MS HS NEWS

MSHS

Written by Mr. Alex

Welcome to Infobyte #17!

We are pleased to bring you the latest edition of Infobyte, which is packed with updates and news of what has happened in MSHS classes and extracurricular activities. With the end of the academic year fast approaching, there are many important events and milestones for us to be aware of.

First and foremost, we would like to extend our best wishes to all of our DP2 students as they prepare to leavfor their exam leave on Friday, April 14. These students have worked tirelessly over the past two years, and we are confident that they will perform exceptionally well on their upcoming exams. We encourage them to take care of themselves and stay focused during this crucial period. The MSHS Assembly on Thursday, April 13 is entirely dedicated to their farewell. 

Last Friday SWA hosted the yearly DP Visual Arts Exhibition in combination with ES. MSHS students displayed their art in the Dance Room. The spotlight was on the DP2 students portfolio, which will be later sent to the IB for evaluation. The event also included an exciting activity in which Middle and high school students set up booths to collaborate with elementary students in art works in an activity called "Art in Action." This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity and artistic skills, and to work together across grade levels. We are proud of our students for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success.

In addition, our Grade 8 students will be taking their Cambridge Checkpoint exams soon. We wish them all the best and hope that they will perform to the best of their abilities. Our Grade 10 students are also in their final stages of preparation for their IGCSE exams, which will commence on April 19. We wish them the very best of luck and encourage them to stay motivated and focused during their study leave.

We are pleased to announce that we are extending the usage time of our MSHS sports centre, soccer field, and library. From now on, students are welcome to use these facilities after 4 PM on school days. We hope that this will provide our students with more opportunities to stay active and engaged.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all students and faculty members to take care of their health and safety during this time. With several cases of sickness reported within our community, it is important that we all take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others. We encourage everyone to follow the health protocols in place and to stay informed about any updates or changes. On the same note, we would like to remind our students that if you feel that the air conditioning in your classroom is too cold, feel free to wear a dark-coloured hoodie or jacket so you feel warm.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Infobyte and wish you all the best for the upcoming weeks.

Stay healthy and safe!

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Haoken

Dear MYP Parents & Guardians,
Please see the notices and reminders for the first week of Term 2:

1. Summative assessment tasks are posted on Managebac. Teachers clarify the expectations for each summative task with direct reference to the subject assessment criteria, (A, B, C, D). All teachers will provide a minimum of 5 days notice in advance informing students of summative assessments. Assignment feedback will be key to encouraging our students' development. Teachers provide an overall guidance comment within the Managebac platform and return all markings within the 7 days turnaround period. Please feel free to contact us if you encounter any issues.

2. MYP Semester 2 Examinations will take place as follows:

• Grades 6 - 8: May 24 - 30, 2023 from 7:20 - 12:15 (exam leave dismissal)

• Grade 9: May 24 - 30, 2023 from 7:20 - 12:30 (exam leave dismissal)

Revision in all classes will take place the week before each examination session begins and no summative assessments are allowed during this period devoted to revision. All G6 – 9 examinations are summative of material in both Semester 1 and 2 in all subjects. Exam leave forms will be distributed the week before revision week and require students to have satisfactory academic performance, attendance, service as action, and personal project progress in order to qualify. 

3. We encourage all students to be involved in at least one Sport or Athletic EX. Please review your child's chosen activities to ensure pickup time arrangements as needed.

4. Academic Support classes for all subjects have started in Term 4. These support sessions take precedence over non-paid EX and CAS activities. Teachers may place students on these academic support lists as needed based on performance on assessments.

5. Grade 10 students successfully completed their Personal project (PP) while Grade 9 students will begin preparations for their Personal Projects STEM Fair event. PP provides an opportunity for students to undertake an independent and age-appropriate exploration into an area of personal interest. Through the process of inquiry, action, and reflection, students are encouraged to demonstrate and strengthen their approaches to learning (ATL) skills. PP is a key element of the IB Middle Years Programme and prepares students for success in their coming Diploma Programme Extended Essays, Internal Assessments and beyond.

DP UPDATE
Written by Ms. Andrea

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

As the IBDP May 2023 final exams approach, we wanted to reach out to you to provide some guidance on how you can support your child during this time and the May 2023 examination schedule. 

Firstly, it is essential to prioritise your child's mental and physical health. Encourage them to take breaks and engage in activities that help them relax and destress. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying active can also help them feel their best. 

Additionally, please emphasise the importance of attending all exam sessions on time and not missing any of them. Students are required to be on campus 30 minutes before the exam session. These exams are a crucial aspect of their academic journey, and it's essential they take them seriously. 

Finally, reassure your child that you are there to support them throughout this process. The IBDP May 2023 final exams can be stressful, and it is natural to feel anxious, but with your encouragement and guidance, they can succeed. 

Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to help your child achieve academic success.

"But, please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist, who doesn’t need to understand Math… There is an entrepreneur, who doesn’t care about History or English literature…There is a musician, whose Chemistry marks won’t matter…There’s an athlete…whose physical fitness is more important than Physics… If your child does get top marks, that’s great! But if he or she doesn’t…please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity from them. Tell them it’s OK, its just an exam! They are cut out for much bigger things in life. Tell them, no matter what they score…you love them and will not judge them. Please do this, and when you do… watch your children conquer the world. One exam or low mark won’t take away…their dreams and talent. And please, do not think that doctors and engineers…are the only happy people in the world."

Abby Jackson Nov 21, 2017

https://www.businessinsider.com/principal-note-to-parents-testing-2017-11

SWA Makers Club Update
Written by Mr. Ciaran

Towards the end of term 3, the SWA Makers made use of the workshop in the Design building to construct a multi-week project: the buzzer game. The buzzer game tests players' dexterity, requiring them to move a metal loop from point A to point B, without hitting the wire in the center.  

There are analogue input three pins connected to the arduino from the game. The arduino waits for input from each pin. The first pin begins the timer, to ensure players do not take too long to complete the challenge. Players' scores are calculated based on how long they take to pass. The second pin is connected to the wire in the middle. If the player touches the wire in the middle, the game is over and the LCD displays a ‘fail message’ as well as playing a tune on the buzzer to signify the game is over. The third pin is connected to a metal ring at point B. When it is touched by the hoop (and the player avoids touching wire in the middle), the ‘success’ tune is played on the buzzer, and the LED informs the player they have passed the game, as well as telling them their score. 

In order to construct the device, the students first measured the wood according to specifications, before marking the location to be drilled. They then cut and drilled pieces of wood. They then shaped metal, before attaching it to the wood using a screwdriver. Finally, they added the piece de resistance-the arduino component.

Thank you to Audric in year 9, for kindly bringing his drill and assisting his peers, and also to Mr Firdaus from IT Support for developing the original prototype of the arduino buzzer game. 

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Written by Mr. Daniele

With UN estimates placing the global diaspora at a staggering number of over one hundred million, the G7 and G10 students were tasked with raising funds for, and awareness of, this human suffering. Each student chose a particular group of displaced peoples they were interested in researching to inquire about the causes of these crises. The results were posters and postcards that humanise these catastrophes and offer hope to the sufferers. While the posters will be displayed in the classrooms, the postcards will be sent to various agencies like UNICEF to offer a positive message to the refugees. Very importantly,  for each postcard produced and uploaded to the student rebuild organisation, 5 USD will be donated on behalf of the Bezos foundation to this worthy cause. 

Chloe (G7), Chiara (G7), and YuJu (G10) offer messages of sympathy and hope to the many refugees seeking shelter. For each piece of artwork they produced, 5 USD was donated to UNICEF.

Zuriel and Felix (G7) raise awareness among their peers of the ongoing cycles of violence and despair in the nations of Central African Republic and Somalia.

SCIENC​​E AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Benjamin

Grade 6 Science 

Grade 6 Science students are busy preparing for their project for STEAM Fair and they were exposed to a wide array of experiments from the beginning of term 4.  Below are some of the experiments conducted by the students with the supervision of the teacher. 

Justin, Darvin, Milton and Coco measured speed and acceleration force using a ticker timer, ticker tape and a cart. 

Grade 9 and Grade 11 Chemistry

Grade 9 and Grade 11 students performed a series of experiments to determine the percentage of calcium content in the egg shells.  Through these practices, they managed to learn about stoichiometry, practical skills such as serial dilution, vacuum filtration, back titration and also acid-base neutralisation methods.  The calculations involve molar ratio of a balanced equation, using mass conversion to mole and finding excess and limiting reactants. 

Besides, they also managed to electrolyse water to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Throughout the electrolysis process, students can observe that hydrogen produced is twice the volume of oxygen, and the concept is linked to the production of hydrogen fuel cells, and how the combination of hydrogen and oxygen was used to send rockets to space. Matthew and Gary managed to build a Daniell cell to generate electricity from chemical reactions. Cell potential, electron transfer, function of salt bridge, and the flow of ions were inquired during the investigations. 

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Olive

G7 IB Profile Communicators

The IB Profile Communicator refers to the skills, attitudes and knowledge that are central to the IB MYP, and helps students to understand the connection between their learning and their own lives.

