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MSHS
Written by Mr. Alex Nenes
Welcome to Infobyte #13! Wow! 13 issues of Infobyte this academic year! Time really flies!
It’s with immense gratitude that I would like to extend my appreciation to each and every one of you for your fantastic support and dedication to our school's mission and vision.
Let’s start with a huge round of applause for the tremendous success of the recent visit by PKU-MS students from January 29 to February 2 to Sinarmas World Academy. I’d like to extend my most sincere thanks to all the teachers and Grade 9 students who served as buddies to our esteemed guests. Your warmth and hospitality truly made their experience memorable and enriching.
Next, let me take a moment to appreciate the remarkable achievement of SWA Career Day 2024. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, administration, STUCO, and business team, for contributing to make this event a great success and memorable experience for our grade 8 to 11 students in their BEST Pathways journey at SWA. With seven speakers sharing their expertise and inspiring our students, Career Day was a testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that defines our school community.
Last, but not least, I want to express my gratitude for the privilege of hosting the IB Orientation on 2 February, which counted with the presence of over 100 school leaders and educators, IBO Singapore officials, and IB Dunya network Chair members, this event was a testament to the trust placed in SWA as a reference of educational excellence. I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to facilitate such an important gathering.
As we approach the Chinese New Year, let us extend our greetings and best wishes to all members of our community. May the Year of the Dragon be filled with joy, prosperity, and success for each and every one of you.
Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication.
PKU-MS Visit
Written by Ms. Evi and Ms. Lisa
PKU-MS students had an unforgettable learning experience with the topic: nature. For four days, they visited Riau to observe the operations of PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Company, which produces various paper and tissue products, including carton boxes and printed paper.
During the visit, they learned about the entire process of creating the finished products, namely paper and tissue, starting from the raw material, which is wood. The company owns a forestry plantation that serves as the source of raw materials for pulp and paper production. The entire process begins with seeds and/or clones, and the forest is managed sustainably to ensure both high yield and high-quality raw material. Quality seeds and clones are planted to produce high-quality wood that can be harvested in five years.
PKU-MS students were educated about the process of producing quality Acacia seeds in the field and how to propagate Eucalyptus clone materials in the tissue culture lab. They gained hands-on experience in selecting good trees to produce quality seeds and multiplying clones in the tissue culture laboratory. Additionally, they participated in laboratory practicals in the biotechnology lab, such as checking the stomata of selected microscopes and conducting DNA extraction.
The combination of high-quality materials and good silvicultural practices leads to high-yield materials. To create the best environmental conditions for fast tree growth, Sinarmas Forestry's R&D department has several laboratories, including a soil laboratory and a pest and diseases laboratory. Students learned about various insects and diseases that affect the plantation and showed interest in studying various tropical insects.
PKU-MS students also enriched their nature trips by exploring Bogor Botanical Garden, immersing themselves in its rich eco-diversity. They took a ride around the area with the tour guide describing the history of the plants, the landscape, and their plant collections. They also explored various collections of Indonesia's flora and fauna at the Zoological Museum, including observing the world's largest flowers, namely the “bunga bangkai” and the Rafflesia flower.
On the second day in Bogor, they visited the presidential museum. The ideas and works of the presidents reflect the civilization of a nation and were introduced to PKUMS students. They gained insight into the national symbols - Garuda Pancasila, the Proclamation, the Pancasila text, the Opening of the 1945 Constitution text, the Youth Pledge text, the Indonesia Raya National Anthem, and a digital map panel depicting the historical development of the Indonesian archipelago from 1945 to 2014. At the back, six statues of the Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia who have completed their service stand.
Back at SWA, a Welcoming Ceremony took place where symbols representing the long history of SWA and PKU were exchanged. As the host of the student exchange program, SWA prepared Grade 9 students as school buddies to commemorate the partnership between SWA and PKU, ensuring that PKU-MS participants embarked on an exciting journey. Together, they delved into subjects such as math, science, arts, and English, making learning an exhilarating experience. The activities not only fostered collaboration, teamwork, and creativity but also celebrated the bonds of friendship and the rich cultural exchange between SWA and PKU-MS.
