenting experiments and projects developed over the past months. The theme for this year, "Embracing Innovation, Inspiring Action", reflects our commitment to integrating technology and creativity in education, preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Our students will employ the MYP Science and Design Cycles to explore complex topics ranging from aerodynamics and robotics to digital circuits, smart home systems to crime scene investigation. These projects are not only about understanding scientific principles but also about applying these concepts to real-world problems, embodying our school's focus on technology-enhanced learning.

We cordially invite all parents and community members to join us at this vibrant event. Your participation will enrich the experience, providing our students with a broader audience for their innovative projects and offering you a firsthand look at the future of science and technology education.

End of Year Celebration and Awarding on 13 June 2024 at 1.00 pm - end

As our academic year draws to a close, we will convene in the Trini Dewi Theatre for a special celebration honouring the journey and growth of our students across all grades. This event is focused on celebrating the process of learning, the creativity, and the perseverance exhibited throughout the year, rather than just the outcomes. It's a time to enjoy the accomplishments and reflect on the shared experiences that have enriched our school community.

Looking Ahead

As we look towards the next academic year, starting 5 August 2024, let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all students, teachers, parents, and staff for their contributions. Your efforts make our school a place of dynamic growth and continuous learning. Enjoy the upcoming holidays, recharge, and return with renewed enthusiasm for the next chapter in our journey of learning and discovery. Here’s to another year of inspiring education at our school!

English Department

Written by Mr. Daniele

As the academic year comes to a close, the G11 students mark this milestone with collaborative work in preparation for the mock exams at the end of DP1. These exams will establish the foundation they have built as they face the challenges of the DP2 programme. Here we see students reading, analysing, and evaluating their newly discovered respect and admiration for the literary form known as poetry.

Science and Design Department

Written by Mr. Rahul

Grade 7A and 7B

Students in Grades 7A and 7B have been diligently working towards completing their designated syllabus. In addition, they have been conducting scientific investigations to fulfil the requirements of their MYP Criteria B and C. Their research involved studying how heart rate or oxygen levels change over time during a 15-20 minute exercise session, which included activities such as jogging, dancing, cycling, swimming or else. Utilising smart gadgets such as smartwatches and smartphones equipped with apps, they recorded their observations and successfully completed their lab reports. Some students even extended their investigations to observe and record changes in heart rate during an eight-hour sleep cycle.

These practices enable students to connect their scientific knowledge to real-life situations, allowing them to apply their understanding to both familiar and unfamiliar problems.

Furthermore, during the penultimate week before their semester exams, students engaged in intensive revision. They created short summary charts, mind maps, and presentations to facilitate learning and reinforce concepts within their peer groups. This collaborative approach enabled them to support each other and achieve the best possible results.

Grade 9 Physics

Written by Mr. Rahul

Grade 9 physics students have recently concluded their final topic for the term, which centred on atoms and nuclear physics. This comprehensive unit included a deep dive into atomic models, facilitated by PhET simulation-based learning platforms that provided interactive and engaging ways to grasp complex concepts. The students examined why certain elements have more unstable and radioactive atoms compared to others, delving into the fundamental principles that govern atomic stability and radioactivity.In their exploration, students learned about various types of radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, and the underlying phenomena responsible for the emission of these particles. This foundational knowledge set the stage for their summative assessment, where they applied their understanding to investigate the law of radioactive decay.

For the summative assessment, meeting the requirements of Criteria B and C, students conducted an innovative experiment using coins to model radioactive decay. They performed multiple trials, tossing coins and recording the number of heads or tails that appeared after each throw. This hands-on activity helped them observe the pattern in the number of heads/tails versus the number of throws, mimicking the decay process of radioactive atoms. Through this activity, they discovered that this process results in an exponentially decreasing pattern, where the number of heads/tails each time reduces by approximately 50% with each throw, analogous to the concept of half-life.This practical investigation not only reinforced their theoretical knowledge but also allowed them to visualise and comprehend the stochastic nature of radioactive decay. By linking abstract concepts to tangible experiments, the students gained a deeper and more intuitive understanding of the principles of nuclear physics. This approach underscores the effectiveness of experiential learning in fostering a comprehensive grasp of scientific phenomena.

Further, in order for students to have a strong command of all necessary formulas. The poster-making exercise played a vital role in this aspect of their revision. Students practised writing and applying these formulas repeatedly, ensuring they could recall and use them accurately under exam conditions.By sharing their posters with peers and explaining their content, students also enhanced their understanding through teaching, a process known as the “protégé effect.” This collaborative learning environment fostered a sense of community and mutual support, enabling students to benefit from each other's insights and perspectives.

Chinese Department

Written by Mr. Xia 

In a recent class, G8 CLL  students shared their insights on a scientific exposition text they studied. The students emphasised the importance of exposition texts in education, highlighting how they help us understand complex scientific concepts and phenomena. They discussed various explanatory methods, such as definition, comparison, which are essential for constructing meaningful and clear explanations.

The students explained that understanding these explanatory methods is crucial because they allow writers to convey information accurately and effectively. By studying these methods, the students improved their own research skills and language expression abilities. They learned how to organise information logically, present ideas coherently, and use precise language to explain intricate topics.

Through this exercise, the student not only gained a deeper appreciation for the art of explanation but also developed essential skills that will benefit them in future academic endeavours. Their presentation demonstrated how engaging with explanatory texts can enhance both comprehension and communication skills, fostering a more profound understanding of the world around us.

Music

Written by Mr. Freddy

The recent performances by our MYP Music students and Grade 12 in the Graduation Ceremony were nothing short of extraordinary. It showcased the incredible talent of the students, leaving the audience with a heartwarming and memorable experience. The ceremony began with a soft opening by Christopher, a Grade 9 student, who mesmerised the audience with a solo piano rendition of Schumann's "Träumerei" (Dreaming). His performance was calming and soothing, setting a serene tone for the day.

Following this beautiful introduction, the MYP Music students took the stage with a medley of enchanting performances. Maxi, also from Grade 9, delivered a powerful solo singing "Defying Gravity," captivating everyone with his vocal prowess. Next, Nathan from Grade 8 and Jessie from Grade 11 sang a touching duet of "How Does A Moment Last Forever." This song held special significance as it was performed by most of the Graduates during their 5th Grade moving-up ceremony in SWA, evoking sweet nostalgia and celebrating their journey. Ernesto, another talented Grade 9 student, then played a soulful solo saxophone rendition of "What A Wonderful World," filling the hall with rich, jazzy tones. The jazz vibes continued with a lively performance by the Grade 8 Vocal Group, who sang "Life Could Be A Dream." The group, consisting of Nathan, Qiara, Samarth, William, Ana, Alana, Liam, Carlos, Richard, Vanya, Chloe, and Kate, brought an infectious energy to the stage, leaving the audience in high spirits.

The spotlight then shifted to our Grade 12 graduates, the stars of the day, who delivered performances that truly highlighted their talent and dedication. Jordan began with a solo violin piece, "Scene de Ballet op.100," followed by Erwin’s stunning guitar performance of "Kazmidori." The Grade 12 Band then rocked the stage with their rendition of "Hotel California," showcasing their musical synergy and skill. To conclude their segment, the entire Grade 12 class came together to perform two emotionally charged songs. They sang "I'll Be There For You" as a heartfelt farewell to friends and teachers, and "Your Love" as a tribute to their parents, expressing gratitude and love through music.

We congratulate the Grade 12 students on their graduation and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. As they embark on this new chapter, we leave them with these words: "May your journey be filled with success, and may the melodies of your school years continue to inspire and guide you." We are all incredibly proud of them, their performances were not just displays of talent, but beautiful expressions of their journeys and the memories they’ve created at SWA.

Visual Arts

Written by Mr. Alan

Grade 9 Art Students: Semester Two Exam Overview

This semester, Grade 9 art students are busy with their Mini IGCSE Art and Design coursework for Component 1. They start by choosing an inspiring theme and conducting thorough research. Experimenting with various materials and techniques, they develop multiple sketches and refine their ideas. The culmination of their efforts is a final piece of artwork, organised into a comprehensive portfolio that documents their creative journey. This coursework not only assesses their technical skills but also encourages them to express their unique artistic voices, giving them a taste of how the real IGCSE Art & Design exam is conducted in the next academic year. Here are some snatch shots taken.