New Early & Primary Years Campus at XWA Singapore

It was an exciting start to the new school year for younger learners at XCL World Academy (XWA) Singapore, with those in the Early Years and Primary Years (EYPY) programme beginning the year in a dedicated facility. The impressive new building, which celebrated its official opening on 22 October, features an age-appropriate environment and flexible learning spaces to help students from nursery up to primary school (ages 18 months to 11 years) to safely and confidently learn, play and interact. The EYPY Principal, MARIA SWEENEY, tells us more.

What facilities are in the dedicated nursery and primary school campus at XWA Singapore?

The dedicated facilities include:

• 22 homerooms
• two dedicated science labs
• a junior design centre
• a dance studio
• two music rooms
• two art rooms
• nine world language rooms
• a library that contains over 15,000 books
• a gardening centre
• a full sized gym

In addition, there’s a dedicated space for speech and occupational therapy, a counselling room and a sensory room for Early Years students. XWA Singapore students also have access to an Olympic-sized pool.

What factors drove the decision of creating dedicated facilities for early years education?

The school was expanding and we needed a dedicated space for early years education that did not overlap with the older students.

Children in nursery and primary school are smaller and more vulnerable in busy, shared spaces. Older students move, speak and interact at a faster pace. A separate space reduces the risk of accidental bumps or injuries during movement times. In this way, we ensure safety and well-being of children in the early years and primary years programme.

A purpose-built facility for early years education also keeps the daily rhythm calmer, which is more suited to the processing and energy levels of nursery and primary school learners.

There’s also the aspect of emotional security among early childhood students at XWA Singapore. Being surrounded by same-age peers helps younger students feel less intimidated and more at ease, especially during transitions and play.

This focused approach protects younger children from peer influences, conversations or behaviours they may not be ready to understand. When surrounded by peers at similar developmental stages, they also learn social skills better.

How does this purpose-built facility support young learners in their learning?

Since younger and older students have different styles and needs of learning and play, the EYPY facility provides dedicated resources for younger XWA students.

Classrooms, schedules and play can be built entirely around nursery and primary school pedagogy. Early literacy and numeracy centres, sensory play and inquiry-based learning can be built without compromise for older-grade needs.

A dedicated building for early years education allows for consistent layouts, routines and age-appropriate spaces. All of this helps young learners feel secure in navigating their environment and fosters a sense of mastery, which nurtures confidence.

Purpose-built areas for play, reading, art and collaboration help primary school children understand transitions and make choices about their learning. Age-appropriate playgrounds, movement spaces and fine-motor learning centers support gross and fine motor skills in nursery children. Having age-appropriate spaces makes it easier for children to use and return materials independently, building responsibility.

In their own setting, young learners can take on roles and responsibilities – line leader, helper, buddy – without being overshadowed by older students. This dedicated environment allows children to make choices and take risks appropriate to their primary years programme stage without constant adjustment for older peers.

How does the facility address wellness for students in the Early Years and Primary Years programme?

The building lets in plenty of natural light. There are quiet breakout areas and safe outdoor play spaces for supporting emotional regulation and mental health.

The environment can be tailored to avoid noise and congestion from older students, reducing stress and promoting focus.

Dedicated community spaces such as morning meeting areas and quiet reflection corners help embed routines. This helps with building empathy, cooperation, and resilience among nursery and primary school students.

What does this represent for the future of early years education at the school?

This new building gives XWA Singapore the opportunity to use the facilities in ways that support our early years learning programmes. It also gives us the opportunity for continued growth.

Hear from XWA Singapore teachers on how the early years facility will change how young learners learn…

“One of my favourite features is the pod areas, which create opportunities for collaboration among different classes. It encourages students to synergise and learn in flexible learning spaces. This is especially important because it reinforces the idea that learning can happen anywhere. This new facility will also allow me to be more intentional about using different flexible learning spaces to enrich learning experiences. For example, I can plan primary school science lessons in the dedicated labs, while reading activities can take place in a pod area surrounded by books and comfortable reading nooks.” – Amy Pauleon, Grade 3 teacher

“I really love the open areas within the building – the expansive areas allow us to work in group projects. It also allows for collaboration with other primary school classes to help build soft skills like communication and teamwork, which are so useful for now and later life!” – Simon Wernick, Grade 5 teacher

“My favourite feature so far is the flexi classroom. It provides a more contained learning environment while still allowing flexibility. This dedicated flexible learning space allows my students to engage in learning without the distractions of a shared area. It also allows me to plan lessons that incorporate changes in the environment. This helps keep students motivated and makes learning in the primary years programme more dynamic.” – Nicole Anoh, Grade 5 teacher

Primary school students at XWA Singapore on what they like most about the new EYPY facility

Grade 2:

• “The shaded playground is my favourite part of this school building.”
• “My favourite thing about our new building is that we have so many books.”
• “My favourite thing about our new building is that if you don’t have a hat, you can play on the covered playground.”

Grade 3:

• “The PE Hall is my favourite room – I like playing all the fun games here.”
• “The new music room is my favourite place – I like to learn music and dancing.”
• “I like the new sheltered playground because I like playing even when it rains. I love playing tag here with all my friends.”
• “The pod area where I can play with my friends – I love playing here with the Lego.”
• “The new art room – I love to water paint.”

XCL World Academy (XWA) Singapore is at 2 Yishun Street 42.
6230 4230 | xwa.edu.sg

Read about the comprehensive AI course at XWA Singapore and how the school raises tech savvy kids with digital learning tools. Plus, here are ideas on what to do in Singapore with your family. Planning to live in Singapore or new to our sunny island? Make sure to read the digital edition of our latest City Guide.