MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Daniele

SWA had a fantastic start to the academic year as students dive deeply into their units of inquiry! In Grade 8, our young polymaths have been exploring historical fiction to better understand the political, economic, and scientific events of the past. To bring the “Spice Wars” to life, students became supertasters, identifying cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and cloves—spices that shaped global trade and were once worth their weight in gold. This authentic experience connected literature with history and culture, sparking both curiosity and appreciation for how everyday items can change the world.  Indeed, in the MYP, inquiry drives every unit, encouraging students to ask meaningful questions, follow their curiosity, and explore pathways unknown.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Kevin

The English Department at SWA is pleased to share recent developments in teaching and learning across our programmes. In the MYP, students are engaged in a unit on media studies, examining how persuasive techniques and visual elements shape audience perception. This work encourages students to become more critical consumers of media while also giving them the opportunity to experiment with their own persuasive creations.

Within the DP programme, Grade 11 English B students are focusing on a range of text types in preparation for upcoming IB assessments. Emphasis is placed on developing flexibility of style and register, enabling students to communicate effectively for diverse purposes and contexts. Grade 12 ELL students, meanwhile, are dedicating their efforts to the Individual Oral. This internal assessment requires students to explore connections between literary and non-literary texts and to consider their significance in relation to global issues.

Across both MYP and DP programmes, students are building essential analytical, expressive, and reflective skills that will equip them for success in the IB and in their future academic pursuits.

DP 1 English B students reviewing for summatives

I&S DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Greg

The Grade 10 (MYP 5) Global Perspectives students have been doing multiple practice debates, especially on issues dealing with media and communication in the first few weeks of the term. Issues such as the negative impacts of social media, permissible censorship, or if celebrities should be role models for youth were passionately debated. Despite having a hefty workload from their other subjects, they are currently working on a research paper which will ultimately prepare them for the Individual Report which they will need to submit to IGCSE in the following year.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Rahul

Grade 9

Our Grade 9 (MYP 4) physics students began the academic year with hands-on explorations into the foundations of science. They started with measurement, using classic instruments like vernier callipers and screw gauges to appreciate precision. Students also experimented with the water displacement method to calculate density and modelled old-fashioned timekeeping with a simple pendulum, connecting modern science to its historical origins.

Building on this, the class explored the fundamentals of motion. Students plotted motion graphs and then creatively crafted stories to explain the journeys depicted. In a spirited competition, groups exchanged their stories and raced to match them with the correct graphs, fostering teamwork and analytical skills.

These inquiry-based activities brought the IB learner profile to life, encouraging students to become inquirers, thinkers, and communicators. This dynamic start has set a strong foundation for a year of curiosity-driven learning.

Grade 10

In our physics lessons, we've explored atomic structure using simple, hands-on models. First, we simulated Rutherford’s gold foil experiment by rolling marbles, helping us visualise the discovery of the nucleus. More recently, we modelled radioactive decay by tossing coins. This demonstrated how random individual "decays" form a predictable pattern and illustrated the concept of half-life.

These activities reflect the IB philosophy of learning through inquiry. By experimenting with marbles and coins, we experienced how scientists use creativity and evidence to understand the unseen world inside the atom. We learnt that science is a dynamic process of discovery, where simple models can unlock a profound understanding of complex ideas.

Grade 11

Our DP1 Physics students began their IB journey with activities focused on collaboration and inquiry. Before diving into the syllabus, they explored precision and accuracy through a practical challenge, strengthening their maths and critical thinking skills.

Team-building tasks helped foster a supportive classroom where curiosity and open-mindedness are celebrated. These first steps have established a resilient learning community where students actively support one another. This sets a positive tone for the year, connecting scientific thinking with the broader IB mission of developing balanced, reflective, and principled learners.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Adilet

Welcome to the Math Club!

The Maths Club is officially underway, led by our enthusiastic Grade 10 students, Audric and Zhenxuan! This club moves beyond routine practice, challenging members with thought-provoking puzzles and logic problems.

The goal is to foster a love for creative problem-solving and strengthen reasoning skills in a fun, collaborative setting. Our student leaders inspire a passion for discovery, showing that maths is as much about the journey as the answer. If you enjoy a good challenge and want to sharpen your thinking, come join us and experience the fun side of mathematics!

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Charles

Kick-off of After-school Extracurricular: Chinese Calligraphy

To begin, our students are preparing special calligraphy pieces to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture. Through this project, they will practice writing meaningful phrases, poems, and festive greetings while also deepening their appreciation of Chinese traditions.

We warmly welcome more students to join us in this journey of art, culture, and creativity. Whether you are new to calligraphy or already have some experience, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn, practice, and share your work with others.

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

In Term 1, Grade 8 music students applied their advanced study of the Kodály and Orff methods to a memorable performance for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day. As the official choir for the SWA Flag Ceremony, they arranged and performed a medley of Indonesian songs, skillfully blending national anthems with traditional folk music from Sumatra, Betawi, and Papua.

The performance was a true cross-grade collaboration, featuring a Grade 10 conductor and a poetry reading by Grade 9 students. The choir also developed simple, culturally-specific choreography that reflected the unique identity of each region represented in the music.

Through this project, students honed their ensemble and vocal skills while building a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Many non-Indonesian students proudly sang in Bahasa Indonesia and regional languages, embodying the open-minded spirit of the IB learner profile. They powerfully demonstrated how music can be a bridge to understanding identity, culture, and unity.

Access the video via: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G-mZ_Zs0ZIq5zPiqmasDXDrsONVUbzrx/view?usp=sharing 

VISUAL ARTS

Written by Ms. Jeanie

Art Students Develop Skills Through Observation and Experimentation

In line with the IGCSE art curriculum's focus on observation and experimentation, our Grade 9 and 10 students have been actively developing their creative skills.

Grade 10 students concentrated on honing their observational drawing abilities. Using soft pastels, they drew directly from life, capturing unique perspectives of subjects found around our school campus. This practice trained them to accurately represent their surroundings and provided a strong foundation of work for future projects.

Meanwhile, Grade 9 students delved into the hands-on world of printmaking. They experimented with foam block printing, creating compositions with everyday objects to explore principles like repetition, scale, and texture. By manipulating positive and negative space, they translated their ideas into final prints. A highlight was seeing the students collaborate and guide one another through the process, sharing their newfound knowledge and skills. It was a fantastic display of artistic growth and teamwork across both grade levels.

Grade 9 IGCSE Art

UGC

SAT Test Schedule

ACT Test Schedule

TOEFL Test Schedule

The test is available at times set by the individual centre.

IELTS Test Schedule

The test is available at times set by the individual centre.

Upcoming University Visit

SWA is pleased to announce upcoming university visits from KCIC and BMI/THE in September and October, which will provide our students with valuable insights into higher education opportunities.

Our University Guidance Counselling (UGC) programme offers structured support throughout this journey. The process begins in Grade 9, where students create a four-year ‘BEST Pathway®’ plan to set clear academic and personal intentions. In Grade 10, the focus shifts to self-awareness, with students exploring their personal traits and preparing for the MBTI assessment to help inform their DP subject choices.

In Grade 11, students deepen this self-reflection, identifying their strengths and values with tailored support from individual counselling sessions. Finally, Grade 12 students receive practical guidance on university applications, covering crucial deadlines and document requirements. This comprehensive approach ensures our students are empowered to take confident and organised steps toward their future goals.

University Acceptances

SWA is incredibly proud to celebrate our students' outstanding achievements in gaining admission to the world's most prestigious universities. Their success is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the dedicated support from our teachers and community. Below is the list of universities where our students have earned their well-deserved places. Congratulations to our accomplished graduates!