MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Daniele

As we begin the fourth and final term of the academic year, we do so with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and purpose. Our students return well rested and ready to embrace the challenges ahead, including important assessments such as the IGCSE and Lower Checkpoint examinations. These moments provide a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate a key attribute of the IB Learner Profile: being Knowledgeable.

Knowledgeable learners explore concepts, ideas, and issues with depth and curiosity. This attribute is not only about what students remember, but how they think, connect, and use their knowledge to solve problems and succeed on these assessments in particular.

As our students prepare for the weeks ahead, we wish them confidence, focus, and success. May they approach each challenge with determination and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have worked so hard to develop.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Gregory

Grade 7 students were recently introduced to a range of idioms related to the weather, and many were surprised by how frequently weather-related words are used in expressions that have no direct connection to actual weather.

Grade 8 students have been learning about travel writing and exploring the types of details that make for engaging and effective travel narratives. They prepared diligently last term for their Checkpoint assessments and will be taking their Mock Checkpoint Exams this week.

Grade 9 students continue to perform and study both the script and film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, and are beginning to develop a stronger understanding of Early Modern English, as well as an appreciation for Shakespeare’s distinctive poetic style.

Grade 10 students have completed all of their Mock IGCSE Exams and are currently brushing up on their vocabulary, while also reviewing the correct formatting for different text types. They are working towards being fully prepared for their official IGCSE examinations.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Rahul

Grade 9 Physics

In a recent MYP Physics lesson, students engaged in a hands-on scientific investigation exploring how the speed of water waves changes with depth—an experience that beautifully reflects the spirit of inquiry-based learning.

The classroom transformed into a dynamic laboratory, where students designed their own experimental setups using simple yet effective materials—water containers, measuring scales, and timing devices. By varying the depth of water and observing wave motion, students were encouraged to identify variables, control conditions, and collect reliable data.

Grade 10 Physics

At SinarMas World Academy, academic rigor and student ambition go hand in hand. Following the successful completion of the integrated MYP–IGCSE Physics syllabus, our Grade 10 students have now entered a crucial phase—intensive preparation for their upcoming Cambridge IGCSE examinations.

These examinations, conducted by Cambridge Assessment International Education, are globally recognized and play a vital role in shaping students’ academic pathways. For many of our learners, Physics is not just a subject, it is a stepping stone toward future careers in engineering, applied sciences, and technology, including fields such as mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical engineering, and computer science.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Lukas

MYP 1 International Mathematics Advances Their IDU Project Through Butterfly Pea Plant Growth

MYP 1 International Mathematics students are actively working on their Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) exploration by growing butterfly pea plants as part of their mathematics project. In this project, students are required to monitor and record the growth of their plants over a period of time, applying mathematical skills such as data collection, measurement, and analysis. Throughout the process, students have faced real-life challenges, including unpredictable weather, withered plants, and difficulties in encouraging healthy plant growth. Despite these obstacles, they have shown strong persistence and resilience, working through challenges with the support of their teachers across different subjects.

During the same week, students also organised a fundraising activity where they sold products made from butterfly pea flowers, such as tea and other creative drinks. To strengthen their understanding of the mathematics behind their project, students engaged in simulations of plant growth, allowing them to better predict patterns, analyse trends, and make informed decisions based on data. This activity helped them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a deeper appreciation of how mathematics can be applied in real-life contexts.

Through this project, students benefit from hands-on learning, collaboration, and the opportunity to connect mathematics with science and entrepreneurship. The next step of the project will involve compiling their findings into a detailed report and presenting their results at the IDU exhibition, where they will showcase both their mathematical understanding and their overall learning journey.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Wang

Recently in G6 Chinese, students explored classical wisdom through the story 草船借箭 from 三国演义 by 罗贯中. Rather than only reading the text, students stepped into the roles of the characters through dramatization, experiencing the tension, decision-making, and strategic thinking demonstrated by 诸葛亮.

Multimedia clips were used to build historical context and connect this episode to other well-known stories from the Three Kingdoms period. These activities encouraged students to think critically about how wisdom, patience, and planning can influence outcomes.

