Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Kara Stucky, Principal of International Community School Singapore, to explore how schools are fostering strong character, belonging, and lifelong learning in an ever-changing world. In this insightful discussion, she shares how the school integrates responsible technology use, encourages student ownership of learning, and nurtures resilience through a supportive and caring environment. She also highlights the importance of community partnerships, personalised guidance, and inclusive practices that ensure every student feels valued, supported, and prepared to succeed both academically and personally.

1. With Singapore emphasizing digital readiness and AI literacy in schools, how has your school incorporated AI as a core part of the curriculum?

At International Community School (Singapore), we aim to nurture students who can critically and responsibly engage with technology. We have integrated clear instruction on AI-fluency into our curriculum, focusing on fostering the mindsets, skills, and dispositions necessary to thrive in the AI age.

2. How has your school adapted its approach to technology and device use to support student focus, learning, and social interaction?

While our 1-to-1 device program supports digital readiness, we are equally committed to maintaining balance. We prioritize meaningful, face-to-face connections within our community to ensure our students remain grounded in social interaction.

3. How does your school guide students in using AI responsibly while preparing them for future academic and career opportunities?

By integrating digital citizenship and AI-fluency into our curriculum, we prepare students to make ethical, strategic, and informed decisions. Our goal is to ensure they are ready to navigate the evolving technological landscape of their future careers.

4. How does your school ensure foundational subjects connect meaningfully with a diverse international student community?

In a world that is constantly changing, one of the most important things we can offer students is a strong sense of belonging and a steady foundation. At International Community School (Singapore), we are committed to providing both. ICS is uniquely positioned as the only K-12 school in Singapore offering a faith-based education alongside a rigorous American curriculum. For families navigating life across countries and transitions, a clear and consistent pathway, from Kindergarten through graduation, provides something deeply valuable: stability. It allows students to grow within a community that knows them, supports them, and walks alongside them over time.

Our academic outcomes reflect this consistency. Our students regularly outperform global averages, including a recent AP average of 4.21 (compared to the global average of 2.9), along with strong SAT results. At the same time, what matters most to us is that each student is known as an individual. We care deeply about who they are becoming, not just what they achieve.

As a “Third Culture Kid” myself, I understand the opportunities and challenges of living across different countries and cultures. We offer a rigorous American curriculum that provides a clear and consistent pathway from Kindergarten through graduation, offering families a deeply valuable sense of stability as they navigate life across countries.

5. Beyond academic achievement, what three key competencies do you believe every student should develop to succeed in the coming decade?

Beyond academics, I believe students must focus on three foundational areas:

• Character is foundational. We want students to grow in integrity, taking responsibility for their actions, being honest, and treating others with respect.
• Ownership means students take an active role in their learning. We encourage them to seek feedback, reflect on their progress, and pursue personal excellence. We support this through tools like MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) to track growth, along with opportunities for students who are ready for an additional challenge through our partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY).
• Community is at the heart of who we are. We want students to build strong relationships, be aware of others, and contribute positively to the culture around them. Each student plays a role in creating belonging.

6. With rapid changes in the job market, how does your school foster adaptability and lifelong learning in students?

We encourage students to take ownership of their learning. By using tools like MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) to track growth and reflect on progress, students learn to actively pursue personal excellence in a shifting landscape.

7. How does your school recognise and nurture each student’s unique strengths and talents?

We care deeply about who our students are becoming, not just what they achieve. Our counseling program focuses on understanding each student’s strengths, and for those ready for an additional challenge, we partner with the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

8. How does your school help students develop resilience and view challenges as opportunities for growth?

We provide a community that knows, supports, and walks alongside our students over time. This foundation of belonging allows them to pursue personal excellence and view their progress as a continuous journey of growth.

9. What systems and practices are in place to support student wellbeing and help identify challenges early?

International Community School (Singapore) is committed to being a caring community where students are never just a face in the crowd. Our counseling program is dedicated to understanding each student’s individual strengths and supporting their specific growth needs.

10. How does your school support inclusive learning so that all students, including those with additional needs, can thrive?

For students with additional needs, our goal is not simply inclusion, but true belonging. We believe students grow best when they feel they are part of a family that truly knows them.

11. How does your school help students develop a positive digital presence and manage their online identity responsibly?

We integrate digital citizenship directly into our curriculum. This ensures students are equipped to engage with technology responsibly and ethically as they build their online identities.

12. How does your school engage parents in supporting learning and community initiatives? We invite you to experience our community firsthand.

In a time when many students can feel like just another face in the crowd, ICS is committed to being a caring community. Our counseling program focuses on understanding each student’s strengths and supporting their growth. For students with additional needs, our goal is not simply inclusion, but true belonging. I care deeply about building a school where students feel known, valued, and supported. If you are currently abroad, please join us for one of our Virtual Open Houses on April 29 or May 26 and learn more about how we can partner with your family.

13. How does your school support educators in adapting to new learning approaches and technologies while building on their experience and expertise?

Our leadership synergy is a point of pride; I was honored to receive the Gold Award for Principal of the Year at the 2024 Singapore Education Awards, and our Elementary Principal, Samuel Goh, earned the Silver Award. We leverage this recognized expertise to guide our staff in integrating AI-fluency and modern mindsets while maintaining our heart for the community.

14. If you could share one inspiring message for your school community and the wider education sector, what would it be?

 If there is one thing I would want families to know, it is this: students grow best when they feel known, supported, and that they belong. ICS is a place of consistency and care, where your child is truly family.