MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE

As an educational community, we are committed to developing students who grow not only academically but also in character. Three IB Learner Profile attributes that guide this work are Reflective, Caring, Principled, and Balanced.

Being principled means acting with honesty, fairness, and respect—something we see when students engage in rule-based activities such as a game of chess, where following agreed rules and respecting one’s opponent are essential. Being caring is reflected in moments when students support one another, such as helping a classmate who has missed lessons prepare for an upcoming competition. These acts of kindness and empathy strengthen our sense of community. Being reflective allows students to pause, think, and learn from experience. Whether finding a quiet space to reflect or considering how to improve, reflection helps students grow as confident, self-aware learners.

The photos shared alongside this message capture these qualities in action and celebrate the everyday moments that make our learning community strong, supportive, and principled.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Leo

Differentiated Instruction in EAL at Sinarmas World Academy

At Sinarmas World Academy, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme plays an essential role in supporting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. As learners enter the school with varying levels of English proficiency, Differentiated Instruction is used to ensure that all students can access learning effectively and confidently.

EAL lessons are carefully planned using assessment data aligned with the CEFR framework. While students explore the same topic, tasks are adapted according to language level. Beginner learners focus on building vocabulary and simple sentence structures, while more advanced students develop fluency, accuracy, and academic language skills through extended speaking and writing tasks.

This approach allows students to progress at an appropriate pace, strengthens confidence, and promotes inclusion. Through differentiated instruction, EAL learners at SWA are supported in developing the language skills needed for success across the curriculum.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Billy

Young SWA Scientists in Action: Discovering Chemical Reactions

Grade 7 students explored the world of chemical reactions through hands-on experiments involving precipitation and burning. Instead of learning reactions only from textbooks, they actively observed substances change colour, form solid precipitates, and release energy right before their eyes. These visible changes helped students connect abstract concepts to real scientific processes.

Seeing chemical reactions come alive sparked curiosity and excitement among the young learners. The crackle and glow of burning reactions, along with the sudden formation of precipitates, made science feel real, memorable, and fun. By carrying out these experiments themselves, students strengthened their understanding of how chemical reactions occur, practised safe laboratory skills, and built confidence as young scientists eager to explore and question the world around them.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Adil

Grade 6 students have officially launched their IDU project. They have begun measuring the height of newly planted plants, collecting real data that will later be used to construct and analyse functions showing how height changes over time. The investigation has just started, and students are excited to see how mathematics connects with real-life growth and change.

In Grade 7 Additional Mathematics, students explored the Pythagorean Theorem, applying it to real-life contexts and practical problem-solving. This hands-on approach helped students see how geometry is used beyond the classroom.

Grade 9 students are diving into the depth and beauty of logarithms, developing a stronger conceptual understanding of this powerful mathematical idea and its applications.

Meanwhile, Grade 11 students are taking on leadership roles through CAS, supporting the planning and organisation of Pi Day (Mathematics Day). Preparations are already underway, with students from different grades contributing to early activities such as dances, mini-competitions, challenges, and other creative events celebrating mathematics.

In addition, students have been informed about upcoming Mathematics Olympiads, which will take place from February to May, offering further opportunities to challenge themselves and showcase their mathematical thinking.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Yuan

This year, the G10 Chinese students’ IDU project integrates three subjects: Chinese, Computer Science, and SA. Using the café located next to the school as their research and practical focus, students actively raised funds through charity sales and by selling snacks and beverages, and carried out a systematic renovation design project. The renovation scope includes updates to plumbing and electrical systems, reconfiguration of kitchen and restroom functions, refurbishment and upgrading of walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as age-friendly modifications and structural optimisation. Students were divided into five groups and produced a café renovation documentary, simulated interviews, an interactive home-renovation game, and explanatory videos showcasing the café’s 3D models before and after renovation. They will present their work at a school assembly in February 2026, followed by in-depth explanations and a live Q&A session.

Through this IDU project, students not only significantly enhanced their Chinese language expression and cross-disciplinary communication skills but also further strengthened their computer science and digital creation abilities. Through clear role allocation and close collaboration, they gained a deep appreciation of the importance of teamwork. At the same time, the project built a positive and meaningful bridge between the school and the local community, vividly putting into practice the IB learner mission of being inquirers, deep thinkers, empathetic individuals, and active, action-orientated learners.

INDONESIAN DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Laka

FROM STORIES TO SPEECHES: BUILDING CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS IN MYP

In the Middle Years Programme Indonesian Language and Literature, students develop essential communication skills through purposeful and creative learning experiences. Grade 6 students explore narrative texts by writing short stories, retelling them through storytelling, and analysing key elements such as plot, character, and setting. This process strengthens their written expression while fostering confidence in oral communication.

Meanwhile, Grade 7 students write and deliver speeches, learning how to structure arguments, engage audiences, and speak persuasively in public contexts. These activities nurture clarity of thought, effective language use, and critical awareness of purpose and audience.

Together, these experiences prepare students for higher levels of academic study by strengthening literacy, presentation skills, creativity, and self-confidence. More importantly, they empower learners to express ideas thoughtfully, communicate meaningfully, and become confident voices in their learning communities.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Natasha

Psychology

This term, in Psychology Grade 9 and Grade 10, we are learning more about sleep and dreams. Students were introduced to the basics of sleep, like the biological rhythms and sleep disorders, and progressed to understanding the benefits of getting a regular, healthy routine of sleep. 

Last week, students had the chance to do a bit of practical by taking a power nap during one of the periods in Psychology. This session was expected to help students get physical restoration from taking the NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep) and have their declarative memory, which is the memory of facts and knowledge, strengthened. Students are encouraged to keep improving or maintaining their healthy sleep schedule by getting 8-9 hours of sleep.

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

Grade 8 students are currently preparing an exciting Term 3 project for the upcoming Spring Festival through a meaningful collaboration with the Chinese Department. This collaboration encourages students to explore music as a cultural language, strengthening their communication while developing international-mindedness through engagement with the rich traditions of Peking Opera.

As students learn basic Peking Opera singing styles, they deepen their understanding of the unique rhythm and traditional percussion as tools for storytelling. Although the complex timing was initially challenging, students demonstrated perseverance and teamwork, reflecting the IB Learner Profile of being open-minded as they respected and learnt from a cultural tradition different from their own.

Through choreographed steps, walking patterns, simple martial arts movements, and the use of traditional props such as flags and spears, students embody rhythm beyond sound alone. We are very grateful for the support of one of our parents, Ms. Maggie, who volunteered her time and expertise to help train in the choreography of Peking Opera style. This authentic learning experience nurtures students as inquirers and risk-takers, celebrating cultural diversity and the spirit of the Spring Festival.

UGC

Upcoming University Visit

SWA is pleased to announce upcoming university visits on 9 March 2026. The list of universities are as follows: (Please note that this is still subject to change).

1. University of Pécs - Hungary

2. Kaunas University of Technology - Lithuania

3. University of Debrecen - Hungary

4. Lethbridge Polytechnic - Canada

5. Campus France Indonesia - France

6. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Hong Kong

7. Emlyon Business School - France 

8. Clark University - USA

9. ISC Paris Business School - France 

10. Savannah College of Art and Design - USA