Alongside literary exploration, students also developed a practical communication skill: writing emails in Chinese. They learned how to structure messages clearly and use an appropriate tone for real-life situations. By linking classical storytelling with modern written communication, students strengthened both their cultural understanding and their ability to use Chinese purposefully and effectively.

INDONESIAN DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Stephanie

Grade 6 students in Indonesian Language Acquisition explored storytelling through the movie Up. After watching, they wrote a 200-word summary and shared personal reviews, discussing characters, plot, moral lessons, and giving ratings with clear reasons. They also stated whether they would recommend the movie, supported by detailed justification. After the first draft, students rewrote their work based on teacher corrections as a form of reflective learning.

Beyond writing, students presented their work orally, strengthening their confidence and speaking skills. To bring the story to life, they created a small house using wooden sticks and balloons, inspired by the film.

Through this activity, students developed important skills, from writing structured reviews to problem-solving and even simple tasks like tying balloons. Overall, it was a meaningful experience that combined creativity, language, and hands-on learning.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Renu

Grade 10 Economics students are in a period of intense revision and are working hard in class to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the upcoming IGCSE exams. The students are being provided with opportunities to revisit key concepts such as demand and supply, market structures, government intervention in the economy, and international trade. They are being provided with opportunities to work on past paper questions, data response exercises, and worksheets. 

Class discussions and quick formative assessments are being used to address misconceptions and strengthen exam techniques, including interpretation of data and effective time management. Students are also encouraged to apply economic concepts to real-world situations, helping them develop analytical and evaluative skills essential for success.

Collaborative activities and peer discussions will also support learning as students can share strategies and clarify doubts. The continuous revision in class is designed to build confidence and improve performance in the IGCSE Economics examination, as students are well-prepared and motivated.

PHE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Sean

In Term 4, the MYP Physical Education program at SWA offers a diverse and engaging set of learning experiences across all grade levels. Grade 6 students will take part in an integrated unit combining swimming with their aesthetic movement routine, focusing on cultural dance. This allows students to explore creativity and expression while continuing to build water confidence and safety skills.

Students in Grades 7–9 will focus on swimming, where they will set personal goals and work to develop and refine their stroke technique. Emphasis will be placed on progress, perseverance, and individual improvement in a supportive environment.

Grade 10 students will conclude their MYP PHE journey with a series of fun and engaging games, celebrating their learning while staying active. They will also complete their final reflection on the striking and fielding unit, consolidating their understanding and growth. Overall, the term highlights skill development, reflection, and enjoyment in physical activity.

MUSIC

Written by Mr. Freddy 

Grade 6 students are currently engaged in an exciting Asian Music unit, which began with a vibrant Chinese New Year performance. They performed two pieces: a Chinese song in two-part harmony while singing and playing the hulusi, and the additional, a nostalgic school exercise song that brought energy and memory to the stage. This experience strengthened their coordination, listening, and ensemble skills.

In class, students have been exploring the pentatonic scale, focusing on do–re–mi–so–la, a common scale in Chinese and Korean music. They are applying this knowledge by composing their own music using Flat.io, experimenting with different instruments, textures, and simple harmonies.

VISUAL ARTS

Written by Ms. Jeanie

G7 Exploring Techniques

Grade 7 students are creating self-portraits inspired by master artworks this term. They began by selecting an inspirational piece that appealed to them through its imagery and style. Following this, they identified three to four creative strategies to emulate, such as specific colour schemes, body positioning and scale, the use of symbolic objects to tell a story, or the particular brushwork used in the background.

To experiment and brainstorm their ideas, students produced two to four sketches exploring different ways to incorporate backgrounds inspired by their chosen artwork. They also reinforced their technical skills in measuring and drawing perpendicular lines by creating a 2cm grid on A4 paper.

We discussed how an image can be simplified by breaking it down into a grid format; consequently, students began drawing their own faces by working systematically from the top boxes downwards. This proved challenging for some, as their instinct was to begin by drawing the oval of the face. However, by adopting this top-down approach, students are being challenged to focus more accurately on proportion, as well as positive and negative space, while reinterpreting their features within the grid.

UGC

Our graduating students have achieved remarkable success this year, securing prestigious acceptances from a diverse range of top-tier domestic and international universities, including: