MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Daniele

Welcome back to school, and a very happy New Year to our students, families, and staff. As we begin the second semester, this is a timely moment to pause and reflect on one of the most important attributes of the IB Learner Profile: being Balanced.

I hope our students were able to use the term 2 break to rest, reconnect with family and friends, and recharge both mentally and physically. These moments of balance are not a pause from learning—they are an essential part of it. A healthy mind and body allow students to approach new challenges with focus, resilience, and confidence.

As the semester unfolds, students will encounter new learning opportunities, assessments, and responsibilities. We encourage them to continue prioritising balance by managing their time wisely, staying active, and seeking support when needed. When students care for their well-being, they are better prepared to grow as learners and as individuals.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Vera

A Fun-Filled Start to Term 3 in Grade 6 ELA

Grade 6 English Language Acquisition students began Term 3, Week 1 with enthusiasm. To warm up after the holiday, students took part in a lively speaking activity, Two Truths and One Holiday Tale, where classmates tried to guess the lie. Some students impressed everyone with confident gestures and expressive storytelling.

Next, students put their vocabulary skills to the test in a Spelling Bee, using words from the previous term and the upcoming novel. After one round, six qualifiers emerged, and congratulations go to Azka Tabari, our Term 3 Spelling Bee Champion.

To end the week, students were introduced to The Girl of the Southern Sea and wrote predictions about the main character’s challenges. With curiosity sparked and excitement high, the class is ready for an engaging and meaningful Term 3 ahead.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Rahul

Grade 8 Science

This term, Grade 8 Science students are actively exploring the physics part of their curriculum as they prepare for their checkpoint exams. In line with the IB-MYP approach, lessons are designed to be inquiry-driven, encouraging students to actively engage with concepts instead of passively receiving information. Students participate in various hands-on learning activities, working both independently and in groups. These experiences foster discussion, peer support, and critical thinking, enabling students to confidently ask questions and improve their understanding.

Grade 10 Physics

Grade 10 students have begun their Space Physics unit with an engaging, inquiry-based introduction aligned with the IB-MYP approach. The unit started with open discussions, allowing students to share prior knowledge, ask questions, and explore real-world challenges related to space exploration.

To develop a deeper understanding and student voice, learners designed and pitched ideas through collaborative presentations. These pitches were structured around four perspectives: an Industrial Panel, an Astronaut Panel, an Alien Panel, and an Engineering Panel. Each group explored space-related problems from their assigned viewpoint, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary thinking.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Lukas

MYP 1 International Mathematics Starts Semester 2 with a Tarsia Puzzle

MYP 1 International Mathematics students kicked off Semester 2 with an engaging activity prepared to boost their confidence in algebraic thinking. The activity combined a review of algebraic expressions from the previous semester with linear equations introduced this term. Working in pairs, students were challenged to complete a Tarsia puzzle, which encouraged active learning and meaningful discussion throughout the classroom.

A Tarsia puzzle is a mathematical matching activity where students adjust and arrange triangular tiles by matching questions with their correct solutions. To complete the puzzle correctly, students must apply their algebra skills carefully while checking accuracy and consistency. 

The activity created a lively atmosphere, with students collaborating closely, moving around the room, and testing different tile placements. Through this hands-on challenge, students developed problem-solving skills, logical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Congratulations to Edith and Beatrice, who successfully completed the puzzle first and won the challenge!

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Ian

For Grade 11 Chinese students, the third semester is a real treat. After learning about Chinese traditional cultures, ways to celebrate festivals, and the preparation of traditional delicacies in class, they wasted no time putting their knowledge into practice. Today, let’s take a peek into their lively dumpling-making class and witness how they create this beloved traditional Chinese treat.

Before class, teachers and students shopped for ingredients together. Under the careful guidance of the Chinese teachers, they followed a clear, step-by-step process: first, kneading the dough to achieve the perfect texture; next, mixing savoury fillings with a harmonious blend of flavours; then, rolling out thin, round dumpling wrappers with skilful hands; after that, folding and pinching the wrappers into neatly shaped dumplings; subsequently, boiling the dumplings in bubbling; and finally, sitting down to savour the fruits of their labour.

During the warm and joyful lunch tasting session, laughter filled the air. Everyone exchanged bright, happy smiles and deeply felt the immense pleasure of collaboration and shared success.

INDONESIAN DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Ahmad

Traditional versus Modern Poetry

Kevin, Hubert, Jerriel, and Sean from Grade 8 confidently presented their work on traditional poetry as part of the lesson on traditional versus modern poetry. They talked about different types of traditional poems, such as pantun, syair, and gurindam. During the presentation, they explained the intrinsic elements of poetry, especially rhyme patterns and the moral messages found in each poem, helping their classmates better understand how traditional poetry works.

The learning activity became more fun and lively with a pantun jenaka battle, where students exchanged humorous pantun with one another. Students also discussed the differences between traditional and modern poetry, focusing on the rules, structure, and traditions behind traditional poems. Overall, the session was interactive and engaging and helped students appreciate traditional poetry in an enjoyable way.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Dioneda 

From Classroom to the World: Grade 9 Students Strengthen Global Voices Through IB’s Generation Global

Sinarmas World Academy took a significant step towards strengthening students’ global communication skills as Grade 9 Global Perspectives students participated in a Generation Global orientation on 8 August 2025. The session, held via Zoom, was conducted in coordination with Ms Lenny Ceng, South East Asia Partnership Coordinator of Generation Global, through the initiative of Mr Leo Dioneda, Global Perspectives teacher.

Titled Generation Global: Developing Global Citizens through Intercultural Dialogue, the orientation introduced students to an International Baccalaureate global citizenship education programme that connects young people worldwide through structured dialogue. Four students — Jansie, Melody, Joshua and Callia — attended the session and explored how meaningful conversations can bridge cultural differences.

According to Mr Dioneda, the partnership aims to provide students with authentic global exposure by engaging them in dialogue with peers from countries including the USA, Italy, Ukraine, Jordan, Mexico, India, Australia, and the Philippines. Through its dialogue-based approach, Generation Global equips students with confidence, empathy and strong communication skills essential for global citizenship.

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

Since the first week of Term 3, Grade 6 MYP1 students have continued their exciting journey in the GarageBand digital music workshop. In this project, students are learning how to create music arrangements—not only by writing basic notation, but also by using MIDI keyboard technology. This hands-on approach helps them improve their keyboard skills while developing creative thinking. 

Students are challenged to cover their favorite songs with unique arrangement ideas, reinterpreting the music from their own perspectives based on their individual skills. Through this process, they strengthen their technical abilities as they work to turn musical ideas into reality.

Alongside their busy music projects, Grade 6 students are also preparing for an upcoming class performance for the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) celebration. They will present a lively medley of two songs featuring wind instruments, singing, and creative choreography with thoughtful staging. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of music, culture, and creativity!

UGC

UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES

Students who applied early to universities have started receiving their acceptance letters. We wish to congratulate all of our students on their acceptances so far and wish them all the best as they continue to apply to other universities throughout the semester. Regular Decision acceptances should be received by April and acceptances to some universities in other countries may be received as late as July. This acceptance list will be updated as they come in.

*Please note this is the early list and does not include the majority of admission decisions, which will come in March/April.

Upcoming University Visit

SWA is pleased to announce upcoming university visits on March 9, 2026. The list of universities will be confirmed soon.