In grade 7, students in International Mathematics have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the concept of simultaneous linear equations through a presentation on the topic. In this presentation, they present the different types of solutions that can be found through graphing linear equations, such as one unique solution, no solution, and infinitely many solutions. They also discuss the various methods that can be used to solve simultaneous linear equations, including graphing, elimination and substitution.

In addition to reinforcing their understanding of mathematical concepts, the presentation also helps students to develop their communication and collaboration skills. By working together in groups, students are able to share their knowledge and learn from each other in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

CHINESE DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Yuan

G11 Chinese B students were learning about teenage pressure and responsibilities. We arranged a time to have lessons outside the classroom and explored the school campus. Under the bright colours and fresh air of nature, students' learning motivation has increased, and their memory has also improved. 

INDONESIAN/KOREAN DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Evi

G7 ILA

To celebrate world book day, G7 students were assigned to explore Indonesian storybooks and folktales. Indonesia is rich in folktales which are often used by the parents to advise and educate their children in learning good manners and behaviour. Students chose a folklore book they feel passionate about and analysed the intrinsic elements of the story. They explored some Indonesian folktales, such as “Purbasari”, “Jaka Tarub" etc and analysed the stories using the  intrinsic elements. It consists: theme, plot, characterisation, setting, point of view, style, and mandate. 

Outdoor learning right outside the classroom was also conducted during the poem making. Students were assigned to make a Bahasa poem related to the environment surrounding the amphitheatre. Creative thinking outside the classroom would enable the students to access the fresh air as well as the benefits for learning physical, and emotional health that nature affords. 

G7 students - Jay, Samarth, ZK, Carlos, Boyoung, Bridget, got the inspiration to write the poem outside the classroom, about school and its beautiful environment. They expressed it in Bahasa words using their senses.

Bridget, Kate and Carlos (G7) are enthusiastic about the assignment to read the folktales and analysed it .

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT
Written by Ms. Renu

Grade 10 and Grade 12 Economics students are preparing for their upcoming IGCSE and IB exams, They are sharing their knowledge and understanding with their classmates.  it's important to stay focused and organised. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Review your notes regularly: Make sure you're familiar with all the key concepts and theories covered in class. Use flashcards or summaries to help you remember important information. 

Practise past papers: This will help you get a feel for the exam format and structure, as well as identify areas where you need to improve. 

Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask your teacher or classmates for help if you're struggling with a particular topic. Clarifying your doubts is essential for a good understanding. 

Stay up-to-date with current events: Economics is a subject that is closely linked to the real world, so staying informed about current events will help you relate the concepts to real-life scenarios. 

Manage your time effectively: Make a study schedule and stick to it. Allocate enough time for revision, practice, and relaxation. Remember, success in a subject depends on a combination of hard work, consistency, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. So, keep at it and stay motivated.

MUSIC
Written by Mr. Freddy

The Grade 8 MYP 3 Music students had a song composing project during class and most of them came up with nice and beautiful songs. They learned how to create vamping using the chords that they explored with various loops. Using the loops, they practised to compose the melody and lyrics, developing their creative thinking skills. 

They worked in a group with collaborative skills to achieve their song’s goal and learn to manage their time and improve organisational skills to fulfil their timeline and planning to finish the project. Most of them used digital music to create their accompaniment for their composed song. Beside the limited time of preparation, we also realised that we still need to improve more on the phrases, form and song structure, develop more variety on chords, improve performance and evaluation. But we can see the students’ progress in their composing and arranging skills with better musical sense compared to their previous projects. 

They presented their song not only during class presentation, but they also presented it to the school community during lunch time at the lunch acoustic program. Below is the video recording during their rehearsal in class. 

VISUAL ARTS
Written by Mr. Alan

SWA ART APPRECIATION DAY - IBDP VISUAL ART EXHIBITION 2022-2023

Today April 6 marks the celebration of SWA Art Appreciation Day, a special day dedicated to recognising the importance of art and its role in shaping our world. As part of this celebration, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Visual Art Exhibition is being held in the Arts Building Dance room, showcasing the creative works of two talented students, Zheng Ban and Keikona.

The IBDP Visual Art Exhibition is a platform for students to display their artistic talents and express their thoughts and ideas through various mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and installations. This year's exhibition features a wide range of works from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the richness and diversity of our world. In addition, the exhibition also encourages the broader community to appreciate and engage with art, promoting the value of art in our society. Art has the power to inspire, educate, and transform, and events like the IBDP Visual Art Exhibition help to spread this message. Overall, SWA Art Appreciation Day and the IBDP Visual Art Exhibition serve as reminders of the importance of art in our lives. They encourage us to appreciate and celebrate the creativity and imagination of artists and inspire us to explore our own creative potential. Here are some snapshots: