MS HS NEWS

MSHS

Written by Mr. Alex Nenes

Welcome to Infobyte #16! 

We hope that everyone had a wonderful term break and is ready for an exciting Term 4. As we get started on the new term we have some great news to share with you. Firstly, I would like to congratulate our students in Grades 8, 10, and 12 for their success in their mock exams. I am proud of their hard work and dedication, and I am confident that they will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.

Secondly, I would like to give a special thumbs up to the Math department for the success of the Pi Day celebration on March 16th. The event was a huge success, and it was wonderful to see students and teachers come together to celebrate the beauty of mathematics. I would also like to take a moment to thank all parents who came to the parent-teacher conferences on March 17th. PTCs are an essential part of establishing a strong school-home partnership, and we appreciate your continued support and involvement in your child's education. As we enter the final stretch of the academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of keeping up motivation. The end of the year can be challenging, but it is crucial to stay focused and determined to achieve your goals. I encourage students to stay organised, manage their time effectively, and seek help when needed.

Once again, welcome back to Term 4, and we wish you all the best. Let's make this term a successful one!

DP UPDATE

Written by Ms. Andrea, Ms. Renu, Mr. Marchev, and Mr. Lukas

Extended Essay Moderation by Ms. Renu - EE Coordinator with the coordination of Mr. Marchev - Business Management expert and Mr. Lukas - Maths Analysis and application expert.

To ensure the fairness of EE assessments, moderation is an essential process. Moderation of EE assessments involves the collaborative review and evaluation of the student's work by teachers, All the teachers ensuring that assessment criteria are consistently and appropriately applied.  The Moderation sessions provide teachers with the opportunity to discuss and share their expertise and experience in assessing the EE, clarify criteria, and identify potential biases or errors in their assessments. By engaging in moderation, teachers can ensure that the assessments are valid, reliable, and fair and that the student's performance is assessed consistently and accurately. Moderation also allows teachers to evaluate their own assessment practices and identify areas for improvement, which can ultimately benefit the students' learning experience.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Aleksandra

As we begin Term 4 of the academic year 2022 / 2023 at Sinarmas World Academy, this is a great opportunity to reflect on our progress so far and reaffirm our goals for the coming months. The previous three terms brought us challenges as well as the prospects to develop and give our contribution to the SWA community. As we move forward, it is important that we maintain this momentum and continue to learn, progress, and achieve the best we can.

Here, at Sinarmas World Academy, there are countless ways for students to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and pursue their passions – in regular classes, extracurricular activities, field trips, assemblies, etc. Events such as the World Book Day Assembly, which was held on 2nd March 2023, not only help to broaden our horizons and stimulate our minds, but also foster a sense of community and connection. This event united G6, G8, and G9 students in singing, making bookmarks, drawing book covers, presenting interesting facts about books, libraries, and benefits of reading, and talking about favourite quotes. We had the opportunity to see the interviews with Jasmine G10, Ryan G9, an elementary school student, and Vishal Dasani, TEDxYouth@SWA speaker. It was a celebration of the joy of reading and the power of books to inspire, educate, and broaden our minds.

By working together and embracing the opportunities, we can continue to grow and progress. Furthermore, the dedication and commitment of SWA teachers is essential for the overall education and development, and we are fortunate to have such a talented and passionate team.

SCIENCE AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Rajesh

MYP 2, Digital Design

In today's world, digital technology is a crucial part of our lives. From social media to online shopping, everything is connected through computer networks. In our Digital Design class, MYP Year 2 students have recently learned about computer networks, which are the backbone of our digital world. 

During this chapter, students delved into the technicalities of computer networks and learned about different types of networks, including Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Wireless Area Network. They also explored various transmission protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP, which are used to exchange information over networks. Furthermore, students also gained insights into network security and its importance. They learned about various security measures such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption techniques that protect computer networks from cyber attacks. 

To enhance their understanding of the subject, the students were divided into groups and collaborated on a project. They compiled data on various aspects of computer networks, discussed the concepts in detail, and presented their findings to the class. This activity helped them to develop their research skills, improve their communication skills, and enhance their ability to work in a team.  This chapter has provided them with a solid foundation to build upon in the future as they continue their digital design education.

G9 Computer Science

In our Computer Science class, MYP Year 4 students have recently completed a chapter on computer hardware, which has been an exciting learning experience. This chapter focused on the different components of computer hardware, their functions, and how they work together to perform various tasks. 

The students learned about input devices such as keyboards, mice, barcode scanners, and digital cameras, and how they are used to enter data into a computer system. They also explored output devices such as printers and LCD screens, which display the results of the inputted data. The chapter also delved into the concepts of arrays and their applications such as searching and sorting data in single and double dimensional arrays. This knowledge is fundamental for students to understand the logic of data processing and their importance in computer science. 

To enhance their learning experience, the students were divided into groups and collaborated on a project. They compiled data on different computer hardware components, discussed the concepts in detail, and presented their findings to the class. This activity helped them to develop their research skills, improve their communication skills, and enhance their ability to work in a team. 

In conclusion, the computer hardware chapter has been a valuable learning experience for the MYP Year 4 students. They have gained knowledge about the various components of computer hardware and their functions. The group collaboration project has helped them to develop essential skills required for their future endeavors. This chapter has provided them with a solid foundation to build upon in the future as they continue their computer science education.

IBDP Year 1

In the IBDP Year 1 Computer Science class, students have been introduced to the concepts of classes and objects, array manipulation in both single and double dimensional arrays, and an overview of the Internal Assessment project.

The students learned how to create classes, objects, and methods to represent real-world objects in Java. They also explored the use of arrays and the manipulation of their elements to store and retrieve data efficiently.

To reinforce their learning, students participated in an activity that involved the analysis, design, development, and evaluation of code in Java. This helped them to develop their programming skills and learn how to apply the concepts learned in class.

Furthermore, the chapter also introduced students to the Internal Assessment project. This project requires students to develop a program or application, and it carries a significant weightage towards their final grade. Therefore, it is crucial for students to understand the requirements and expectations of the project.

They have learned how to create classes and objects, manipulate arrays, and apply these concepts to develop code in Java. Moreover, the introduction to the Internal Assessment project has prepared them for the expectations of the project and the skills required to excel in it.

IBDP Year 2

In the IBDP Year 2 Computer Science class, students are in the process of finalising their Computer Science Internal Assessment. They have been revising the topics covered in Year 1 and Year 2 of the IB Diploma Programme and conducting more research on the Paper 3 case study based on the recommender system.

The Internal Assessment is a significant component of the final grade, and it requires students to apply their programming skills to develop a program or application. The revision of topics covered in previous years has helped students to consolidate their learning and apply their knowledge to the development of the Internal Assessment.

As the IBDP Year 2 students approach their final examinations, we wish them the best of luck. We hope that their hard work and dedication throughout the two-year program will pay off, and they will achieve their desired outcomes.

Grade 7 Science
Written by Mr. Rahul

Science students have worked a great deal this term by exploring the topics of sound and light. While exploring light they have been assigned a 2-week long project where they first created the pin-hole camera themselves using the basic stuff available like waste pringle boxes, cardboards and butter paper. Pin-hole cameras further helped them to investigate the image size by changing the distance of the object from the camera. They did this project as part of their summative Cri BC where they also created a lab report extensively covering every strand under the criterion. Few of them have come up with very innovative solutions to record their observations where they used the laptop camera to record the actual picture obtained on the screen(butter paper). Further they also explored the topic light by doing more investigative experiments where they have worked in groups again to study and explore reflection of light. In this experiment they took the data by changing the incident light direction at various angles on the mirror and observing the reflected light angle called as angle of reflection, and later concluded that angle of incidence remains same as angle of reflection. 

Grade 8 Product Design

Product design students have been doing their term long project which was to develop and create a functional water-bottle rocket, where they have explored and discovered many concepts related to aerodynamics and physics of rockets. They researched and gave many presentations during their preparation. They learnt the use of discarded materials like empty cola-bottles, waste-cardboard among others to create an aesthetic product yet functional like a water-bottle rocket. They not only created the rocket but developed the launcher as well. In order to make sure their rocket is not lagging in any aspect they do multiple tests before finalisin2g their model, including the spin test on their rocket.They have been assigned to evaluate their product against the MYP-Design rubrics under the Cri D (evaluating). They will also have a little competition on the same once they all are ready with their final version of the product after multiple testing, which for now is still underway.

Grade 9 Physics

Gr 9 explored and learnt the concepts of sound waves and light waves, and have performed investigations based on the same. They created a lab report which was a week-long assignment to be assessed as Cri BC of MYP science. They are becoming comfortable with many new terminologies in physics and appreciating how very simple principles governing reflection and refraction of light can be useful in understanding complex principles including those in game theory, ant-motion, seismology studies, gravitational lensing and so many more. 

Here the words of a famous mathematician and philosopher “Alfred North Whitehead” makes quite sense: 

“The aim of science is to seek the simplest explanations of complex facts. We are apt to fall into the error of thinking that the facts are simple because simplicity is the goal of our quest...”

Grade 10 Physics

Gr. 10 for physics has been busy over this term preparing for their final external examinations which will start in april, in view of this they have extensively been doing practicals, strictly as per IGCSE norms. They are also appearing in their mock examinations, for which they have revised using different techniques, including that by making visual information/formulas in the form of charts and posters. Early start for the preparation will help them gain confidence for the Cambridge exams. Also, they will be much more comfortable and relaxed during the actual exam-period in april.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Xia

G7 Language and Literature students recently had a book reading and sharing activity. The students chose Chinese or world-renowned literary works that they were interested in. This activity is divided into two steps. One is that students choose a book they are interested in and read it after class, and make reading notes at the same time. The second step is to make a presentation in class and share their reading achievement with the classmates. The students introduced their understanding from the aspects of novel content, artistic skills, language style, and global topics.

INDONESIAN/KOREAN DEPARTMENT 

Written by Ms. Yulia

In term 3 Language and Literature class, 7th grade students were thoroughly tested on their creativity level in learning a novel. First, they had to read the novel, which called Math VS Sastra by Annisa Ilmi Azkia, and understand it according to the learning objectives, such as being able to comprehend the story by summarising each chapter, understanding the main conflict of the story, responding to the characters and their characterization in resolving the conflict, and taking the moral message from all the events that occurred in the novel. 

Then, it was time for them to apply that understanding to real life situations. They were asked to brainstorm together on how they would convey their analysis and evaluation of the novel to others, so that others could also learn the same message from the novel. The students finally agreed that they would do visualisations in written and oral forms about the novel, such as making a script for a skit and performing it, drawing or making a model of the novel, and making a trailer for the novel. These activities were done individually and in groups. 

These activities greatly helped the teacher in achieving the expected learning outcomes, while also increasing the level of student engagement in learning the novel according to their interests and potentials. This certainly helped the students improve their ability to work together in solving problems and completing a project. The students enjoyed their lessons very much and truly felt ownership of what they were working on. This term was very enjoyable for the students and especially for the teacher.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Aleksandra

TEDxYouth@SWA was held on February 25th, 2023 at Sinarmas World Academy covering the theme ''Empowering Inner Self: Be Relevant, Resonant, and Radiant''. This event was contributed to by the impressive and aspiring speakers who shared their experience, knowledge, and attainment: Drs. Rudiantara, former Minister of Information and Technology, now holding president and advisor positions in several companies, Ernanda Putra - founder of CEO MAKNA Group@, Febrian Pottanobu - co-founder Duckie Land, Graciela Gabrielle Angeline -co-founder and CMO PetaNetra, Renaldo Sutjiady - program manager at New Energy Nexus, Stephanie Regina - founder and CEO of Haloka Group, Vishal Dasani - fitness and sleep educator, as well as the internal speakers from SWA: Mr. Kevin with his talk on the importance of knowing ourselves, Mr. Stan talking about the character and grades, James talking about the future of education and how AI is revolutionising the classroom, Jae Yi on social converging as the key to global citizenship,  Pak Yan on self-discipline as destiny, and Yusuf on Growth mindset and the cycle of learning.  

Yusuf, G6 student

Yusuf, being the youngest speaker, defined the growth mindset as our beliefs and the intelligence that can be improved as we continuously challenge ourselves.  He said that we should embrace challenges by seeing them as opportunities for growth and improvement instead of obstacles that we need to avoid. The message he conveyed was that we need to practise, study as much as we can, give our best, avoid procrastination, and face the challenges as the opportunity to improve ourselves. He said that he had been bad at Mathematics but then with his determination and perseverance, he overcame the difficulties and succeeded. His opinion is that even though technology makes us more comfortable it makes us more needy, we are like spoon-fed and with this comfort we get lazy. He reviewed the cycle of learning, and four steps that we can apply when we are involved in any kind of task; that we need to set goals, and be aware of what your goals are, take actions, learn from mistakes, analyse approaches, and reflect on them, adjust to what we need to do and try again and again.

Mr. Kevin, SWA teacher

Kevin Blissett's expedient talk ''Know Thyself'' on philosophy of stoicism and perseverance conveyed the message that even in difficult times we can find contentment and fulfilment by focusing on what we can control and cultivate our positive mindset. He talked about the circles of concern and influence, as well as the importance of being self-aware, the purpose of examining our emotions, reflecting on our beliefs, values, strengths, weaknesses and motivations,  and finding what it is that makes us stronger. He quoted Socrates: ''The unexamined life is not worth living''.  The time is now and the place is here, be aware that you are the one to give the greatest contribution in your life. 

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

The Strings students have developed a lot of progress since the beginning of the academic year until now. They have improved their violin skills with excellent progress, developed confidence, and performing skills in new settings. The Strings Club is now led by Andrew from Grade 9 with the members: Carlos, Kate, and Alanna from Grade 7; Chae Ah from Grade 8; and Adhisya from Grade 9. Although they have different levels of skills, they work together to improve their collaborative skills and effective skills in group work, motivate each other and help each other to build a stronger team. 

With this opportunity, we would like to congratulate one of our members, Andrew from Grade 9 who was performed and awarded in the Indonesian Young Music Performance Concert, on February 19th, 2023 at Jakarta Design Center. He performed an Indonesian Folk Medley together with other talented young musicians from Indonesia. This valuable experience has brought him up to another level of confidence and performing skills that he could share to motivate other Strings club members and inspire them. 

During the SWA TEDx event that was held on Saturday, 25th February 2023, the Strings Club students performed “The Journey” as the opening performance. And continued with “Golden Hour” song collaborating with Ben and Yuju. Below are the video performances:

Beside the Strings club, Timbre and some Music students also participated in the lunch break performance for the TEDx Event. All the audience enjoyed the performances that were soothing and entertaining, and the students had fun with their performance and got a positive feedback from the audience. 

VISUAL ARTS

Written by Mr. Alan

IGCSE Art & Design Mock Examination 

The Grade 10 IGCSE Art & Design Students recently took the mock examination, they all are aware of the requirements and expectations in these preparatory periods and work towards the final submission. The mock exam provided a valuable opportunity to practise and receive feedback before the final submission in April. The final submission will be a portfolio of artwork that will be assessed based on their technical skills, creativity, and ability to use the principles of art and design effectively. their portfolio should reflect on their personal artistic style and interests and showcase a range of media and techniques. Here are some snapshots taken during the mock exam.

MACAN NEWS
Written by Kent G9 and Almira G9

Term 3 Recap

Hey everyone, welcome to Macan News, a one-stop spot where you can get a quick recap of what's happening and going to happen in SWA. Term 3 was filled with lots of entertaining events, such as Fun-raising day, World Book Day, and Tedx Youth @SWA. 

Along with those events, SWA hosted its first Spirit Week since the pandemic, where everyone had an opportunity to dress up. Each day of the week was matched with a specific theme or activity. Movie Monday was the day where everyone got to dress up as their favorite movie character. Tired Tuesday allowed students to use their pajamas to school. On Wednesday, we had No-Backpack Day where students could express their creativity and impracticality by replacing their backpacks with something different (shopping carts, sacks, etc). On Together Thursday, each class picked a colour to wear as a class. Grade vs grade sports were also hosted on Thursday. Lastly, on Fancy Friday, everyone wore fancy clothing to school.

The day of love also fell in the middle of Term 3. On Valentine’s day students were able to give their loved ones sweets and flowers through the Candy Grams, a tradition brought to us by STUCO. If you were lucky enough, you could’ve received something from a secret admirer.

On the last day of term 3, we had Pi day, the very unique event only held in SWA, where students did many activities such as the Nim Toothpick game, the Math Sprint and the Math Dance. We also had an amazing closing assembly to round up term 3 which showed an incredible short film presented by the Grade 9s and a drama about mathematicians presented by the Grade 7s.

To catch a glimpse of all of the events that are held in SWA, check out the student-led media team, SWA Production House, on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/swa.production/)

Thanks for reading this edition of Macan News. Don't forget to follow SWA Production House on Instagram for more updates on school events. Thanks for joining us and keep an eye out for the next edition of Macan News.