We’ve got the full lowdown on XWA's XCLerate programme, the first of its kind in Singapore where future-ready skills are integrated into everyday learning for kindergarten and primary school children, supported by AI and technology.
Ever heard of the estimate that 65% of our primary school-aged children will be working in jobs that don’t yet exist? As parents, it’s quite unnerving to think about it: how can we prepare our children for the real world when we’re unsure of what it holds? And if there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that the future would be shaped by technological advancement and AI.
This is why XCL World Academy (XWA) focuses on equipping children with future-ready skills. These are skills that can help them adapt to constant changes, thus preparing them for our rapidly changing world. The school does this through its future-ready curriculum, where 21st century skills are integrated into everyday learning. One example of this is its XCLerate programme, a first-of-its-kind programme in Singapore that blends future-ready skills into the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, supported by AI and tech. This programme was launched in August 2025, designed specially for children in XWA’s kindergarten and primary school. Here’s what we know about the programme.
XCLerate is not just a ‘computer class’
Kindergarten and primary school students at XWA attend an XCLerate class once a week, where students pick up things like age-appropriate tech skills, digital design, entrepreneurship, leadership skills, as well as digital and global citizenship. So if you’re thinking XCLerate is just ‘an additional computer class’, it’s so much more than just that.
Everything students learn in XCLerate is closely linked to the IB Primary Years Programme. The programme uses the same inquiry-based approach as the IB, and each session is connected to the Unit of Inquiry that the students are exploring at the moment. Most importantly, XCLerate provides students with hands-on learning opportunities and teaches them to apply what they learned in real life.
What do students do in an XCLerate class?
According to Jade Ackers, the XCLerate programme lead, a typical session starts with reviewing the learning objectives and connecting it to previous lessons. Students are then taught new tools, skills, or concepts through demonstrations, before learning how to apply these new skills. There are also opportunities for students to work on independent or group projects during the 45-minute session. Finally, they are encouraged to reflect on their learning experience, documenting their progress and challenges faced in a portfolio.
So what are these tools, skills, or concepts that XWA students learn at XCLerate? Jade shared some cool examples:
- Drawing from the ‘community action service’ pillar of the programme, Grade 2 students studied different children’s rights, created educational displays, and presented their findings during XWA’s Children’s Day celebrations.
- As a result of learning creative digital tools, a Grade 3 student created a wordless original animated story about homesickness.
- Students pick up entrepreneurship skills as well, like the Grade 4 students who came up with a business idea and model to design custom fidget spinners. They even printed 3D prototypes and pitched the business to investors!
But what about the potential risks of AI and screen time?
Tech and AI aren’t without its risks, naturally some of us would be wondering, “Does this mean my child is getting more screen time because of the XCLerate programme?” and “How is the school going to ensure that children are using these devices and tools safely?”
Digital citizenship, that is the responsible and ethical use of technology, is part of the XCLerate programme. Students will learn about the importance of protecting their privacy online, verify information and sources, and how to use AI tools responsibly. Digital tools and skills are also introduced in an age-appropriate, progressive manner. The XCLerate paves the way for students to follow AI at XWA powered by SureStart, the school’s AI course for students from Grade 6 onwards.
As for screen time, we’re told that it can range from 15-30 minutes, depending on the age group. Parents can also rest assured that this will be active screen time, where students are actively problem-solving and contributing during the session.
Find out how XCLerate can give your child a great start
You can learn more about XWA’s future-ready curriculum and XCLerate through the school’s website, or book a tour to see what this school of the future has to offer your family.
This post is in partnership with XCL World Academy.
