MSHS
Middle School and High School Grade Level Meeting
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) Parent meeting was held on Monday, 11 August 2025. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for parents to gain a deeper understanding of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), including the academic framework, upcoming plans, and the various ways the school supports students on their educational journey.
It was an engaging and informative session, reflecting a strong spirit of collaboration between parents and the school. We look forward to continuing this partnership and wish all our students and families a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead.
MYP UPDATE
Written by Mr. Daniele
SWA is excited to begin another vibrant year in the IB Middle Years Programme! A warm welcome to our new MYP 1 students as they embark on an inspiring five-year journey of inquiry, creativity, and global engagement. We cheer on all the years in between as they continue exploring knowledge, experimenting with their best learning pathways, and embracing the challenges that help them grow. To our MYP 5 students, this is your moment to shine as you prepare for the next stage of your academic path. Together, let’s make this a year of curiosity, achievement, and celebration!
DP UPDATE
Written by Dr. Haoken
Welcome to the IB Diploma Journey: DP1 Students Embark on a New Chapter
The 2025–2026 academic year marks an exciting beginning for our Grade 11 students as they officially commence the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Through a comprehensive orientation on August 4, students were introduced to the rigorous yet rewarding journey ahead.
The IB Diploma Programme is not just a curriculum, it’s a framework for holistic education. Comprising six academic subjects and three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - it challenges students to become critical thinkers, principled learners, and globally minded citizens.
During orientation, students explored the IB Learner Profile, academic integrity expectations, internal and external assessments, and the pathways available for the Full Diploma or Course-based programme. SWA's support systems, including dedicated advisors, mentoring, and well-being resources, were also introduced to ensure every student thrives both academically and personally.
As students set goals and begin forming research questions and CAS proposals, they take their first steps into a transformative two-year journey - one that will shape not only their university prospects but also their character and outlook on the world.
Staying on Track: Key IBDP Grade 12 Deadlines for August–September 2025
The final year of the IB Diploma Programme is officially underway, and our DP2 students are entering a period of focus, resilience, and responsibility. With major deadlines approaching and university applications in full swing, this academic year will be a defining chapter in their educational journey.
The orientation on August 4th ensured that all students are aware of the academic benchmarks and ethical expectations of the programme, particularly with regard to Internal Assessments (IAs), the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS completion.
Key upcoming deadlines include:
Extended Essay Final Draft: August 26, 2025
TOK Exhibition and Essay Planning & Drafting: September 2025
University Application Support Sessions: Throughout August–September
Students have also been encouraged to complete their IA work in accordance with academic integrity policies, and to engage deeply with issues of global significance through CAS and TOK. They are also reminded to track their own progress using ManageBac and to reach out to their supervisors and coordinators proactively.
As this journey culminates, we are proud of how far our students have come and confident in where they’re headed. The class of 2026 is ready to demonstrate the values of the IB Learner Profile: principled, knowledgeable, open-minded, and reflective.
Let’s make this final year count!
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Written by Mr. Daniele
SWA is thrilled to launch a new school year of exploration and growth in both MYP and DPP ELL and ELA! This year, students will dive into a variety of engaging themes that spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and deepen understanding of the world around them. Along the way, they will strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, building confidence as effective communicators.
G8 ELL students demonstrate enthusiasm for the first unit that explores the historical context of Enlightenment England in their first novel, Sawbones.
G10 student Clara showing a spirit of collaboration as she welcomes our new student Felicia.
CHINESE DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Yuan
As the 2025–2026 academic year is about to begin, while SWA's teachers are busy preparing to welcome both new and returning students, let’s cheer on the students from our school who are participating in the 2025 HSK Short Video Contest! Please like and share their videos to show your support!
This year’s HSK Short Video Contest, themed “Sharing a Smart Future through HSK”, is jointly organized by Chinese Testing International, Tsinghua University Southeast Asia Center, Fudan University Test Innovation Base, and various universities and HSK test centers. The contest celebrates International Chinese Language Day 2025, showcasing the power of Chinese in the digital era and promoting global exchange and creativity among Chinese language learners.
Our Students’ work:
《左手指月》:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeflgtNnSJs
《大鱼》 :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag_6YZOLESo
INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Vera
Grades 6 & 8 Launch New School Year with Collaborative Learning
The week began with students defining and redefining "Individuals and Societies." Through collaborative discussions, they reached a powerful conclusion: we need each other to create a successful society. This understanding set the foundation for an exciting year ahead.
Grade 6 students shared their thoughts on global challenges through an interactive Word Wall, sparking meaningful discussions about pressing world issues. Meanwhile, Grade 8 students researched and presented the top 10 most populated countries, analyzing global population patterns with impressive enthusiasm.
Most exciting is their eagerness to find solutions and take action to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. Welcome back, future changemakers!
MUSIC
Written by Mr. Freddy
SWA begins this academic year with gratitude and excitement, celebrating the students who brought music to life at our first-day-of-school assembly. The Grade 6 boys vocal group (Brian, Azka, Juwon, and Carlton) opened with a heartfelt A Million Dreams, filling the hall with warmth and optimism. The Timbre Band (Qiara, Nathan, Joy, Alanna, and Chloe) followed with a vibrant Move Like Jagger by Maroon 5, energizing the room and reminding us that music is a universal language of connection and joy.
Music education in the MYP years plays a vital role in shaping both the musician and the individual. Through performance, composition, and ensemble work, students develop discipline, creativity, empathy, and resilience—skills that extend into every area of learning. Whether working collaboratively or standing as independent performers, they learn to listen, communicate, and think critically, strengthening not only their musicianship but also their academic and personal growth.
This year, our students will explore world music, modern and traditional genres, music technology, composition, and multiple instruments. With opportunities in ensembles, choir, band, musical drama, and technical roles like sound and lighting, they can grow as both artists and leaders. We look forward to another year of creativity and excellence, and invite you to revisit the last remarkable Recognition Day performance in the video below—an inspiring reminder of what dedication and teamwork can achieve.
Access the video via: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m3EslD84ja_i5KkwfXOT7H2K24Q7Qs6D/view?ts=68961ae3
VISUAL ARTS
Written by Ms. Jeanie Merila
REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE in the ART CLASSROOM to support the ADIWIYATA - Environment program!
Do you have OLD towels or towels that have holes in them? We can cut them up and RECYCLE them by using them to wipe brushes on in the art room. Do you have old newspapers at home? We would love to REUSE them in the art room. Please send them with your child to school and have them bring materials to Art Room DT 8330.