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MSHS
MYP UPDATE
Written by Mr. Daniele
A warm welcome to all returning and new members of our learning community. We hope this year begins with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to growth and learning!
As we start this journey together, we take a moment to revisit an important IB Learner Profile attribute, namely, 'Balanced'. A balanced learner understands the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being. To help nurture this balance, we recently held an excellent Extracurricular Fair, where students were introduced to the many diverse activities our school offers. We encourage everyone to get involved — joining clubs, sports, and creative pursuits will help make this a truly rewarding and healthful year!
G11's William looks on as Ricky displays an impressive array of bird photography for our very first Birding Club.
G11 Felix goes on the attack against Chess Club moderator, Mr Leo, who does not seem phased by the move.
Veterans G12 Samarth, G9's Xinyi and Aradhya, as well as G8’s Jaden, show off an impressive collection of hardware won at past WSCs.
DP UPDATE
Written by Dr. Haoken
As we begin the final year of the IB Diploma Programme, we look forward to supporting our Grade 12 students through an important year of academic growth, personal development and preparation for university. We are also proud to celebrate the May 2026 cohort, which achieved the highest IBDP performance in SWA history.
The final year is demanding, but students are not alone. At SWA, a coordinated support system — DP Coordinator, subject teachers, EE and TOK teams, CAS advisers and university counsellor — monitors progress and provides support whenever needed.
Our message to students: Set high goals. Work consistently. Respond to feedback. Ask for support early. Take responsibility for your progress.
We encourage parents and guardians to support healthy routines and communicate with the school whenever concerns arise, so we can provide the right support at the right time.
Let us work together towards a successful May 2027 journey.
DP 2 - Finishing Strong
Written by Dr. Haoken
As we begin the final year of the IB Diploma Programme, we look forward to supporting our Grade 12 students through an important year of academic growth, personal development and preparation for university. We are also proud to celebrate the May 2026 cohort, which achieved the highest IBDP performance in SWA history.
The final year of the Diploma Programme is demanding, but our students are not expected to navigate it alone. At SWA, we have a coordinated support system involving the DP Coordinator, subject teachers, EE and TOK teams, CAS advisers and university counsellor. We monitor progress, provide regular feedback, identify concerns early and work with students and families whenever additional support is needed.
Our message to students is simple: Set high goals. Work consistently. Respond to feedback. Ask for support early. Take responsibility for your progress.
Success in the IB Diploma is built progressively. Each IA, EE milestone, TOK task, oral examination and university application is an opportunity to strengthen both the student's academic profile and their readiness for university.
Key Upcoming Deadlines
There will be demanding periods throughout the year, but with careful planning, early action and effective communication, students can manage these demands successfully. We encourage parents and guardians to support students by maintaining healthy routines, encouraging consistent progress and communicating with the school whenever concerns arise. Early communication allows us to provide the right support at the right time.
Let us work together towards a successful, purposeful and rewarding May 2027 journey.
The Journey Ahead
Written by Dr. Haoken
A very warm welcome to you and your children as they begin their IB Diploma Programme journey at SWA. Starting DP is exciting, and new expectations may initially feel challenging — but please be assured that students aren't expected to have everything figured out from the start. DP is a two-year journey of gradual growth, supported by clear expectations, feedback and guidance.
Our focus in DP1 is to build strong foundations in:
Academic routines and time management
Critical thinking, research and academic writing
Understanding IB assessment expectations
Academic integrity and responsible AI use
Independence, confidence and wellbeing
TOK, EE and CAS skills
As parents and guardians, your partnership is highly valued. Encouraging healthy routines, maintaining open communication and supporting students' growing independence can make a significant difference to their experience of the Diploma Programme. We are very pleased to welcome our new DP1 families and look forward to working closely with you throughout these two important years.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Fiona
English students have made an excellent start to the academic year, quickly embracing their new text studies with enthusiasm and commitment. Across year levels, they have already engaged in independent research, collaborated effectively in groups, and shared their ideas through presentations and class discussions. It has been encouraging to see students approach new challenges with curiosity and confidence, establishing positive learning habits that will support their success throughout the year.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Written by Mr. Billy
We all have idols and role models we look up to, but our Grade 11 Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) students discovered a new group of inspiring figures: environmental heroes! Students explored the remarkable contributions of Greta Thunberg, Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, and Sir David Attenborough, discovering how their passion, courage, and dedication have helped address global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, etc. Students researched, illustrated, and presented creative posters showcasing the achievements and environmental legacies of these inspiring individuals. More than simply learning about their heroes, students reflected on how their own actions can contribute to a more sustainable future. Their message is clear: a legacy is not only something we remember, it is something we continue.
CHINESE DEPARTMENT
Written by Mr. Ian
MSHS Chinese classes will continue to deliver an engaging and practical learning experience. While retaining lively teaching approaches and rich cultural content, the curriculum will progressively deepen learning to help students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and build a solid language foundation. Lessons integrate authentic scenarios, classic literary works and contemporary topics, enabling learners to apply language skills across academics and daily life. Whether joining MYP or entering DP with prior knowledge, every student will find a pace suited to their needs, with guidance tailored to their proficiency and goals. The new school year brings opportunities to explore Chinese language and culture, and grow together.
INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT
Written by Mr. Aleksandar
Grade 7 students began the new school year with an Individuals & Societies unit titled "How Has Globalisation Shaped the World?" exploring how people, places and societies are increasingly interconnected. Through discussion, observation and collaborative activities, students investigated everyday examples of globalisation — technology, trade, language, sport, business and culture — examining images as "geographical textbook editors" to identify evidence of global connections.
Students then explored the causes of globalisation, developing cause–process–consequence chains, and were introduced to the MYP key concept of Change, the global context of Globalisation and Sustainability, and the Learner Profile attribute Caring. They began designing Canva posters representing globalisation and global citizenship.
The pictures and posters below illustrate their work so far:
MYP MUSIC
Written by Mr. Freddy
The middle school years are a time of growth, self-discovery, and creativity, and music provides a meaningful space for students to develop all three. In MYP Music, students build on the foundations from Elementary School through a balanced learning experience that develops vocal and instrumental ensemble skills, nurturing confident and versatile young musicians.
Through the MYP assessment criteria, students strengthen their musical knowledge, performance skills, creativity, and reflective thinking, learning to perform confidently, collaborate effectively, compose and arrange music, and develop leadership, discipline, and time-management skills.
As a universal language, music helps students appreciate diverse cultures while discovering their own artistic voice, growing as confident, creative learners who can connect, communicate, and inspire others through music.
[Infobyte #02] MYP Recognition Day 2026.mp4VISUAL ARTS
Written by Ms. Jeanie
REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE in the ART classroom for the new school year
We ask all visual arts students to bring in a kitchen towel to use as a PAINT RAG, reducing paper towel use in class — a great way to reuse old towels, t-shirts or pillow cases.
Do you have old towels, t-shirts, pillow cases, newspapers, plastic cups or 500ml glass jars? We can reuse them in the art room. Please send items with your child to Art Room DT 306.
🎓 LASALLE College of the Arts Presentation
What: University Programs & Portfolio Info Session
When: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 11:30 AM
Where: Room DT 306
Who: Grade 9–12 students
Note: If you are not currently taking an art class but wish to attend, please contact Ms. Jeanie to reserve your spot.
SA/CAS
Written by Ms. Elma
Victor, Nicolas, and Reynaldo arrived with basketballs under their arms — and left behind a working court, plus nine new friends with a place to play.
Over two days at Kemah Beth Shalom orphanage, the trio coached nine students (SD to SMA) through the basics: dribble, pass, shoot. Day one mixed icebreakers, drills, and a 3-on-3 game, with lunch shared courtside. Day two opened with building a new rim, net, and backboard to replace the broken hoop — then skill stations, a first-ever lay-up, a full 5-on-5, and a teamwork challenge that had everyone shouting for the pass.
They closed by talking dreams. Five basketballs and a solid hoop stayed behind — along with the feeling of being coached, cheered, and believed in.
UGC
UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES
Written by Ms. Rachel
With a superb average IB score of 38, SWA’s Graduating Class of 2026 have enjoyed securing their places at the world’s top universities. They should be incredibly proud of their achievements and we wish them all the very best and every success with their future pathway and move to tertiary education. With three students embarking on gap-year initiatives and language schools, the variety of destinations for the Class 2026 covers a wonderful array of 8 countries.
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