MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE
Written by Mr. Daniele

With the school year underway and EXs recently kicking off, it is wonderful to see our students embracing the opportunities that contribute to their holistic development, extending learning beyond the classroom and nurturing skills, interests, and passions.

Our MasterChef class has been cooking up a veritable recipe for learning! Under the guidance of Chefs Karen, Cheryl, and Jennifer, our young chefs put their research skills to work finding the perfect spaghetti carbonara recipe. They demonstrated financial literacy and responsibility by planning and purchasing supplies before communicating the necessary steps to producing this Italian dish. The young sous-chefs collaborated as they stirred the pans, followed the recipe, and worked together to create this Italian favourite. And, of course, when all was done, they savoured the fruits of their labour.

DP UPDATE

Written by Dr. Haoken

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Big Questions, Bold Ideas: Grade 12 EE and TOK in Action

Our Grade 12 students are reaching an exciting IB milestone: submitting their Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition drafts. These are not ordinary assignments. This is where a curious question can become a 4,000-word academic investigation, and an everyday object can suddenly become deeply philosophical!

The Extended Essay

The EE allows students to investigate a topic they genuinely care about. They develop a focused research question, gather evidence, analyse findings and construct an academic argument.

For example:

Physics research question:
How does the curvature of a bird-inspired beak affect the force required to penetrate a standardised material?

A student might create model beaks, conduct experiments, analyse graphs and uncertainties, and reach an evidence-based conclusion. In other words, curiosity meets science – and a bird’s beak becomes serious academic research!

The TOK Exhibition

For the TOK Exhibition, students choose one knowledge question and connect it to three specific real-world objects, supported by a commentary of no more than 950 words.

For example:

Prompt: “What counts as good evidence for a claim?”

The three objects could include:

A graph from a Physics experiment
A particular social-media post making a scientific claim
A photograph from a family archive

Students then explore why some evidence may be considered more convincing than others. Suddenly, a graph, an Instagram post or even a family photograph has philosophical potential!

The EE and TOK together can contribute up to three additional points toward the IB Diploma, but their greatest value goes far beyond points. They develop independence, resilience, academic integrity and university-ready thinking. We are incredibly proud of our Grade 12 students. Every revised paragraph, analysed source and carefully selected object brings them one step closer to becoming confident young researchers and thinkers.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Kevin

English at SWA: Inquiry, Craft, and Confident Communication

Across the English Department this term, students are reading closely, thinking critically, and developing the skills to communicate with purpose.

MYP 2 ELL is exploring media literacy through advertisements, analysing how language, imagery, and design persuade different audiences.

MYP 3 ELL is immersed in Sawbones, focusing on character development and how sentence construction shapes voice, pace, and meaning while building skills for the Cambridge Checkpoint examinations.

DP2 English B students are working intensively towards their oral and written assessments, developing text-handling, writing, and listening skills for exam conditions.

It is a busy, purposeful season in English: students are preparing for assessments while learning to notice how language works—and use it well.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Rahul

Recently, our enthusiastic Grade 9 MYP students dived into a hands-on scientific inquiry: designing and building paper and aluminium foil boats to determine which hull design could support the greatest load before sinking.

Working collaboratively, students applied their understanding of density and buoyancy while refining their designs and testing them in water bins. They carefully added weights, such as marbles, while using laptops for data logging and research. Through the activity, they explored how shaping a dense material can affect displacement, demonstrating that even aluminium can float when configured effectively.

It was a fantastic showcase of curiosity, collaboration, problem-solving, and the practical application of the scientific method!

Our Grade 10 MYP students have been pursuing their Criterion D summative, a hands-on activity that brings celestial mechanics down to Earth. Students created physical models using string loops, pins, and pencils to trace circles or ellipses, to understand the orbits of various planets around the Sun.

They used tools like rulers and laptops to collect and analyse data, carefully tracing paths to represent celestial pathways. By comparing their physical creations to actual planetary orbit data, they reached fascinating conclusions about which specific planet's orbit most closely aligns with their models. This allowed them to reflect deeply on how scientists build, test, and apply models to grasp the immense complexities of our universe.

Our Grade 12 IBDP Physics students recently investigated the real-world applications and critical lessons of nuclear energy through a case study of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Linking core Theme E concepts to real-world engineering, students presented and evaluated the severe design flaws of the RBMK reactor—such as reactivity feedback mechanisms and control rod design—that contributed to the failure.

Through guided reflection prompts, they also analysed containment solutions like the sarcophagus and debated the ethical implications of delayed reporting on global public health, highlighting the essential connection between nuclear physics, engineering ethics, and the Nature of Science.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Adil

More than 15 students showed interest in the newly opened mathematics olympiad preparation club, which is a great result. The first session took place on 18 August 2026, where 11th-grade students shared their experience and explained how to solve complex olympiad-style problems. The lesson was engaging and truly educational, leaving participants motivated for future challenges. Meanwhile, regular math classes are also in full swing, as students are gradually getting back into their academic rhythm. In some grades and study groups, the period of summative assessment has already begun, adding extra pressure to the school routine. Nevertheless, the young mathematicians remain enthusiastic and determined to combine their regular studies with intensive olympiad training, proving that hard work and curiosity go hand in hand.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Xia

The DP2 Chinese Language and Literature class recently completed an inquiry-based presentation project on the classic novel The Kite Runner. Centring on the book’s historical background, the student conducted thorough research and delivered structured presentations on its core themes.

Through independent study and varied research practices, the student explored key facts about Afghanistan, covering its geography, history, anti-colonial movements, population and major cities. The student also analysed the country’s all kinds of conflicts and religious sect differences, as well as its political system, unpacking the root causes of Afghanistan’s intricate historical, political, religious and ethnic tensions.

This activity has greatly enhanced students’ textual analysis and independent research capabilities, equipping them to better understand the complex global issues depicted in the novel.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms.Renu

Our Grade 10 Economics students have been exploring fiscal policy and how governments use taxation and government spending to influence economic activity. Through real-world examples and classroom discussions, students investigated how fiscal policy can be used to manage inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.

Students also examined the trade-offs and limitations of government intervention, considering how different fiscal decisions can affect households, businesses and the wider economy. Through inquiry and economic analysis, they are developing the skills to connect economic theory with real-world decision-making.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Freddy

Choir is more than singing; it is a place to belong, grow, and find your voice. Research suggests that group singing can support young people’s wellbeing, confidence, positive emotions, and social connection.

For teenagers, every rehearsal develops discipline, teamwork, attentiveness, empathy, responsibility, resilience, and communication. They learn to listen carefully, not only to their own voice but also to others'. This builds musical sensitivity and awareness of balance, harmony, timing, and expression. They discover that their individual voice matters, while beautiful music happens when everyone listens and works together.

We are proud that our MYP Choir performed at our school’s Indonesian Independence Day Flag Ceremony, bringing energy and spirit of patriotism to the celebration. They will represent SWA at the Penabur International Choir Festival 2026 on 8 September. Please support and pray for them.

[Infobyte #03] Flag Ceremony Choir 2026.mp4

UGC

Written by Ms. Rachel

We were delighted to welcome to SWA A/Prof. Andrea Lu, Associate Dean (International) in the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne. The Grade 10 students were offered a taster lecture, ‘From Pocket Money to Big Decisions: Exploring Finance'. Students learnt what finance really is and why it matters. As an introduction, she also explored how we use money and make investment decisions and how companies fund big ideas, manage risk, and create value. The University of Melbourne offers 7 possible majors inside their Bachelor of Commerce degree, and so this focus on Finance offered students an insight into what a lecture is and the basics of learning in a finance major.