MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MSHS Holiday Concert 2025: The Polaris Hope 

Written by Ms. Elma & Mr. Freddy

This year’s MSHS Holiday Concert, Polaris Hope, shone brightly as a heart-warming collaboration between Timbre, MYP Music and Arts students, CAS students, and STUCO. Embracing the theme of becoming a “Polaris”—a light of hope for others—the event served as a joyful celebration of music, compassion, and community spirit. The evening featured charity fundraising and an auction, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the small warung beside our school and aiding victims of the recent natural disaster in Sumatra.

A highlight of the event was the musical Blackwaterbelle Voyage, presented by MYP Music students and Timbre CAS. The story portrayed the realities of social inequality and how, when facing life’s fragility, humanity finds unity in the shared hope to survive.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved: the collaborative choir of Grades 6–9, ensemble groups from Grades 6–8, the Grade 10 band, talented pianists Jaden, Jet, and Sean, dancers from OneTake CAS, and the dedicated Timbre CAS musical team. Special thanks to STUCO and Ms Elma, our CAS coordinator, for making this magical charity concert a reality.

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Daniele

As our students emerge from the intensity of exam week relatively unscathed, we are reminded of the IB Learner Profile attribute of being Balanced. This week offered valuable opportunities to restore equilibrium through sports competitions, hackathons, and a range of activities that promote lighte  living. It was Macan Week, during which students dressed in cultural attire, cozy pajamas, or sporting outfits—each a reminder that well-being comes from embracing different facets of life. Maintaining balance is essential for positive growth, and we are proud to see our students cultivating healthy rhythms of work, play, and personal expression.

IBDP UPDATE

Written by Dr. Haoken

Grade 12 parents and guardians,

Winter holiday runs from Saturday, 13 December 2025 – Sunday, 4 January 2026. Term 3 begins Monday, 5 January 2026. Below is a concise overview of the key milestones for our Grade 12 IBDP students:

Completed (August – November 2025)

• CAS Season 3 and summer experiences

• First drafts: EE, Language A essay, ESS IA, Computer Science IA, Physics IA, Chemistry IA, Economics IA

• Final submissions: TOK Exhibition, Visual Arts Comparative Study, TOK Essay, HL English/Korean/Chinese A Essay, EE (with viva voce)

• Oral exams: English A, Korean A, Indonesian A

• USA university Early Decision/Action essays submitted

• First Mock Examination (18–28 November)

Ongoing (December 2025 – January 2026)

• Final drafts in progress: Mathematics, Business Management, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, ESS, and Physics IAs

• USA Regular Decision applications (1–15 January)

Upcoming (February – May 2026)

• Oral exams for English B, Chinese A/B, and Indonesian B (Feb)

• Second Mock Examination (24 Feb–5 Mar 2026)

• IBDP Final Examinations (26 April–20 May 2026)

• Graduation Day: 29 May 2026

Our IBDP-dedicated teaching team will continue to provide personalised mentoring, focused academic guidance, and authentic exam-style preparation to ensure every student reaches their highest potential. As we approach the culmination of their IB Diploma journey, we will continue to closely monitor progress and celebrate milestones together, leading up to the proud moment of Graduation Day on 29 May 2026.

Grade 11 parents and guardians,

As we conclude Terms 1 and 2, I would like to provide a brief overview of the progress your children have made during their foundational year of the IB Diploma Programme. Since August, students have completed their DP Orientation, CAS Season 1 launch, TOK induction and reflections, early IA overviews in their subjects, Language A and B oral practice sessions, and their Semester 1 Examinations. In the Extended Essay, they have selected subjects, been matched with supervisors, developed and submitted their research questions, and completed their initial research planning meeting. CAS Season 1 reflections and Semester 1 academic goal-setting have also been finalised.

As we begin Semester 2, students are submitting their EE outlines, completing their next TOK reflection, and continuing CAS check-ins. January includes IA data-collection practice and a Core Progress Review to ensure alignment across TOK, EE, and CAS. The coming months will involve full IA drafting in all subjects, continued EE writing, further TOK skill development, and preparation for the End-of-Year Examinations in late May and early June, which play an important role in their readiness for Grade 12.

Our teaching team will continue to provide structured support, personalised guidance, and academic monitoring to help each student build strong habits and confidence for the remainder of the Diploma Programme. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s progress.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Greg

As the term draws to a close, most of the students breathed a sigh of relief as they mentally calculated their final English scores. Many of the Grade 9–10 students exceeded their own expectations, while much of Grade 7–8 is determined to redouble their efforts for the next semester’s exam. Most students agree that they need to read more in their free time, and many hope to make up for lost time during the upcoming break. In addition, several have expressed an interest in writing regularly in a journal or diary for extra practice.

Before the students get too comfortable and begin their winter break, they still need to complete the latest proficiency test. They are also currently creating book recommendations (book reviews) for their favourite books in preparation for World Book Day in Term 3. After all their hard work this term, they will certainly have earned their break.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Dana

Growing as Thinkers through Criterion D assessment 

In IB MYP Sciences, Criterion D is essential for cultivating independent, analytical learners who can apply scientific knowledge to real-world issues. This semester, Grade 10 students engaged with this criterion through a long-term investigation into hydrogen fuel and hydrogen-powered vehicles. They researched the technology’s mechanics and analysed its environmental and social implications, all while practising critical source evaluation and academic referencing.

A key highlight was the freedom given to students to choose their presentation formats, resulting in diverse creative outputs such as websites, videos, and essays. For example, students Rickhy and Oliver produced a standout video connecting air pollution to bird populations, effectively blending scientific analysis with personal passion. This project allowed students to leverage their individual strengths while meeting rigorous academic standards. Ultimately, the assignment demonstrated our learners' commitment to deep research and responsible communication, proving they are developing into well-rounded, informed young scientists.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Elma

Grade 8 Additional Maths aiming high with their tutorial videos!

Grade 8 Additional Maths (AMA) students took on a project to create their own tutorial videos explaining cubic, reciprocal, and exponential functions. They stepped into the role of maths YouTubers, using Desmos, clear visuals, thoughtful editing, and even a touch of humour to bring mathematics to life.

This assignment provided a challenge to demonstrate mathematical reasoning, communication, creativity, and digital fluency. Beyond showing the students’ understanding of the concepts, their videos exude confidence, personality, and impressive production skills.

As our Grade 8 AMA class celebrates their hard work and growth this semester, please enjoy a showcase of their final products below.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Wang

Building Real-World Communication Skills Through Poster Writing

In G6 Chinese HL this semester, students have been learning how to create effective posters. Poster writing helps students develop real-world communication skills and strengthens their ability to present information clearly and purposefully.

To begin, students explored the purpose and audience of different posters and identified common features such as attention-grabbing titles, concise messages, essential details, and simple visual elements. Using vocabulary and sentence patterns from the textbook, they learned how to present key information accurately and persuasively.

The learning process included modelling, guided practice, and peer discussion. Students practised drafting short, clear messages, organising information logically, and applying visual layout strategies.

Finally, students designed their own event or announcement posters and presented them with a short reflection explaining their choices. Through this learning experience, students strengthened both their language proficiency and their ability to communicate meaningfully using authentic text types.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Written by  Ms. Renu

Grade 10 Students Showcase Insightful Presentations on Global Crises

Our Grade 10 students recently delivered an engaging series of presentations on major global crises, demonstrating impressive research skills, critical thinking, and confident public speaking. Working in groups, students explored topics such as financial crises, humanitarian emergencies, political instability, and environmental challenges. They analysed causes, impacts, and possible solutions while connecting global issues to real-world examples.

The presentations highlighted students’ ability to collaborate effectively and think beyond the classroom. Their thoughtful discussions and well-supported arguments reflected a strong understanding of global interconnectedness and responsibility. We are proud of their effort, curiosity, and commitment to learning about the complex issues shaping our world today.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Written by Ms. Elma

Art for Impact

From Idea to Impact

What began as G10’s idea to empower the family running the warung next door has grown into a meaningful, collaborative initiative. G10 planned to organise a fundraising art auction, and G9 contributed by creating beautiful paintings during their Community Engagement lessons.

After the devastating floods in Sumatra, our students felt moved to help those communities as well. G8 is adding a special performance to symbolise our unity and shared purpose.

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (CAS)

Written by Ms. Elma

The CAS project EngageSWA has once again delivered a fantastic video, Christmas edition! As always it features all the SA and CAS groups in the MSHS, complete with their signature high-quality editing and creative storytelling. It is every bit as entertaining as ever, and I am certain everyone will want to watch it again and again,  just as I already have!

And if you would like to revisit last year’s wonderful creation, feel free to hit the replay button as many times as you wish. It is just as delightful the second (or tenth!) time around. 

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

Over the past two months, our MYP music students have been enthusiastically preparing for this year’s holiday concert, Polaris Hope. In collaboration with the Timbre Music Club, students contributed to the musical Blackwaterbelle Voyage, bringing vibrant energy and teamwork to the stage. As a combined class choir, Grades 6–8 performed a multi-part arrangement of “Orinoco Flow”, singing in soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. The concert featured two ensemble performances: Grades 6 and 7 opened with an exciting medley of “South Hampton” and “Joyful, Joyful,” while Grade 8 delivered a lively rendition of “Santa’s Coming for Us.”

Amidst the busy rehearsal schedule, Grade 6 also presented their own mini lunch concert at the Arts Lobby acoustic stage, showcasing creative cover arrangements of their favourite songs. Their confident live performances delighted the school community and served as their group summative project.

VISUAL ARTS

Written by Ms. Jeanie

Visual Arts Practical Experiments

Practical exploration of diverse media and techniques is an essential component of the art-making process within the IB Visual Arts Course. This initial phase serves as the foundation of the inquiry process, where students strategically engage in preparatory practice before commencing their final resolved artworks. This practice is specifically designed to help students make informed, critical decisions regarding the optimal materials, color palettes, and technical approaches to employ. By rigorously developing and exploring their ideas through this purposeful practice, students not only acquire and consolidate fundamental skills and experience but also significantly enhance their confidence when executing their final sustained investigations. 

This term, Callista in G12 IB Visual Arts demonstrated a high level of engagement by undertaking extensive preparatory practice in oil painting techniques, line drawing, digital drawing and etching processes, strategically laying the groundwork for her forthcoming final sustained investigation. This dedicated period of developmental exploration is crucial for moving beyond initial assumptions and superficial ideas. By rigorously testing various approaches, students cultivate intellectual curiosity and ensure their final artistic choices are informed and critically justified. This iterative process prevents students from settling for their first idea, instead pushing them toward more complex, sophisticated, and deeply developed outcomes.

UGC 

SCAD Virtual Workshop for Grade 10 - 12

On 3 December 2025, the Savannah College of Art and Design conducted a virtual workshop for SWA’s G10-G12 art students. The session helped students gain perspective into portfolio building and scholarship opportunities at SCAD.

SWA Career Day 2026

We are pleased to invite parents to contribute to our upcoming SWA Career Day, taking place on 6 February 2026. This event aims to inspire our students by sharing real-life experiences and insights into various career paths. We cordially invite parents and your connections to volunteer as speakers, discussing your careers and the journey that has led you to where you are today. Your involvement will make a meaningful impact on our students’ future aspirations and career understanding.