State-of-the-art facilities at these top schools!

The state-of-the-art facilities at these Singapore international schools may make you wish you were back at school again! Student learning spaces include STEAM workshops, music and film studios, arts and sports facilities. Take a look at what kids, and parents, can look forward to at these top schools.

State-of-the-art facilities at Dulwich College (Singapore)

The Dulwich College (Singapore) campus was purpose-built around three main principles. These are a green urban environment, a supportive learning community and shared cultural values. Designed with a “student first” approach, it offers an array of state-of-the-art facilities and programmes for the school community.

In November 2023, The Greenhouse was unveiled as the final phase of the campus development. The seven-storey, net-zero energy educational building includes:

• a 400-seat multi-purpose auditorium
• a STEAM workshop
• a professional teaching kitchen
• film and media suites
• three black box theatres
• a vast IB library and workspace for pre-university students

The building adopts industry-leading innovations and sustainability features. As a result, it generates energy from renewable sources that equals or exceeds the total energy consumed annually. It’s the first international school building in Singapore to be certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.

The Greenhouse itself is a learning lab. It showcases engineering systems and sustainability features that challenge students to learn about their environment. For example, kinetic tiles at the entrance allow people to watch how much energy they help generate through movement. Living green pillars line the IB libraries. The STEAM workshop provides a space for hands-on experimentation and collaboration. In it, students build prototypes from recycled items while seated on furniture crafted from upcycled materials. In the Working Kitchen, there’s a hydroponics system for growing different plants and herbs. Students will harvest these and experiment with making plant-based meals.

Building management data from The Greenhouse is integrated within the Senior School curriculum. This will be across subjects including maths, science, design technology and also business studies. It’s designed to remind everyone they have a responsibility of working together in creating a sustainable environment and solve global challenges for the future.

A word from parents:

“As parents of three students across the school, we’re genuinely impressed by the outstanding state-of-the-art facilities. These include the kitchen at The Greenhouse and the magnificent Alleyn Theatre with its awe-inspiring pipe organ. The music and dance programmes at the College are unparalleled, offering unique opportunities for artistic expression. Additionally, we greatly appreciate the emphasis on outdoor education, including the enriching forest school experiences.” – Stephan and Monica Tanaja

“My children have been at Dulwich for many years. My husband and I have witnessed the growth and development of this well-rounded educational institution. The school offers outstanding education as well as a broad depth of sport and extracurricular activities. These focus on the child’s learning development in a fun and engaging way. What is self-evident is that the school continues to invest in its teachers, as well as the school and its facilities. It simply gets better and better.” – Mrs C. Hanna

71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org 

Tanglin Trust School – new building with student learning spaces for arts, music, drama and sports

Tanglin is looking forward to the official opening of the Junior Arts Centre at the start of the 2025/26 academic year. The three-story building will specifically cater to the arts, music, drama and sports. It will feature:

• Art rooms, which includes two stand-alone studios that can transform into a large room
• Junior Music Department with an expansive central performance space
• Junior Black Box Theatre and Dance Studio
• A large light-filled Junior Library featuring 10,000 new books as well as spaces aesthetically designed for reading and storytelling
• A Junior Athletic Development Suite fitted with specialist equipment designed to help students improve key physical attributes for their age

The design of the new facility features organic curves and rounded open spaces. This will encourage interaction and build a sense of connectedness, collaborative spirit and collective identity among students. The project uses sustainable materials such as vinyl planks and polyester acoustics that are awarded with the Singapore Green Building Product.

A word from a Tanglin educator:

“We wanted to create an exciting and dynamic hub for our Junior children. The JAC will be a place where they can be inspired to express themselves through the Arts.” – Clair Harrington Wilcox, Head of Junior School

95 Portsdown Road
6778 0071 | tts.edu.sg

XCL World Academy – new innovation hub with state-of-the-art facilities

Located around a 20-minute drive from Singapore’s city centre, XCL World Academy (XWA) sits on a five-hectare campus in a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood. It describes itself as a school “designed for the future” – a place where students are equipped with the tools, mindset and experiences needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

The school says its approach goes beyond academics, blending innovation, creativity and physical development to nurture well-rounded individuals. It highlights the newly completed Innovation Hub as a cornerstone of this approach: “Our students have access to robotics labs, VR and AR equipment, podcasting studios and maker spaces – spaces built to inspire.” The school also notes its distinction of offering the most comprehensive AI curriculum among international schools in Singapore. In it, students are engaging in hands-on learning in coding, app development, machine learning, and ethical AI.

Arts and sports are also central to life at the school. There are Olympic-sized heated pools, a FIFA-certified football pitch, tennis courts, a 550-metre running track and a 15-metre climbing wall as part of the school’s mission to promote physical development and teamwork. “We believe in balance, and that includes nurturing creativity through the arts,” says the school, referring to its purpose-built drama and music rooms, visual arts studios, and auditorium that has hosted student productions of Broadway favourites like Chicago.

Looking ahead, XWA is preparing to open a new Early and Primary Years building featuring science labs, a junior design lab and a modern cafeteria. “It’s all part of our commitment to create inspiring spaces where students can explore, grow, and lead.”

2 Yishun Street 42
6230 4230 | xwa.edu.sg

Student learning space for robotics at Stamford American International School

Stamford American’s VEX Robotics Club offers students a dynamic space to explore their passion for engineering, innovation and teamwork. The school created the club as an inspiring environment to foster creativity, resilience and collaboration, which it believes are core skills for success in the 21st century.

A word from Stamford American students about student learning spaces and programmes:

“Since I was seven, I was into LEGO and building random things. My parents bought me a child-friendly robotics set and I just started experimenting. By Grade 5, I joined the Robotics CCA – we use our imagination to build something from scratch. Sometimes it works well, sometimes not — but we always learn and improve. Other schools usually focus on either VEX or LEGO alone, but here we can do both! Every team member has a role, like building or coding, so we learn to rely on each other and problem-solve together.” – Kanato, Grade 7

“Back in the States, robotics was mostly for high schoolers. When I saw a competition at Stamford American, I knew right away: I want to do that! We brainstorm and test different ways to make our robot more efficient. Sometimes that means changing the build, other times it’s about improving the code. Teamwork, collaboration and creative problem-solving, that’s what I’ve really learned.” – Henry, Grade 7

“I always liked robots and used to make them from cardboard. Joining the VEX Robotics Club at Stamford American and seeing an actual robot up close for the first time was amazing. It wasn’t easy though – I had to keep trying until I could get the code right. The club isn’t just about competing or coding. It’s about empowering students to take risks, persevere through challenges and work together to bring their ideas to life.” – Shrenik, Grade 6

1 Woodleigh Lane
6653 2947 | sais.edu.sg

New student learning space at Australian International School

The Australian International School unveiled new state-of-the-art facilities on its campus in March 2025. The Creative Hub is a dynamic facility designed for inspiring hands-on exploration in Design, Technology, Music and Culinary Arts. This student learning space features high-tech design studios, fully equipped kitchens and specialised spaces. The school says it encourages students to experiment, innovate and bring their ideas to life.

Also recently unveiled is the Orchid Hall, a purpose-built Examination and Exhibition Centre. This multi-functional space offers a focused environment for academic assessments. In addition, it serves as a gallery to showcase the work of AIS student artists.

The campus also houses the following school facilities:

• Early Learning Village: Largest purpose-built early childhood facility in Singapore international schools
• Sports & Performing Arts: Two sports fields, two swimming pools, two fitness studios, one tennis court, three multipurpose halls, a 300-seat theatre
• Academic & Specialist student learning spaces: Eight science labs, eight art studios, one kiln room, eight drama studios, five technology rooms, eight music studios, 12 music practice rooms and three sensory rooms
• Community & Wellbeing: Three libraries, two cafés, one canteen and two health centres.

A word from the school:

“Swimming is an integral part of the Australian curriculum at AIS. That’s why our school boasts two well-equipped swimming pools. We believe in instilling water safety skills from a young age. Our parent-assisted infant care school programme starts teaching swimming to children as young as two months. Starting early with swimming lessons allows our students to build confidence in water, develop essential motor skills, and foster a lifelong love for swimming and aquatic activities. It aligns with our commitment to holistic development, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education that includes physical fitness and water safety.” – Anna Ciezczyk, Assistant Head of Early Years

1 Lorong Chuan
6653 7906 | ais.com.sg

Campus facility upgrades at Singapore American School

After several years of planning and school community engagement involving thousands of parents, educators and student voices, the campus upgrade project at Singapore American School (SAS) is now in full swing and scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. Over the next few years, SAS will put in place support aimed at empowering educators to deliver high-quality experiences. These will be tailored to each student’s individual needs.

The campus facility upgrade project reimagines the role of classrooms and buildings in the learning journey. It will be a flexible campus with international school facilities that will meet the needs of current and future students as education changes over time. There’ll be more student learning spaces and activities and also new school programmes. There will also be modular spaces that enable teachers to adjust learning areas according to student learning needs. Parents can also expect innovative systems that not only support learning well into the future but also promote energy efficiency, meeting Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum standard and the WELL standard.

Learning communities at SAS are designed to create a sense of community, increase access to various types of student learning spaces, promote student agency, and provide more opportunities for student and teacher collaboration. These new spaces enable educators and students to strengthen relationships and foster an inclusive culture. At the same time, they are focusing on high-quality practices to plan, learn, teach and assess.

A word from a student:

“One of my favourite parts of SAS is the learning communities. There’s a space for every learner and every situation, whether it’s a beanbag in the corner as a “cave” for independent learning, or comfy couches and cushions arranged in a circle as a “watering hole” for group projects and social learning. Most of all, however, the learning communities foster collaboration and build community through the shared student learning space that’s designed for learners to feel safe, comfortable, and heard at SAS.” – Anna Bruce-Quark, ninth grade

40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg

Overseas Family School – new High School subjects

Overseas Family School has new subjects available for High School students – and top-notch facilities to implement their delivery. The subjects include Hindi B and French A for Grade 9, and IB Higher Level Environmental Systems in Society and IB Design Technology for Grade 11. The latter is part of the Group 4 Experimental Sciences. It blends principles of design thinking, engineering, technology and innovation, making it suitable for students who enjoy creative problem-solving, hands-on learning and STEAM workshops. The course benefits students who wish to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, product design and entrepreneurship.

Supporting the Design Technology curriculum are state-of-the-art facilities and student learning spaces such as a brand new lab equipped with top-of-the-line tools and technology for students. The lab is complete with work benches, power tools, hand tools, workbenches, raw materials, safety features and design software for students to experiment with.

A word from a family and a student:

“We chose OFS for their languages and Mother Tongue Program. Our three children speak English, Mandarin and Dutch, so we were looking for a school where they could do all three languages.” – De Kam Family

“One of the most memorable academic experiences I’ve had at OFS was working on the IB Extended Essay. It was an incredible opportunity to delve deeper into my own interests and explore my curiosities in a meaningful way. This experience has truly been a highlight of my 10 years at the school.” – Vivaan, student

81 Pasir Ris Heights
6738 0211 | ofs.edu.sg

Marlborough College Malaysia’s programme for transitioning to the IBDP

Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) offers a unique programme for pupils transitioning to the IB Diploma, one that helps them settle into the College academically and socially before starting the two-year IB course. With MCM’s academic year running from August to June, pre-IB pupils join Year 11 classes from January to June. This allows them to identify and address any knowledge gaps. It also helps them adapt to the participatory teaching style of the College while building friendships. There’s also a strong focus on selecting subjects, supported by participation in presentations, hearing from current IB pupils, and individual discussions with tutors and house teams.

Most pre-IB pupils board at MCM. This gives them time to adjust to boarding life and fully immerse themselves in the numerous co-curricular activities offered. The family atmosphere of boarding ensures pupils feel part of a close-knit community. There’s priority in ensuring that every boarder’s experience is enjoyable, rewarding and productive.

Hear from two parents:

“Our daughter is completing the IB programme and has enjoyed the breadth and rigour of her studies. She has a wonderful community of friends as a boarder at MCM. Her Housemistress and tutors are present when she needs to discuss academics or her pastoral needs. Her university counsellor has supported her greatly through the process of providing to both UK and US colleges. The independence she has gained from boarding has given her the confidence to move into the next stage of her academic journey. ” – Parent of boarding pupil (age 17)

“One of my favourite parts of my son being a boarder at MCM is that he has already done his homework during the week. So, when he comes home on weekends and holidays, we’re able to spend quality time together, either exploring his new hobby of climbing or relaxing together.” – Parent of boarding pupil (age 15)

Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org

Upgraded state-of-the-art facilities at Nexus International School (Singapore)

Learners at Nexus are encouraged to think boldly, innovate and continuously improve. The school holds itself to the same standard, constantly evolving to better support the way children learn. Most recently, the Year 1 and 2 student learning spaces were renovated to further enhance how classes use these areas. Guided by valuable feedback from teachers, the redesign maintains the open-concept approach that’s used throughout the campus. With the incorporation of additional doors and see-through collapsible glass walls, there are more options for breaking out into smaller focus groups.

Following the success of this area, Nexus will be implementing similar upgrades to its Year 3 to 6 student learning spaces. Additionally, the school will be resurfacing its bus drop-off area so that it can double as a PE and sports area when buses are not in.

A word from a teacher:

“Since August 2024, we’ve been extremely pleased with our renovated learning hub. We’ve created flexible, interconnected student learning spaces that truly support our co-teaching model, allowing for seamless collaboration and dynamic learning. Plus, the strategic soundproofing has minimised distractions, fostering a focused and productive environment for our learners. Crucially, we’ve also prioritised safety and visibility throughout, ensuring clear sightlines and secure areas for all our learners.” – Tamara Serong

1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg

Our Schools section has more articles about education in Singapore and student learning spaces. Our Kids Things to Do section has ideas on the best things to do in Singapore with kids. Plus stores for kids clothes and shoes.