Journeys in discovery
Field trips are an integral part of our academic year, with a rich variety of opportunities for students in Middle and High School.
Travelling with purpose
It’s no surprise that as an international school, our students are keen to explore the world, and we offer a range of local and international experiences designed to be both exciting and educational. Every trip we run has a clear purpose, whether it’s building essential skills, deepening academic understanding, or fostering a sense of global connection.
Many of our trips make the most of our stunning local area. At the start of the year, whole grade levels might head out for team-building sessions to strengthen relationships and encourage teamwork. Other excursions are directly linked to the curriculum, such as attending events at local universities or the IB Biology and ESS field trip to the Isle of Cumbrae, which gives students hands-on experience with key ecological techniques.
Alongside these, we offer a variety of optional trips that allow students to pursue their individual passions. These can include travelling to international sports tournaments or participating in music festivals abroad, providing incredible opportunities for students to connect with peers from around the world who share their interests.
Global Citizenship Week
Global Citizenship Week is a highlight of the school year. In Middle School, entire grade levels travel together for a shared experience of team-building, service, and connecting with nature, learning the importance of a balanced life. In High School, the experience evolves, and students have the option to choose from one of the incredible trips listed below.
Culture & History in London
This trip immerses students in the vibrant cultural heart of London. By experiencing world-class theatre like Shakespeare at The Globe and the powerful musical Hamilton, students deepen their appreciation for the arts and diverse perspectives. Visits to the Museum of London and the bustling Borough Market further develop their understanding of global history and intercultural exchange.
Legacy & Landscape in Northern Ireland
This trip to Northern Ireland offers a powerful exploration of conflict, peace, and reconciliation. Students will gain a deeper understanding of “the Troubles” by visiting key areas in Belfast, learning how peace resolutions have shaped the city’s present. The journey also includes a visit to the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and the award-winning Titanic Experience museum.
Language & Cultural Immersion
Each year, we offer two distinct language immersion trips—one to France and one to Spain—designed to complement and deepen students’ classroom learning. These trips are a fantastic opportunity to accelerate language skills and live like a local. Students stay with carefully selected host families, sharing meals and daily life, which provides a true window into the culture. Mornings are spent in dedicated language school classes tailored to their ability, while afternoons are filled with cultural excursions, sightseeing, and service activities.
By being fully immersed in the language and lifestyle, students grow in confidence and fluency. This experience, which in recent years has taken place in cities like Madrid, Alicante, Montpellier, and Nice, is the ultimate way to develop open-mindedness and a genuine appreciation for another culture.
Adventure in Norway
This expedition to Southern Norway is a true adventure into the stunning landscapes of mountains and fjords. Throughout the week, students will be challenged by a series of exhilarating activities, from hiking and wild camping in rugged terrain to experiencing traditional Norwegian cabin life. The journey includes breathtaking highlights like tackling the epic 4,444 wooden stairs at Flørli and a magical sunrise hike to the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Embracing the Norwegian philosophy of “friluftsliv” (outdoor life), the trip combines high adventure with a focus on service, as students contribute to trail maintenance for the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). This unforgettable CAS experience is designed to build resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
International Sport Tournaments
Beyond our year-round local sports programme, students have the exciting option to compete internationally through the International Schools Sports Association (ISSA). Our Middle and High School teams for sports like Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Tennis travel to seasonal ISSA tournaments in cities such as Lisbon, London, Madrid, Rome, and Stavanger. Staying with host families from other international schools is a highlight of these trips, offering a unique chance to build new friendships and experience authentic family life in another country.
We are also proud to host an annual international Middle School Basketball tournament right here on our campus. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the thrill of a tournament without the travel, and for our families to act as hosts, welcoming visiting players from across Europe into their homes.
Pursuing Passions Abroad
Beyond sports, we offer incredible opportunities for students to connect with international peers who share their unique interests and talents.
Our talented musicians can audition for festivals organised by the Association of Music in International Schools (AMIS). These events bring together students from across Europe for a celebration of musical collaboration and performance. Recently, some of our students travelled to Frankfurt, and we are also proud to host AMIS bands right here at ISA.
Students interested in global affairs and diplomacy can join our Model United Nations (MUN) team. Participating in MUN conferences gives students a chance to develop their leadership and public speaking skills while debating real-world issues. Our team regularly travels to events locally, across Scotland, and internationally, with recent trips to Leiden and Gdansk.
Opportunities to lead
Read about our philosophy on leadership and how this develops throughout the school.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
If you’re inspired by these experiences and want to be part of our vibrant community, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our admissions team today to arrange a visit and see it all for yourself.