When parents search for the right international school, they are often looking for more than strong academic results. They want a school that will recognise their child’s unique strengths, nurture their interests, and provide opportunities that prepare them for success in an increasingly complex world.
For Wenqi Jing, known to his friends and teachers as Mark, that environment was found at XCL World Academy (XWA).
Today, Mark is preparing to pursue Mechanical Engineering at university after receiving a prestigious scholarship package from University College London (UCL). His journey reflects the transformative impact of a school that combines academic excellence with hands-on learning, innovation, and personalised support.
Finding the Right Environment to Thrive
Before joining XCL World Academy in 2022, Mark had experienced several different education systems across China and the United States. Like many internationally mobile students, he faced the challenge of adapting to new schools, cultures, and learning environments.
When he arrived at XWA, however, his experience was different.
“My first impression was that it was magical,” he recalls.
What stood out immediately was the welcoming atmosphere. Despite feeling less confident in English at the time, Mark quickly found himself surrounded by supportive classmates and teachers who helped him settle into school life. Students introduced him to the campus, while teachers encouraged him to challenge himself and build confidence in his communication skills.
For many parents considering an international school in Singapore, this sense of belonging is just as important as academic achievement. Students learn best when they feel supported, valued, and confident enough to embrace new opportunities.
Nurturing a Passion for Engineering
Mark’s fascination with engineering began long before he joined XWA.
As a child, he loved understanding how things worked. Unable to buy every gadget or toy that captured his interest, he began teaching himself how to build things instead. Through online tutorials, experimentation, and determination, he developed skills in coding, design, electronics, and engineering.
What XWA provided was the opportunity to transform that personal interest into a genuine academic pathway.
For the first time, Mark gained access to advanced technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and rapid prototyping equipment. More importantly, he was encouraged to use them as part of his learning journey.
Through classroom projects and independent exploration, he developed practical skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), manufacturing processes, engineering simulations, and digital fabrication. These experiences allowed him to move beyond theoretical concepts and engage with real-world applications of engineering.
In an era where future careers increasingly demand creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise, these opportunities provide students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Learning Through Experience
One of the defining features of XCL World Academy’s educational approach is its emphasis on experiential learning.
Rather than simply delivering information, teachers encourage students to explore ideas, solve problems, and learn through doing.
Mark experienced this firsthand. Faculty members regularly introduced students to new challenges and projects while encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones. When obstacles arose, teachers acted as mentors, guiding students through the problem-solving process rather than simply providing answers.
This approach helped Mark develop resilience, independence, and critical thinking; qualities that are essential for future engineers.
One of his most memorable experiences came through his personal project, where he designed and built his first FPV (First-Person View) drone from scratch. The project involved extensive research, designing his own frame, coding components, testing prototypes, and troubleshooting challenges along the way.
When the drone finally flew successfully, it became one of his proudest accomplishments and remains one of his favourite memories from his time at XWA.
From Classroom Innovation to International Competition
Mark’s passion for engineering eventually led him to one of the world’s most recognised STEM competitions: F1 in Schools, now known as STEM Racing.
His journey began unexpectedly after noticing a sticker displaying the competition’s logo. Curious to learn more, he joined a team of students united by a shared ambition: to design, manufacture, and race a miniature Formula 1 car against schools from around the world.
The challenge was far more than a racing competition.
Students took responsibility for engineering design, manufacturing, branding, project management, and teamwork. It required technical expertise, creativity, collaboration, and perseverance.
In 2023, Mark and his teammates earned the opportunity to compete in the F1 in Schools World Finals. While they did not secure a podium finish, the experience exposed them to some of the most talented young engineers globally and significantly accelerated their learning.
Their hard work paid off the following year.
Competing at the 2024 Singapore National Finals, Mark’s team was crowned National Champion and received the Best Team Identity Award.
In 2025, Mark took on a leadership role, helping merge two school teams into a stronger unit for another appearance at the World Finals. Although the team missed out on a podium finish, the experience strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of engineering design and project management.
A Scholarship to One of the World’s Leading Universities
For many students, university success is measured by grades alone.
For Mark, it was the combination of academic achievement, practical experience, leadership, innovation, and passion that helped distinguish him from thousands of applicants worldwide.
During the 2025 STEM Racing World Finals, his accomplishments and commitment to engineering attracted significant attention. As a result, he received a scholarship from University College London (UCL) to study Mechanical Engineering, covering tuition fees throughout his four-year integrated programme.
The achievement was not the result of a single competition or project. It was the culmination of years spent developing skills, pursuing challenges, and taking advantage of opportunities available to him at XWA.
More Than Academic Success
Mark’s story is about much more than engineering.
It is a story about curiosity being encouraged, talents being recognised, and ambitions being supported.
Throughout his time at XCL World Academy, he was given the freedom to explore his interests, access industry-relevant technologies, participate in international competitions, and learn from teachers who genuinely invested in his growth.
For parents searching for an international school in Singapore, his journey offers an important insight: the best schools do more than prepare students for examinations. They help students discover who they are, develop confidence in their abilities, and build the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Every student’s journey is unique, but the foundation for success often begins with a school that recognises potential and nurtures it with purpose. Discover how XCL World Academy empowers students to explore their interests, develop future-ready skills, and achieve their ambitions. Book a campus tour or take a virtual tour from anywhere in the world to experience the XWA difference for yourself.
