How XWA balances academic and digital learning for students, both in school and at home.
Within a school setting, digital learning tools can significantly aid a child’s academic outcomes. At the same time, they help instil the practical, interpersonal and emerging skills that are so important for success beyond the classroom. Early & Primary Years Principal of XCL World Academy (XWA), MARIA SWEENEY, shares one instance: “It’s incredible seeing our tech savvy students use technology to virtually travel through the human body, explore the circulatory system and see the heart pumping in action. Moments like this showcase how technology brings learning to life.”
You can also see firsthand how the school is preparing tech savvy students for the digital age at its Open House on 16 April.
Innovative AI and digital media programmes
XWA is among Singapore’s first international schools to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its curriculum.
The SureStart programme, developed by global AI scientist Dr Mishra and Harvard Teaching Fellow Leonardo Neves, allows students to explore machine learning, generative AI, data visualisation and ethics with the mentorship of postgraduate students at Stanford, MIT and Carnegie Mellon. Currently available to Grade 6 students, this highly acclaimed programme will expand to additional grade levels in the coming years.
Students also gain hands-on experience in digital media, eSports and coding. XWA’s Innovation Hub houses a state-of-the-art eSports arena – the first of its kind in a Singapore international school – alongside multimedia labs and design thinking spaces featuring 3D printers, laser cutters and robotics.
The school says that these immersive experiences develop creativity, problem-solving and technical acumen, preparing tech savvy students for future careers in technology-driven industries.
Technology’s impact on tech savvy students
At the same time, technology presents concerns around screen time, privacy, bullying and dependency. The XWA team says that it’s all too aware of this, and is committed to responsible, intentional and balanced technology use by striking a balance for students.
From the Early Years, students complete a mini-course on how to use devices appropriately before getting access to iPads and smart screens. Devices are put away or housed in carts when not in use. In the Secondary Years, before they use iPads, MacBooks, VR headsets, green screens, podcasting equipment and robotics kits, all students complete lessons on netiquette in screening sites for reliability and ways to stay safe online.
Secondary Years Principal MARK PETTERSON has this to say about XWA’s Technology Responsible School approach: “With consultation from global leaders in AI, we’ve developed a robust AI policy, a big milestone for the school. We advocate that technology enhances but never replaces the importance of physical engagement and social connection, at school and at home.”
Involving parents and guardians in the digital learning journey
XWA collaborates with parents to reinforce healthy tech savvy habits at home. Through workshops, newsletters and info-sessions, parents receive guidance on setting screen-time limits, monitoring online activity and encouraging tech-free family time.
Maria says, “XWA’s programmes incorporate advanced technology while ensuring inquiry-based learning, real-world experiences, outdoor play and hands-on exploration remain central. We encourage reading every night at home to build strong literacy habits and we’re seeing increased engagement with books over devices. Parents are encouraged to monitor their own use of devices. Modelling a balanced approach is the single most important influence on how tech savvy children use technology.”
Visit XWA at an Open House
XWA was a finalist in the Digital Technology in Learning category at the 2024 Singapore Education Awards. See firsthand how the school is preparing tech savvy students for the digital age at its Open House on 16 April. Head to the website for details.
XCL World Academy is at 2 Yishun Street 42.
6230 4230 | xwa.edu.sg
This article about tech savvy kids at XWA first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read more about the new AI course at XCL World Academy. Get ideas on what to do in Singapore with your family.
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