MSHS NEWS

MSHS

Written by Mr. Alex

Welcome to Infobyte #18!

Hello and welcome back to everyone returning from the term break! I sincerely hope that your time away from school has been both restful and pleasant. It's always refreshing to take a break, recharge, and prepare for the exciting challenges ahead.

As we resume our routines, it's hard to ignore that the end of the academic year is rapidly approaching. It also comes along with significant milestones. We have a jam-packed 9 weeks ahead of us, filled with activities that not only challenge us but also celebrate our achievements.

We are entering a crucial phase for our students sitting for semester exams. These assessments are key stepping stones and will set the tone for the academic accolades to follow. For our IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE candidates, the next few weeks are especially critical. The exams you will undertake are not just tests of your knowledge but are also gateways to the future paths you will choose. Preparation, focus, and perseverance will be your best tools as you approach these challenges.

Another highlight to eagerly anticipate is the graduation of the Class of 2024 in May. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our students. Graduation is not only a celebration of academic achievements but also a rite of passage into new beginnings and exciting futures.

In the remaining weeks of this academic year, let's strive to make the most of every moment. Whether you're studying for exams, preparing for graduation, or simply engaging in daily school life, remember that each day is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Let's keep pushing forward, support one another, and end the year on a high note. Welcome back, everyone, and let's make these next 9 weeks truly memorable!

• Revision Week (20 - 23 May):
This week is allocated for reviewing and reinforcing the material covered in Semester 2. It's an essential time for students to solidify their understanding and clarify any uncertainties, as no new material will be introduced, nor will there be any assessments.

• Semester 2 Exam Week (24-28 May and 30-31 May 2024):
The exams scheduled for this week are designed to evaluate the students' abilities to apply the MYP Criteria across the various subjects studied. It’s a testament to their learning and progress throughout the semester.

Grade 10 Students:

IGCSE Exams and Diploma Programme Preparation:
As we approach the upcoming IGCSE exams, it's a significant time for our students. We understand the dedication and hard work required to prepare for these exams. 

Schedule for Grade 10 Students (Starting 26 April 2024):

• Exam Takers: Starting from 26 April 2024, all Grade 10 students scheduled for IGCSE exams will only be required to report to school for their exams. Should students need further assistance, our teachers are on hand to offer their support and guidance throughout the exam period, from the end of April until the start of June 2024.

For our Grade 10 students, whether you are preparing for the IGCSE exams or the IB Diploma Programme, this is a time to focus on your goals and work towards achieving them with determination and resilience.

We are here to support every student from G6 to 10 in their journey, and we look forward to seeing their hard work come to fruition. Thank you once again for your partnership and support in creating a nurturing and productive learning environment for our students.

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

As we step into the final stretch of the academic year, I would like to share some important updates and reminders with you.

To our Grade 12 students, congratulations on completing your mock exams! These assessments are a vital step before the actual exams, which are just a few weeks away. The first exam, scheduled for Wednesday, 24 April, it is crucial to prioritise your final revision and exam preparation during this time.

In support of our Grade 12 students, we have organised a special lock-in event from 16 April to 17 April. Among wide range of activities, these days will also offer workshops focusing on university life preparation and, most importantly, strategies for success in the exams.

For our Grade 11 students and parents, as we enter short term 4, it is essential to maintain focus on completing ongoing tasks promptly. The Extended Essay preparation, TOK exhibition, and end-of-semester 2 exams are significant milestones approaching rapidly. We urge Grade 11 students to manage their time effectively, seek assistance as needed, and stay proactive in their academic endeavours.

Parents, your continued support and encouragement are invaluable during this period of intense preparation and assessment. Please ensure that your children have the resources they need, create a conducive study environment at home, and provide them with emotional support as they navigate through this challenging yet rewarding phase.

As we emphasise the importance of final revision and consolidation of knowledge, we remind both students and parents to utilise available resources such as study materials, teacher guidance, and peer support networks.

Wishing all our students the very best in their preparations and upcoming exams.

English Department

Written by Ms. Aleksandra

Exploring Literary Devices and Poetry: G7 and G8 IB MYP Students 

G7 and G8 IB MYP students were engaged in  exploring the elements of poetry - verse, stanza, rhyme, rhythm as well as the use of literary devices in poetry - simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, personification, imagery, allusion, etc. They were encouraged to create their own poetry entitled “Waterfall’’ and illustrate it, but first of all to think about the strategies, brainstorm ideas, write a list of words that rhyme, make mind maps of the words they associated with ‘waterfall’. Through their creative journey, students developed their writing skills and learned to express themselves artistically. They enhanced their creative-thinking skills, practised visible thinking strategies and techniques, and created original works and ideas. 

These activities supported the development of creativity as the ability to produce original works, characterised by imagination and divergent thinking. They also practised visible thinking strategies and techniques, fostering the exploration of connections between language, meaning, and message within the context of human impact on aquatic ecosystems. This inquiry helped students understand how language can inspire positive change.

Here are some examples of their work for your enjoyment:

Science and Design Department

Written by Mr. Aldrin

G7 students at Pinecrest Middle School are developing an Arduino-based sound metre for a digital design project. This innovative project utilises a sound sensor connected to an Arduino microcontroller to measure sound levels. The system visually represents sound intensity by lighting up an array of LED lights, with more lights indicating louder sounds.

The project categorises sound levels into ten levels, offering a straightforward method to assess ambient noise. It underscores the value of hands-on, project-based learning in nurturing innovation and problem-solving skills among G7 students. Additionally, it highlights the practical applications of STEM concepts and the accessibility of technology like Arduino.

The journey of these G7 students serves as an inspiration, showcasing how curiosity, exploration, and creativity can lead to meaningful innovations. As the project evolves, it exemplifies the limitless potential available to G7 students who embrace curiosity and creativity

Mathematics Department

Written by Mr. Lukas

Exploring Quadratic Functions with Desmos

Grade 9 students are engaging in an activity aimed at deepening their understanding of quadratic functions. Using Desmos rather than textbooks, students are immersing themselves in interactive learning experiences that bring mathematical concepts to life. 

Desmos provides a visual representation of quadratic functions, allowing students to see the relationship between equations and their graphical representations. In this case, students are studying the vertex form of a quadratic function.

The evaluation for their progress is remarkably fast and convenient, as the teacher is equipped with a dashboard that can display the progress of each of the students. Students are engaging in meaningful learning experiences that enhance their understanding of quadratic functions and foster the development of essential mathematical skills.

Enhancing Future Entrepreneurs through Geometric Logo Design

For Grade 6 students, a task has been introduced to inspire innovation and design thinking. Students are challenged to design their brand logos using the geometric shapes and principles they have learned in class related to perimeter and area. This activity not only integrates key concepts such as polygons, basic geometrical construction, perimeter, and area of plane figures but also offers advantages for developing their entrepreneurial skills.

Going further, they will discuss the philosophy behind their logo, as well as the calculation of area and perimeter of their logo using mathematical approaches.

This logo will further be used as their logo for their SA businesses. Through this activity, students not only deepen their understanding of geometry but also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills vital for success in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.

Indonesian Department

Written by Ms. Yulia

In the third term, 7th-grade students of Indonesian Language and Literature read and understood a translated novel titled "Ceddie" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. To achieve the learning objective of understanding the storyline well and getting to know the characters in the story well, one of the activities the students engaged in was creating dialogue scripts from specific chapters in the novel.

Each student learned to craft dialogue scripts accurately, and then they were taught how to read the dialogues according to the characters' personalities. Students were paired with a classmate to collaborate on their scripts, and another student took on the role of narrator to enhance the storytelling. The students' conversations were recorded by the teacher and shared with them for their individual portfolios.

This activity was highly beneficial in fostering the students' comprehensive understanding of a novel, such as reading with appropriate intonation, writing drama scripts, and delving deeper into the story.

Individuals & Societies Department

Written by Ms. Marta

As we embark upon the final term of this academic year, we are happy to share some exciting updates from the Individuals and Societies department at our school.

Our Grade 10 students have successfully completed their coursework in Global Perspectives and Enterprise, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. They are now gearing up and preparing for their upcoming IGCSE exams, showcasing their dedication and commitment to academic excellence.

Meanwhile, across other grades, students are diving deep into the realms of Geography, History, Global Perspectives, and Enterprise. Through these subjects, they are on a captivating journey of discovery, exploring the diverse facets of our world and its societies.

Music

Written by Mr. Freddy

In our Grade 7 Music Class, diversity reigns as students embark on a dynamic vocal journey this term. While not all may consider themselves singers, each student is afforded the opportunity to learn and develop their vocal abilities. This inclusivity reflects the IB learner profile's commitment to fostering open-mindedness and appreciation for individual strengths.

Guided by teacher, students immerse themselves in a range of vocal techniques, focusing on pitch control, sound production, and creative expression. These technical not only enrich their musicality but also cultivate attentive skills and focus, essential components of the IB's Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework. 

As students explore harmony, they encounter the intricate interplay of voices, each contributing a unique melody to the ensemble. Here, they must navigate the complexities of group singing with empathy, understanding the importance of blending their voices to create a cohesive sound. This collaborative effort not only promotes creative thinking but also fosters a sense of unity amidst diversity.

In our Grade 7 Music Class, the journey towards vocal mastery extends beyond individual performance to collective collaboration. Through attentive listening and focused engagement, students work together to weave a tapestry of diverse voices, each contributing to the harmonious whole. This process not only develops their musical abilities but also nurtures empathy and respect for the contributions of others. As they strive to create a dome of voices that is both diverse and united, students embody the spirit of the IB learner profile, demonstrating curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to collaborative learning.

Visual Arts

Written by Mr. Alan

Reflecting on SWA Art is Thick: Completing a Journey with Young Artists

Stepping through the hallway of the recently concluded SWA Art is Thick MSHS exhibition, I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions. This marked the culmination of my time teaching talented art students over the past two years. The showcase was a testament to their growth and creativity. Their pieces ranged from delicate crafts to bold paintings and intricate 3D works, each revealing their journeys.

What touched me most was the personal touch evident in every piece. It was a reflection of the shared experiences we've had throughout our time together. As I completed this chapter of my journey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfilment. It's been an honour to guide these young artists, and the exhibition was a beautiful celebration of our collective efforts. Walking away from the exhibition, I carried with me a profound gratitude for the opportunity to mentor and inspire these students. While this chapter may be closing, I know their artistic journeys are just beginning.

UGC

Written by Mr. Stan

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.

*Please note this is the early list and does not include the majority of admission decisions  which will come in March/April