MS HS NEWS

MS HS

Written by Mr. Alex Nenes

Welcome to Infobyte #3! 

As we move forward in the academic year, with 3 weeks completed we can see the enthusiasm that has already infused these initial weeks with remarkable energy, setting the tone for the exciting journey ahead. I would like to show my sincere appreciation to each member of our community for contributing to the dynamic start we've had. 

A special round of applause goes out to all those who made the Extra Curricular Activities Fair on 16 August a great success. The proactive participation of parents, students, teachers and the whole SWA community in exploring diverse opportunities shows our dedication to holistic development. Likewise, I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who joined the memorable Independence Day flag-raising ceremony and the engaging Indonesian typical games on 17 August. These events underline the importance of celebrating our shared values and embracing the beauty of diversity within our community. 

In this spirit of unity, I am happy to share that the month of August also brought us inspiring alumni visits. Former students from several graduating classes returned to share their journeys and insights, becoming a motivation for our current students. 

Let us remember that our community is the bedrock of our school's success. Through collaboration, encouragement, and mutual support, we create an environment where each individual thrives. Together we will have a year filled with growth, connection, and collective achievements. 

English Department

Written by Mr. Kevin 

Exploring the Power of Media and Persuasion in the English Department

We are excited to share with you the latest focus of our English Department – an exploration of the dynamic interplay between media and persuasion. In an age where information flows ceaselessly and opinions are shaped with increasing finesse, understanding the mechanics of media and its persuasive techniques is not just valuable; it's essential.

In today's interconnected world, media has become a formidable force that shapes our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. From advertisements to news articles, and social media posts to documentaries, we are constantly bombarded with messages that seek to influence us. As educators, we believe it is our responsibility to equip our students with the critical skills needed to navigate this complex landscape.

In an era where misinformation spreads as quickly as facts, honing the ability to discern truth from manipulation is a vital life skill. We believe that by delving into the nuances of media and persuasion, our students will not only become better communicators and critical thinkers but also responsible and informed citizens of the world.

Stay tuned for updates on our exciting curriculum and events planned for the year ahead. We look forward to embarking on this journey of exploration, reflection, and growth with our students.

G11 Computer Science

We are thrilled to welcome our G11 students to the world of Computer Science, where they are embarking on a journey to explore future aspirations through the lens of technology. Our academic voyage has commenced with Topic 1: System Fundamentals, a foundational module that unravels the inner workings of computers and their crucial role in our digital age. As these students embrace this subject, they are not merely learning about computers; they are cultivating problem-solving skills, nurturing creativity, and building a strong foundation for their technological pursuits. This early phase of their learning journey encourages collaborative interactions and discussions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared learning and growth. We are excited to guide our students through this captivating expedition, where they will gain insights that extend far beyond the classroom and into the realms of innovation and transformation.

G10 Computer Science

Our Grade 10 Computer Science students are currently immersed in the captivating realm of Database Management Systems, exploring the intricate art of data organization and storage. Their palpable excitement is fueled by the prospect of returning to the EY ES computer lab, where they are eagerly delving into Microsoft Access on the Windows Platform. For some, this journey back to the EY ES block carries a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on their formative years spent in that space. This blend of anticipation and reminiscence underscores the depth of engagement and connection these students have with their studies and learning environment, setting the stage for a rewarding and meaningful academic experience.

G9 Computer Science

Our Grade 9 students have embarked on their journey into the realm of Computer Science with a focus on the essential building blocks of the computer system. Currently, they are delving into the foundational concept of the binary number system, which serves as the bedrock of all computing processes. This exploration into the elegant language of ones and zeros is not only about understanding numerical sequences but also about grasping the fundamental language that computers use to process and communicate information. As these students dive into the intricacies of the binary number system, they are laying the groundwork for their future explorations in the vast landscape of technology, armed with a fundamental understanding that will shape their path toward innovation and digital fluency.

Mathematics Department
Written by Mr. Emerson

Internal Assessment

The Mathematics Internal Assessment (IA) is a component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme's mathematics curriculum. The IA is a significant part of the assessment process for the Mathematics course in the program. The IA is essentially a mathematical investigation or exploration that students undertake individually, with guidance from their teachers. It allows students to explore a mathematical topic of their choice in-depth and demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts, reasoning skills, and ability to apply mathematical methods to real-world situations. The IA also provides an opportunity for students to engage in mathematical research and inquiry. In essence, the Mathematics Internal Assessment is designed to be a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It empowers students to become active participants in their mathematical education, fostering skills and qualities that are essential for success in both academia and the real world.

Below are some exploration topics from the Grade 12 students.

Learning Chinese effectively involves a combination of strategies that optimise your time, engagement, and retention. Here are some effective ways to learn the Chinese language:

• Immersive Learning: Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Watch Chinese TV shows, movies, listen to music, podcasts, and follow Chinese social media accounts. Immersion helps you become accustomed to the rhythm, intonation, and vocabulary.

• Real-Life Applications: Apply what you learn to real-life situations. Label items around your home in Chinese, write shopping lists or send text messages to friends in Chinese.

• Cultural Understanding: Learn about Chinese culture, customs, and history. This not only enhances your appreciation of the language but also helps you understand the context behind certain expressions and idioms.

• Use Technology Wisely: Language learning apps, online courses, and digital resources can be very effective. Choose platforms that align with your learning style and goals.

• Consistent Practice: Consistency is more important than cramming. Regular practice, even for shorter periods, is more effective than sporadic intense study sessions.

• Listen Actively: Listen to a variety of Chinese audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and audiobooks. Actively try to understand the content and take note of new vocabulary and expressions.

• Feedback and Corrections: Seek feedback on your speaking and writing from Chinese teachers. Correcting mistakes helps you improve faster.

• Review Regularly: Set aside time for regular review sessions. This prevents forgetting and strengthens your memory of what you've learned.

Remember that everyone's learning journey is unique. Adapt these strategies to your own preferences, needs, and goals for the most effective learning experience.

Indonesian Department
Written by Mr. Ahmad

Enhancing Literacy Skills through the Exploration of the Novel "5 cm" in Grade 10 Indonesian Language and Literature Class

At the beginning of this academic year, the Grade 10 students at Sinarmas World Academy embarked on an exciting literary journey by delving into the depths of the novel "5 cm" by Donny Dhirgantoro. In their Indonesian Language and Literature class, they did not just read a story, but they also explored the meanings within the story through various activities that stimulated comprehension and analysis.

The novel "5 cm" itself is a well-known and appreciated literary work in Indonesian society. The story follows the journey of five close friends as they embark on an adventure to climb Mount Semeru. However, the story is not merely about physical climbing; it also delves into inner journeys, friendship, and self-discovery.

One of the activities undertaken by students in this class is "Readers Theater." Through this activity, they breathe life into important dialogues from the novel. By taking on the roles of characters in the story, students learn to delve deeper into the personalities and emotions of each character. Additionally, this activity helps students enhance their public speaking skills and understand the context of dialogues within the story.

The students also present on the intrinsic elements of the novel "5 cm." They analyze elements such as characters, themes, plot, setting, and language style used in the novel. Through these presentations, students don't merely talk about what is present in the story; they also discuss how these elements contribute to the meaning and message the author intended to convey.

This in-depth exploration of the novel "5 cm" brings forth numerous benefits for students in terms of literacy skills. They learn to read beyond mere words and comprehend the layers of meaning within the story. They also develop critical thinking skills and analyze various literary aspects, such as characterization, language use, and thematic development.

Beyond that, these activities foster an appreciation for Indonesian literary works among students. Through the deep exploration of "5 cm," students can see how literature serves as a reflection of life and how literary works can influence readers' thoughts and emotions. By starting the academic year with a profound exploration of the novel "5 cm," the Grade 10 students at Sinarmas World Academy are not only enhancing their literacy skills but also opening doors to a broader and more meaningful world of literature. Through reading, analysis, and reflection, they not only come to appreciate literary works but also develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of life and humanity.

Individuals & Society Department
Written by Mr. Marchev

Grade 10 - Thinking Skills

At the start of this academic year, the G10 Thinking Skills students are solidifying their understanding and application of the concepts of critical thinking and learning. More specifically, they are exploring the relationship between forming the right habits and achieving objectives of various types. The activities done in class were designed to provoke critical thinking in the students and to have them create their own tools which will help them acquire good habits. One of those tools is habit trackers which help to keep track of the repetition of a certain desired activity/action so that it becomes ingrained and habitual (habit). The habit trackers presented below were created by students for their own needs in order to facilitate their success and well-being during a very challenging  G10:

Overall the students enjoyed this activitiy and were engaged and interested as they realised how it can keep them accountable to themselves and on the road to achieving their goals.

Music
Written by Mr. Freddy

The Grade 8 MYP3 Music students got a very special opportunity to be the choir for this year’s Flag Ceremony of Indonesia Independence Day collaborating with Grade 11 as the ceremonial officer. The Grade 8 students were very excited about this challenge and they had been working so hard to prepare for their performance. Another special thing is they performed together with the alumni, Fatimah, as the guest singer and soloist who was the fourth Timbre President in SWA. They presented the national anthem Indonesia Raya well in unison voice conducted by Vanya Diandra Hendrawan. Continue with Mengheningkan Cipta in harmonization featuring our alumni Fatimah as the soloist. 

At the closing of the ceremony, they performed a medley of national songs and folk songs of Indonesia which are Hari Merdeka, Indonesia Pusaka, and Bungong Jeumpa with Nathan and Qiara as the soloists together with Fatimah. Qiara started the medley with an amazing poem entitled “Saya Indonesia, Saya Pancasila” written by Asty Kusumadewi. We are very grateful and happy to see the alumni of SWA still willing to perform together with us in school events such as Independence Day, Holiday Concert, Recognition Day and even for lunch acoustic that showed the musical experiences they had in SWA have been memorable and fun for them which they always miss after graduated. Although some of them couldn’t make it offline because of distance, in some events they still made it online to be able to collaborate with the current music students. We believe their spirit and strong musicianship will motivate and encourage the younger generation of our students to develop more creativity and confidence.