Every student's journey looks different. Some discover a passion they never expected. Others find the confidence to take on leadership roles or pursue ambitious university goals. For Fuka Mori, joining XCL World Academy (XWA) in Grade 8 marked the beginning of a journey that would shape not only her academic success but also the person she would become.
Arriving at a new school in a new environment can feel overwhelming for any teenager. Looking back, Fuka remembers being nervous about starting over. However, those worries quickly disappeared.
"The teachers and students were incredibly welcoming," she recalls. "Everyone made it easy to settle in, and I immediately felt like I belonged."
That strong sense of belonging would become the foundation for four and a half years of academic achievement, leadership, and personal growth.
Growing Beyond the Classroom
One of the biggest advantages of studying at XWA, according to Fuka, was the opportunity to explore interests outside the classroom.
Throughout her time at the school, she immersed herself in a wide range of co-curricular activities, including:
- National Honor Society (Vice President)
- Student Council
- World Scholar's Cup
- F1 in Schools (STEM Racing) World Finals
Rather than simply participating, Fuka embraced leadership roles that challenged her to develop real-world skills.
As Enterprise Leader for Team XCLerate, XWA's award winning STEM Racing Team, she was responsible for securing sponsorships, creating professional presentation materials, managing branding, and helping position the team competitively on the international stage.
"It was a really fruitful experience," she says. "Everyone encouraged each other, and we learned so much by working together."
These experiences helped her build confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and resilience, qualities that universities increasingly value alongside academic excellence.
Leadership Built on Character
Fuka's appointment as Vice President of the National Honor Society reflects another important aspect of life at XWA.
Membership isn't based on grades alone. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.7 or above while demonstrating leadership, service, scholarship, and strong personal character.
For Fuka, being part of the National Honor Society meant contributing to the wider school community while continuing to challenge herself academically.
It also reinforced one of the values that defines the XWA experience: developing compassionate, well-rounded young people who are prepared to make a positive impact wherever they go.
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Personalised University Guidance Every Step of the Way
Applying to universities across multiple countries can be complex, especially for internationally mobile families. Fuka credits XWA's university guidance counsellors with helping her navigate every stage of the application process.
Rather than offering generic advice, the counsellors first took time to understand her interests, aspirations, and strengths. From there, they helped her identify universities that matched her goals, explained subject prerequisites, and guided her through each application with confidence.
"They first got to know my interests," Fuka explains. "Then they helped narrow down which universities would suit me and made sure I understood all the prerequisites before applying."
The result speaks for itself.
Fuka received offers from several prestigious universities, including the University of Toronto, the University of Tokyo, and the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), giving her multiple pathways to pursue her future ambitions.
For parents, this personalised approach offers reassurance that every student receives guidance tailored to their individual goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all pathway.
A Community That Supports the Whole Family
For many expat families, choosing an international school also means finding a welcoming community for parents.
Fuka's experience wasn't hers alone. Her mother became actively involved in school life through parent programmes, including English language classes, Pilates sessions, and community events.
These opportunities allowed her to improve her English, build friendships, and become an active member of the XWA community.
"My mum enjoyed her time here just as much as I did," says Fuka. "She joined different activities and really became part of the school community."
This family-focused approach is one reason many international families choose XWA, knowing that parents as well as students can build meaningful connections.
Small Classes, Big Opportunities
When asked what makes XWA unique, Fuka immediately points to one feature that transformed her learning experience: The school's small class sizes.
Smaller classes allowed her to develop close relationships with teachers, ask questions confidently, and receive personalised support whenever she needed it.
"I think the small community helps everyone build stronger relationships with teachers and friends," she says. "That encouragement really helps students perform at their best."
For families considering an international school in Singapore, this personalised environment can make a significant difference in both academic success and student wellbeing.
Memories That Last Beyond Graduation
Among Fuka's favourite memories was mentoring younger students in the World Scholar's Cup. Leading her team through competitions in Singapore and Bangkok, they achieved first place in Team Debate during the Singapore round and fourth place at the Global Round.
For Fuka, those moments weren't simply about winning awards. They were about collaboration, leadership, and helping younger students grow with confidence.
It's these experiences, alongside lifelong friendships and supportive teachers, that she believes truly define her years at XWA.
Celebrating the Success of the XWA Class of 2026
Fuka's journey reflects the outstanding achievements of the entire XWA Class of 2026. The 53 student cohort received more than 635 offers from leading universities across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia, and beyond, alongside over USD 25 million in scholarships. These outstanding results reflect the strength of XWA's personalised learning approach and dedicated university guidance programme.
Other success stories from the Class of 2026 include Wenqi Jing earning a full scholarship to University College London (UCL) through its prestigious STEM Scholarship programme, as well as Shivani Nair making history as the first student ever to receive a full scholarship to ESSEC Business School. These remarkable achievements reflect XWA's commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and supporting students in securing opportunities at some of the world's leading institutions.
Discover the XWA Difference
Every student's journey is unique, but the common thread at XCL World Academy is a supportive community that helps students grow academically, personally, and globally.
If you're an expat parent exploring international schools in Singapore, the best way to experience the XWA community is to see it for yourself. Book a personalised campus tour or take a virtual guided campus tour to discover how XWA nurtures confident learners, future leaders, and globally minded citizens.
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