It would be incomplete if the activity for PKU-MS students did not include experiencing traditional Indonesian cuisine. At DT Kitchen, the students were introduced to Indonesian snacks, namely “kelepon” and “nasi kuning komplit” or complete yellow rice. They learned how to make kelepon, yellow rice and its accompaniments, namely tempe mendoan, spicy eggs, and village-style vermicelli. The students enjoyed the experience of preparing these dishes.
Overall, These trips help PKU-MS students appreciate Indonesia's diverse cultures while recognizing the interconnectedness of our global community.
MSHS Career Day
Written by Ms. Lisa
MSHS Career Day is an annual event to inspire and introduce career perspectives to students. Many speakers from various industries from the creative industry to the medical industry, did their presentations and shared valuable insights with the eager students. From captivating success stories to practical tips on navigating the professional landscape, each speaker brought a unique perspective to the table. The event fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and ignited a spark of curiosity in the minds of the students.
Students had the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, gaining hands-on experience in different fields. Whether it was experimenting with innovative technologies in the tech sector or exploring the challenge of care in the pediatric field, MSHS Career Day aimed to provide a holistic view of the diverse career paths available.
The event served as a bridge between school and industry, emphasizing the importance of real-world application of knowledge. It has not only broadened horizons but also encouraged students to dream big and pursue their passions. This annual tradition continues to be a cornerstone in shaping the future of aspiring professionals at SWA.
DP Update
Written by Ms. Marta
Our Grade 12 students are diligently working on their IB Internal Assessments and university applications and simultaneously preparing for their final exams. This period marks a crucial juncture in their academic journey, and I commend them for their dedication and hard work.
In addition to the efforts of our seniors, our Grade 11 students will participate in an Extended Essay Proposal Showcase on Wednesday, February 21. This event is a significant milestone in their IB Diploma Programme. I urge them to take it seriously as it sets the foundation for their upcoming research and academic endeavors.
While academics remain a priority, a well-rounded education encompasses more than classroom achievements. Our students need to maintain a balance in their lives, allowing time for relaxation, hobbies, and socializing.
Managing stress and time is crucial during this period of academic intensity. Please encourage your children to engage in activities that help them unwind, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing creative interests. Setting realistic goals and breaking tasks into manageable chunks can alleviate overwhelming feelings.
As parents, your support is pivotal in helping your children navigate this challenging yet rewarding journey. Please actively engage with your children's studies at home by revising together, asking questions, and providing a supportive environment for learning.
Remember, open communication between home and school is critical to ensuring the success and well-being of our students. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your child's academic progress.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child's education.
English Department
Written by Mr. Greg
Grade 9 recently had the chance to have students of PKU join their English lessons. Though initially insecure in their English abilities at the start, some of the PKU students were brave enough to join the discussion after reading an excerpt from “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan. Themes of the Chinese American experience as well as mother and daughter relationships were the focus of the discussion. Later, with a bit of extra time to spare, Jasmine led the students in a murder mystery game. Later in the week, they helped create posters with blurbs of various authors and books which will be used in the upcoming World Book Day event.
Grade 6 students were lucky enough to participate in IDU this term creating their own utopias. After weeks of reading about cult leaders and tyrants, they were tasked to create their own governments, carefully avoiding the structures which have proven to lead an intended utopia into an inevitable dystopia. Last Thursday they had the opportunity to share their ideas with the school at an assembly as well as auction off the booklets with full explanations of their utopian visions.
Mikaela, Grant and Henry discuss the book they want to promote for WBD.
Yejun, Claire, MJ, and Jordan state their utopia’s motto for the IDU assembly.
Vincent, Yusra, Taeseong, and Filbert share the educational system of their utopia.
Individuals & Society Department
Written by Mr. Greg
Grade 9 has been kept quite busy in Global Perspectives as they plan and prepare their team projects. Many of them will promote awareness and/or action through online videos and social media as well as acting directly, documenting the process and using the experience to further draw attention to an issue. The groups are primarily focused on the issues of human rights, inequality and mental health. It will be exciting to watch them as their projects develop. They were recently interviewed and assessed on their progress.
Below is Grade 7 - they had to present their research and answer the question: "How has someone (or pair) influenced life in the USA (and beyond) in 1920/1930 for their summative?". Each group had the freedom of choosing how they wanted to present their 2-3 minutes. Most groups chose a slide show - but we also had a song and 2 posters.
Grade 7 watching their classmates
Jayden and Harry performing a song about Charlie Chaplin
Music
Written by Mr. Freddy
The Grade 8 MYP3 students had a great opportunity to welcome the PKU students from Beijing last Monday, 29 January 2024. They performed 2 Indonesian songs in the Welcome Ceremony assembly, the first song is Bungong Jeumpa from Aceh in SATB format, and the second song is Bandung, a Sundanese song. Both of the songs were choreographed and arranged by the Grade 8 students to be performed in the SWA Open House and the IB Conference that was held in our school last week. They worked very well together during the busy time preparing for their Chinese New Year performance project and their composing projects. Through these activities, they managed to develop their time management skills. Below are the video recordings of their performances.
Grade 8 - Bungong Jeumpa.m4vGrade 8 - Bandung.m4vThe PKU students were impressed with their performances and enjoyed it so much. They were happy to be exposed to Indonesian music. They visited Music class and learned how to play “Gundul Gundul Pacul”, a Javanese song with angklung and kulintang instruments. Even though they only had very limited time to learn and practice, they managed to perform the song at the farewell dinner time last Thursday. They learned very fast and have a great discipline.
PKUMS Performance.mp4Visual Arts
Written by Mr. Alan
In today's digital era, where technology dominates almost every aspect of our lives, it is easy to forget the simplicity and beauty of the past. However, the grade 7 MYP2 visual art students at our school got the opportunity to experience this first-hand during a recent research task in the school library.
As part of their curriculum, the grade 7 students were tasked with conducting research using primary sources. They had to do it without the aid of technology. Armed with pencils, papers, and an insatiable curiosity, the students delved into the world of books, encyclopedias, and magazines. This exercise allowed them to step back in time and understand what it was like when technology did not exist. It encouraged them to appreciate the artistry and dedication that went into documenting history before the Internet age.
On the other hand, the grade 8 MYP3 visual art students explored a different side of creativity. They had the opportunity to work with clay pottery and experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something with their own hands. Using a spinner machine, the students were able to mould and shape clay into various forms of pottery. The process required them to engage their hands and feet, making it a truly immersive experience. Creating pottery with their hands allowed the grade 8 students to tap into their tactile senses and unleash their artistic potential. It compelled them to think about the texture, shape, and overall design of their creations in a more intimate and personal way. Through this hands-on experience, the students not only learned about the art of pottery but also gained a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and the power of manual labour.
In both experiences, the grade 7 visual art students applied primary source research, and the grade 8 pottery making, showcased the importance of connecting with the world beyond technology. These activities offered a glimpse into a past where human creativity, curiosity, and physical engagement were the driving forces behind innovation and art. They reminded the students that while technology may offer convenience and efficiency, it is the human touch and imagination that truly bring life to art.
In conclusion, the grade 7 and grade 8 visual art students at our school have had the privilege of experiencing the beauty of our world without constant technology. Through primary source research and hands-on pottery making, they have gained valuable insights into the past and the power of personal engagement. These experiences will undoubtedly shape their understanding of art and their appreciation for the human touch in the digital age. And here are some snapshots:
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