MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Haoken

Dear Grade 6 - 9 Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, we would like to highlight key information regarding the Semester 2 Examinations for Grades 6–9.

• Content Covered: Term 3 & Term 4

• Revision Week: 19–23 May 2025 (no new content or assessments)

• Exam Week: 26 May – 3 June 2025

Important Reminder on Assessment Requirements

We encourage parents to continue supporting their children at home by helping them stay organized, revisiting feedback from earlier tasks, and setting aside time for reflection and review. These practices not only prepare students for their exams but also build important lifelong learning skills.

DP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Haoken

Dear Grade 12 Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the final stretch of this academic year, we would like to share several important updates regarding our DP2 students’ final weeks at school. Important Updates for DP2 Families:

21 – 25 April: Exam Leave

During this period, students will be on exam leave and are expected to study independently from home. If they have questions or need subject-specific support, they are welcome to visit their subject teachers during scheduled DP2 class times. Students are kindly asked to inform their teachers in advance to arrange appropriate time and space for support.

28 April – 21 May: IB DP Official May 2025 Examinations

The official IB Diploma Programme May 2025 Examinations will begin on Monday, 28 April and run through Wednesday, 21 May.

The complete exam schedule has been:

• Shared via our previous InfoFlash: 

• Uploaded to ManageBac for easy reference for students.

We encourage parents to help students maintain a balanced routine during this intensive period and ensure they arrive on time for each examination.

28 May 2025: Graduation Ceremony – Save the Date!

We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 at this year’s Graduation Ceremony, which will be held at the Trini Dewi Theater on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. This will be a face-to-face event, also live streamed for extended family and friends.

Highlights of the Day Include:

• 8:50 AM: Soft opening with student performances

• 9:00 AM: Graduate entrance procession, followed by welcome notes

• 9:10–10:20 AM: Speeches, student performances, core awards, and subject awards

• 10:25 AM: Valedictorian speech

• 10:35 AM: Presentation of diplomas

• 11:00 AM: Group photo and confetti celebration

• 11:30 AM: Cake cutting and tree planting at the Amphitheater

• 12:00 PM: Graduation lunch at Bamboo Café

Don’t forget to bring your cameras and your cheers - this is a milestone celebration for your child, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Dear Grade 11 Parents and Guardians,

As our Grade 11 students move toward the final stages of their first year in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), we would like to share key details regarding the upcoming Semester 2 Examinations.

• Content Covered: The full Grade 11 curriculum across all DP subjects

•  Revision Week: 19–23 May 2025 (no new content or assessments)

• Exam Week: 26 May – 3 June 2025

IB Expectations
The DP is a rigorous academic programme that prepares students for university and beyond through a balanced, in-depth curriculum. These Semester 2 exams are designed to assess students’ understanding of the entire year’s content, reflecting the high standards expected in the DP.

This is a vital checkpoint in the IBDP journey. The outcomes will help students, teachers, and families identify areas of strength and those requiring further focus as we head into the final year of the programme. We ask parents to support their children in maintaining healthy routines, managing their time wisely, and approaching this period with a growth mindset.

The IB’s Global Recognition Team in North America recently published two videos that showcase the benefits of IB! Hear directly from university representatives on why they value IB students on their campuses and how the DP Core prepares students for university studies and life.

Watch What makes universities excited about IB students? and How does the DP Core prepare students for university? 

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Katherine

The countdown begins! Our Grade 12 English B students are wrapping up their final lessons with a practice paper, sharpening their skills before exams kick off in just a few weeks. We'll also be practicing listening skills while watching the TV series Adolescence, exploring its powerful themes of peer pressure, cyberbullying, and toxic teen culture. If you haven’t seen it yet, consider watching it with your post-15 teens—it’s eye-opening and sparks important conversations.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Rahul

Grade 7 (MYP 2) has kick-started Term 4 with great enthusiasm and energy—quite literally! As part of our MYP approach to learning, students are constantly encouraged to explore scientific concepts through inquiry and hands-on investigations. Under the careful supervision of teachers and lab assistants, our young scientists stepped into the lab to measure the energy content of different foods.

This engaging experiment tied directly into our biology unit on balanced diets and nutritional values. Students applied the concept of calorimetry—burning food to heat water—and calculated the energy released based on the temperature rise. By using the specific heat capacity formula, they could estimate the amount of energy each food item contained, drawing a fascinating link between theoretical learning and real-world application.

The foods tested ranged from fries and Lays chips to chocolate (which, amusingly, melted before it could burn!). Students wisely avoided peanuts due to potential allergies. After recording the temperature changes, the class even compared their calculated results to nutritional values printed on snack labels, sparking discussions around accuracy and data validation.

We were even visited by our Biologist Mr. Jason, as we were using his lab for the investigation—his presence added an extra spark to the session and excitement among the students. Beyond the learning, the activity was a hit for its “cool” factor—after all, how often do you get to set your lunch on fire for science? This fun-filled investigation not only deepened their understanding of food energy but also showed how science can be both meaningful and memorable.

We’re proud of our Grade 7 students for their curiosity, critical thinking, and safe lab practices. They’ve proven that learning truly ignites when theory meets experimentation!

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Charles Laoshi

This week’s G6 Chinese phase 4-6 class featured an engaging storytelling activity focused on Chinese idioms (成语故事). Students took turns presenting well-known idiom stories using visuals and comics to aid their narration. While in phase 1-3 class, students took turns presenting their DIY poster about personal hobbies and leisure activities.

The activity not only helped students improve their oral Chinese skills but also deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and historical values. Their classmates listened attentively, showing interest and respect, making this session both educational and interactive.

INDONESIAN/KOREAN DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Stephanie

Script, Shoot, Share: Young Creators Spotlight Public Spaces!

Grade 7 students recently experienced what it’s like to be real content creators through a hands-on video project. The task was to create a video about a public facility or place they frequently visit. Throughout the project, students developed skills in planning, communication, teamwork, and digital media production.

The process began with brainstorming and concept planning. Each individual selected three public places they often visit, such as the school canteen, sports center, restaurant, cafe,  local park, groceries store, community sports hall, or market. 

Next came the scripting stage. Students wrote their own scripts, which included a detailed description of the facility, its function, and how often they go there, what activities they do, and why the place is important in their daily lives. They also added personal experiences and fun facts to make their content more engaging.

After scripting, students became the “talent” in front of the camera. They practiced their lines, recorded scenes at the locations, and worked collaboratively to manage filming. This stage taught them confidence, presentation skills, and the basics of video production.

Finally, students edit their videos using beginner-friendly software. They added voice-overs, music, text, and transitions to create a complete and professional-looking product.

The final result was a series of short videos that were both informative and creative. Through this project, students not only learned about the value of public facilities, but also gained essential skills for content creation in today’s digital world. The students had the opportunity to prove that tech isn’t just for games, rather it’s a powerful tool for creativity, storytelling and real-world learning. With cameras rolling and ideas flowing, they have turned their devices into digital studios, showing how technology can be used to produce meaningful content, not just playing games.

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy

Term 3 was a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and courage for our Grade 8 MYP 3 Music students. Balancing major projects in both music and an interdisciplinary unit, they showed remarkable perseverance and artistry. In collaboration with Math, I&S, and Digital Design, the students brought a unique musical skit to life for the Pi Day assembly. As part of their IDU project, they wrote original scripts, rearranged popular songs, and even composed original music—all woven into a narrative that connected themes from each subject. With limited rehearsal time and a packed schedule, they pulled off a performance that was thoughtful, engaging, and musical.

Alongside this, the FLAMES 2025 Choir Concert offered students a chance to elevate their vocal music learning. After a classroom audition, G8 students joined our school's annual arts and music festival, rehearsing not only with the music teacher but also in special choir clinics led by professional choristers. Their collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Archipelago Singers was a highlight; performing together on stage was both a privilege and a profound learning experience. Through this process, students gained not only technical skills but also a deeper sense of discipline, maturity, and musical connection. Scientifically, choral singing improves respiratory health, encourages deep breathing, and naturally reduces stress. It fosters empathy, unity, and shared purpose. Despite the demands and discipline required, choir singing offers young people a unique space for self-expression, ownership, and togetherness.

Check out their performance with the Grade 9 below.

VISUAL ARTS

Written by Ms. Jeanie

In Grade 11 IB Visual Arts we painted from a primary source with oil paints in Week 1. Painting from primary sources helps train your eyes by observing and translating objects from three-dimensional space to your two-dimensional artwork. This helps students develop and create art from their own unique perspective where they document their direct observations of the subject. Painting still life objects is a regular part of art-making practice because it give the artist the  opportunity to expand painting skills by  experiment and “playing” with media and  techniques. 

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.