MSHS NEWS

MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

MSHS Update

Written by Mr. Rob

As we wrap up Semester 1 for the MSHS, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few elements of the school year so far where we have seen SWA students go above and beyond. All of this is possible thanks to the dedication and determination of our amazing teaching staff, so the first order of business is to send out a huge thank you to all of the knowledgeable and caring teachers and staff members who make SWA a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow.

Technology - We have seen so many students excel in competitions within the fields of Science and Technology, with the most recent being a gold medal winning team in the World Robotics Olympiad. There are so many bright young minds who are competitive against global standards when we enter competitions and events both locally and internationally. There is a strong foundation of learning within these departments school-wide and the positive results show when we take our learning to the next level.

Performing Arts - It is a pleasure to be able to incorporate music and theatre into our school assemblies and special events and our students are truly talented in the Arts. It takes a significant amount of time outside of the classroom to be able to rehearse and perform in musicals, band shows and choir competitions and we are thankful for the efforts that our young artists have put forth to enhance the MSHS experience for all.

Athletics - We have grown our sports and athletics programme this year with the addition of more competitive teams and the inclusion of female sports teams. SWA Cup provided an opportunity for us to showcase our athletic prowess and we did not did not disappoint with several highly competitive teams excelling in our home event. The varsity volleyball team had an amazing season by winning the majority of their matches and our basketball team was able to compete hard in our local tournament and came away with the first victory in this sport in a long while.

MYP Update

Written by Mr. Haoken

As we approach the end of Semester 1, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the vibrant and enriching experiences that have shaped our students' learning journey at Sinarmas World Academy. It has been a semester filled with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful contributions from our MYP learners.

In December, we have several exciting events planned:

• SWA Whole School Hackathon: Tuesday, 10 December, 7:30 AM–12:10 PM

• STUCO Sports Day: Wednesday, 11 December, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM

• Holiday Concert & Exhibition: Thursday, 12 December, 1:00–3:00 PM

We are delighted to invite you to the Holiday Concert & Exhibition on Thursday, 12 December, from 1:00–3:00 PM, in collaboration with Timbre CAS Group and STUCO. This special event will feature musical and dramatic performances by our talented students, as well as an art exhibition. The event will also serve as a charity initiative to support the Habitat for Humanity (HFH) project, showcasing the spirit of giving and creativity that defines our school.

Additionally, the Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) will take place on Friday, 13 December, providing an opportunity to discuss your child's progress and celebrate their achievements this semester.

Semester 1 break will begin on Saturday, 14 December 2024, and classes will resume on Monday, 6 January 2025, marking the start of Semester 2.

As an IB School, we remain committed to fostering global-mindedness, inquiry, and innovation. This semester has been a testament to our mission, with students excelling not only academically but also in projects emphasizing environmental sustainability, service learning and community impact.

Thank you for your continued support in making SWA a vibrant learning community. We look forward to welcoming you at our upcoming events and wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

With the end of exams for both Grade 11 and Grade 12, we enter an important phase of the academic year. Grade 12 students will now shift their focus to December university applications, a key step in their journey beyond school. While the winter break provides a chance to rest and recharge, it is also a time to stay organized and prepare for the months ahead. December and January will see the completion of a few remaining internal assessments, leading up to another mock exam session at the end of February. The weeks will fly by, and before we know it, the end of April will mark the start of the final IB examinations.

For Grade 11, the second semester will bring a faster pace as students face key milestones such as the first deadlines for their Extended Essay, internal assessments, and oral exams. These essential components of the IB Diploma require careful planning and consistent effort, and we will provide more detailed guidance next week to help students and families stay on track.

As we head into the winter break, we encourage all students to strike a balance—taking time to rest, reflect, and recharge while staying mindful of the important work ahead. Let’s use this time to prepare for a successful 2025. Stay safe and sound!

English Department

Written by Mr. Kevin

A Strong Finish to the Term

The English Department would like to extend its congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication during last week's exams. Your efforts have been commendable!

As we approach the winter holiday, it's important to maintain focus and keep up the momentum. These final two weeks are crucial for solidifying your understanding of the material and preparing for the upcoming term.

To make the most of your holiday break, we encourage you to indulge in some quality reading. Reading not only stimulates your mind but also expands your vocabulary, improves your comprehension skills, and can even transport you to different worlds.

Consider exploring classic literature, contemporary fiction, or non-fiction genres that pique your interest. Remember, reading is a valuable tool that can benefit you academically and personally.

So, grab a good book, find a cozy spot, and let your imagination soar! Happy reading!

Science and Design Department

Written by Mr. Rajesh

IBDP Computer Science: Reflecting on Mock Exams and Preparing for Success

The IBDP Year 2 Computer Science students are making steady progress as they conclude their mock exams, gaining a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for growth. With this reflection in hand, they are now channeling their efforts into their Internal Assessments (IAs), currently focused on Criterion C: Product Development. This critical stage challenges them to translate theoretical concepts into practical applications, requiring the development of functional and innovative solutions. Students are showcasing their skills in programming, debugging, and interface design while ensuring their products align with the client’s needs and the original design plan. As they prepare for their draft IA submissions, this hands-on experience not only deepens their understanding of computational thinking but also equips them with skills vital for the May 2025 examinations. Their dedication to balancing project development with exam preparation highlights their resilience and determination to excel in this demanding subject.

Grade 9: Reflecting on Semester 1 and Looking Ahead

Our Grade 9 (MYP 4) students have successfully completed their Semester 1 exams, marking an important milestone in their academic journey. As we move into the next semester, the focus will shift towards developing algorithmic thinking and logical aptitude, essential skills that will prepare them for Writing Paper 2 in the IGCSE Computer Science exams. This foundational work will help students enhance their problem-solving abilities and understand the structured approach required for computational tasks.

Reflecting on the last unit, centered on Internet and Communications, students thoroughly enjoyed exploring the ethical dimensions of information sharing on web platforms. Discussions delved into critical topics such as data security, integrity, and the moral considerations of managing information in the digital age. These engaging conversations not only deepened their understanding of the subject but also fostered critical thinking about the responsibilities that come with technology. As we gear up for Semester 2, we look forward to seeing students build on these learnings and continue to excel in their academic pursuits.

Mathematics Department

Written by Ms. Olive

Communication and Thinking Skills during Revision Week

During revision week, students took the lead in discussions during Math class. As they prepared for their semester examinations, students recalled key math concepts and shared their understanding through group discussions. They exchanged different approaches and strategies for solving math problems, demonstrating their communication and thinking skills.

Chinese Department

Written by Mr. Xia

Grade 9 argumentative speech practice 

Explore health influencing factors, improve language literacy and thinking ability

Recently, the Grade 9 CLL students carried out a unique argumentative speech practice activity, focusing on the impact of human emotions, diet and exercise on health.

During the activity, the students actively applied the argumentative knowledge they learned, carefully constructed the speech framework, clearly put forward their own views, and elaborated them through a rigorous argumentation process. They cited a wide range of sources, from ancient and modern Chinese and foreign literary masterpieces to various non-literary works to find inspiration and arguments, showing a wide range of reading and in-depth thinking ability.

This activity achieved very good learning results. On the one hand, the students have a deeper understanding and proficient use of the argumentative style, and have been effectively trained in the presentation of arguments, the selection of arguments, and the argumentation process. On the other hand, the students have enhanced their health awareness and understood that maintaining a good emotional state, a reasonable diet and moderate exercise are important cornerstones of a healthy life.

Indonesian Department

Written by Mr. Ahmad

Exploring Creativity in Grade 8 Indonesian Language and Literature Class

In the Grade 8 Indonesian Language and Literature class, students have embarked on a creative journey to bring literature to life. This semester, the students have been reading the inspiring novel Totto-chan. To deepen their engagement with the story, the students were tasked with creating a drama project using green screen technology. This innovative approach allowed them to step into the world of Totto-chan and reenact key moments from the novel while creatively designing their settings and backgrounds.

Working in groups, the students chose one scene and adapted the text into scripts, ensuring the dialogues captured the essence of the novel’s message. Once the scripts were finalized, the students moved on to designing their visuals. Using the green screen and iMovie, they created imaginative backdrops that brought Totto-chan’s life. Great creativity and collaboration Grade 8!

Sample of the green screen video in the link below: 

Individuals and Societies Department

Written by Ms. Katherine

This week in INS, students received their recent exam results and had the opportunity to review their work. They reflected on their performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. As part of our unit wrap-up, students are writing thoughtful reflections to consolidate their learning and consider how they can apply their insights in future studies.

Here are some fun and educational activities related to INS you can do over the December holiday.

Watch  TV Shows and Documentaries

1. Check out on Netflix - "Our Living World”,  "The Who Was? Show" and “You V’s Wild” 

Websites and Online Resources

1. National Geographic Kids:

   • Games, videos, and facts about geography, cultures, and animals.

2. Google Earth Voyages:

   • Virtual tours of famous historical landmarks and geographical sites.

3. BBC Bitesize History & Geography:

   • Fun and interactive lessons covering world history and geographical concepts.

4. Smithsonian Learning Lab:

   • Access to free resources and virtual exhibits about history, art, and cultures.

Music Department

Written by Mr. Freddy

Our MYP Music students from Grades 8 to 10 showcased their talents at the IB Dunia Conference on 16 November 2024, hosted at our school. This prestigious event welcomed key figures in IB education, professionals, and teachers from across Indonesia. The MYP Choir performed an acapella medley of “The Greatest Show” from The Greatest Showman soundtrack in harmonious SATB format, featuring Zuriel, Maxi, and Samarth as soloists. This inspiring piece, which earned a Silver Medal in an international choir competition in September, was chosen for its positive message of perseverance, optimism, and striving for excellence. These values align with the IB learner profile and our school’s commitment to teamwork and resilience.

The Grade 8 Choir also presented “Bandung”, an Indonesian pop song sung in Sundanese, the language of West Java. This performance celebrated Bandung as a cultural and natural treasure, highlighting the beauty of Indonesia’s diversity. Featuring Qiara from Grade 9 as the soloist, the choir combined modern music with traditional ornaments and showcased cultural rituals through creative choreography and traditional dance. The backdrop featured batik patterns from various regions, symbolizing the richness of Indonesian heritage and the value of multiculturalism, core elements of the IB’s focus on international mindedness.

We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to represent our school and IB values at such an esteemed event. Our students’ dedication and artistry were on full display, demonstrating how music can bridge cultures, inspire collaboration, and celebrate shared values. Thank you to our MYP Music students for their outstanding performances.

Physical and Health Education Department

Written by Mr. Sean

What an exciting week it’s been for our students! While they were deep in their end-of-semester exams, that didn’t stop them from getting active! The gym was buzzing with energy as students seized every chance to play volleyball, basketball, and badminton during their free time. And out on the soccer field, our dedicated players were sharpening their skills, gearing up for their upcoming season!

Looking ahead, SWA Sports is set to kick off an action-packed second semester! Our boys varsity basketball team is gearing up for several competitions, building on the experience they gained from their first tournament. Meanwhile, the girls varsity basketball team is revving up for an exciting season with practices scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays in the sports center. They’ll be coached by Mr. Sean, while the boys will be in the capable hands of Mr. Rob. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce that we’re planning to host an international basketball tournament at SWA in the new year—stay tuned for more details!

Our middle school soccer team is also gearing up for some friendly matches and is likely to join the Jakarta Soccer League next semester. Led by Mr. Ahmad, these boys are working hard to elevate their skills and teamwork. And for those interested in joining our middle school volleyball or basketball teams, exciting opportunities are just around the corner! Be sure to chat with Mr. Sean if you’re ready to dive into these dynamic and competitive sports.

Lastly, our swimming and badminton teams will keep the momentum going as they train and prepare for future competitions. Get ready for an exhilarating second semester filled with sports and teamwork!

Visual Arts Department

Written by Ms. Jeanie

Jasmine in Grade 12 has been experimenting with using different coloured papers and inks with the linoleum block printmaking process to communicate her food waste concept. She then experimented with a variety of colored inks on colored papers, and manipulated techniques to work towards developing the final outcome.   

Grade 9 students have been learning how to create an expressive linoleum block print using contrast to add visual interest while considering positive and negative space to communicate a chosen idea. They started by drawing single line contour drawings then used that as a starting point for their print. Students then made prints using chosen ink and paper colors that support their intention. 

PSD Department

Written by Mr. Danny

Understanding Unhelpful Thinking Styles in Social-Emotional Learning

In Grade 6 and 7, students have been learning and exploring the Unhelpful Thinking Styles as part of their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. These are patterns of negative thinking that can make us feel stuck, anxious, or discouraged. By becoming more self-aware, students are learning how to manage these thoughts and improve their mental well-being.

What are Unhelpful Thinking Styles? Unhelpful Thinking Styles are ways of thinking that can make problems seem worse than they are. Some examples include:

• Catastrophizing: Thinking the worst will happen (e.g., "I'll fail this test, and my whole future is ruined!").

• Overgeneralizing: Seeing one mistake as a pattern (e.g., "I messed up this homework, so I’m bad at everything").

• All-or-Nothing Thinking: Viewing things as either all good or all bad (e.g., "If I don’t get an A, I’m a failure").

Why Does It Matters? These thinking styles can negatively affect:

• Mental Health: They can lead to stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem.

• Academic Performance: Negative thinking can hold students back from doing their best.

• Relationships: Overthinking or misinterpreting situations can lead to misunderstandings with friends and family.

How to Manage Unhelpful Thinking

Learning to manage our thoughts is a key part of self-management. It helps students build stronger resilience, feel more confident, and improve their overall mental well-being. By understanding and changing our thinking styles, we can build healthier minds, succeed academically, and have better relationships with others!

UGC

Written by Mr. Stan

General Uni Application deadlines to note: