Imagine debating climate change with classmates in Malaysia, sharing ideas with artists in Mexico, or teaming up with young scientists in Dubai, all without leaving the classroom.At Claremont School, curiosity doesn’t stop at the school gates. As the only UK member of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), Claremont connects you to a global community of more than 100 schools across 25 countries. Through the ILOS programme (International Learning Opportunities), you get to explore, create and collaborate with peers around the world.What makes it special is how it feels: the buzz of working on something bigger than yourself, the confidence that comes from sharing your ideas with people thousands of miles away, and the empathy that grows when you see the world through someone else’s eyes.Here’s how Claremont students are turning global opportunities into lifelong skills.What is the International School Partnership?The International Schools Partnership (ISP) brings together more than 100 schools across 25 countries, educating over 90,000 students around the world. It’s a global community built on one idea: that learning is stronger when it’s shared.Think of it as a bridge between people, cultures and ideas. Through ISP, students connect with others across continents, collaborate on projects, and learn how different perspectives shape the way we see the world.For Claremont, this philosophy fits perfectly. The school’s mission has always been to help every student become the best version of themselves. As part of the International Schools Partnership, Claremont students don’t just learn about global citizenship, they live it.How does global collaboration benefit students?If you’ve ever worked with someone from another country, you’ll know how quickly your world expands. You start seeing things differently — how others learn, live and think — and that sparks curiosity, empathy and creativity in ways no textbook ever could.Educational research shows that connecting with peers beyond your own community builds problem-solving, communication and flexible thinking skills. From studies on preschool language education developing respect and empathy, to study-abroad participants performing better on creative thinking tasks — it’s all proof that stepping outside your comfort zone genuinely helps your brain grow.Learning in a global community also builds confidence and cultural awareness. You learn to value diversity and recognise how your local and global worlds connect; all essential qualities in today’s changing world. At Claremont, you see this every day. Through international teamwork and shared projects, students build what ISP calls “life competencies”:Digital: using technology confidently and responsibly.Global: understanding and valuing different perspectives.Cognitive: thinking critically about real-world problems.Self-leadership: staying motivated and resilient.Interpersonal: listening, communicating and collaborating effectively.It might mean co-editing a film across four time zones, discussing climate data with students abroad, or debating global issues in a virtual Model United Nations. Whatever the project, you discover something powerful, that your voice matters – and the world feels more connected because of it.What is the ISP ILOS Programme?The International Learning Opportunities(ILOS) programme is where Claremont’s global community really comes to life. It’s a collection of hands-on projects that bring students from different countries together to learn, create and share ideas.ILOS is all about exploring, collaborating and thinking creatively. You get to apply what you’ve learned in class to real situations, guided by teachers and experts who help you turn new skills into genuine confidence.What makes it exciting is how flexible it is. Every school in the International Schools Partnership joins in differently, so no two projects are ever the same. At Claremont, that means your interests (whether in art, science, film, debate or social change) can take you far beyond the classroom and connect you with others around the world.Each opportunity is built around a few simple goals:Sparking curiosity about the wider worldBuilding empathy and a sense of global citizenshipStrengthening communication and digital skillsHelping you link your passions to real-world purposeIt’s learning that feels alive. You don’t just study ideas, you live them.Here’s a glimpse into six of the programmes currently on offer at Claremont:1. ISP ArtistsIf you’re the kind of person who’s always sketching, creating or dreaming up ideas, ISP Artists opens up a whole new world.You’ll explore different artistic movements, experiment with new media and share your work in international virtual exhibitions. There are live workshops with professional artists too — a chance to collaborate across cultures and see how creativity connects people.Through the Artists programme, Claremont students see how art becomes a universal language. One that crosses geography, age and experience.2. ISP FilmmakersIf storytelling is your thing, ISP Filmmakers lets you bring your ideas to life on screen.You’ll experience the full creative process (from writing and planning to filming and editing) while working with students around the world. Along the way, you’ll pick up skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership — culminating with a global awards ceremony that celebrates creativity and collaboration.As one student from the UAE put it: “This programme really improves your understanding of filmmaking, planning and scene shots… it also teaches you to work together on camera shots and editing that for sure will be needed in the future.”For Claremont students, film is more than a project. It’s a way to tell stories that matter.3. ISP Chess MastersIf you love a challenge that tests both patience and strategy, ISP Chess Masters is made for you.You’ll compete in online and in-person tournaments with players from across the world, building logic, focus and decision-making skills as you go. But more than that, you’ll make friends who think as strategically as you do.As one participant said: “I love chess and having the opportunity to get better at it through tournaments is simply amazing. You can share ideas about moves and your style of playing at the same time as playing.”4. ISP ScientistsIf you’re drawn to discovery and want to help solve environmental challenges, ISP Scientists turns curiosity into action.You’ll take part in real research, from tracking missing plastic waste to analysing environmental habits, and see how small-scale solutions lead to global change. It’s hands-on, meaningful science that matters beyond the classroom.As one participant reflected, they not only gained “extremely valuable knowledge about plastic and how we are harming the planet” but also how it was a programme that could genuinely “help save the world.”5. ISP Model United NationsDiplomacy. Debate. Confidence.Few experiences bring these skills together like ISP Model United Nations. You’ll research global issues, write proposals, and debate with students from other ISP schools, tackling real topics like climate change and human rights.It’s about learning how to listen, persuade and compromise: the same skills used by world leaders every day.As one student explained, “Model United Nations has helped me to gain so much new knowledge regarding world issues. My public speaking skills have improved tremendously and I have become more confident.”For Claremont students, it’s a safe space to find your voice — and use it to make an impact.6. ISP ChangemakersIf you’ve ever looked around and thought, “Someone should fix that,” this one’s for you.ISP Changemakers empowers students to design and lead projects that make a difference. From tackling sustainability and mental health challenges to creating ideas for social change. With workshops, mentorship and sometimes even small grants, you’re supported to turn your ideas into action.A student from Mexico summed it up perfectly: “Being a part of this programme has helped me in things I didn’t imagine it would. Because of ISP, I haven’t just learned about the environment and how to be more eco-friendly, but I have also earned new friends.”At Claremont, it’s proof that even small projects can spark real, lasting change.What makes Claremont’s approach unique?Claremont is the only UK school that’s part of the International Schools Partnership — and that makes a real difference to how you learn here.You still get the best of a British education, but with opportunities that reach far beyond one country or curriculum. Every project, discussion and creative challenge connects you to a wider world.While other schools may talk about “global citizenship”, Claremont helps you live it. Our unique ILOS programme isn’t an add-on, it’s woven into everyday learning. Whether you’re presenting an idea, building a team or exploring a new subject, you’re constantly building confidence, creativity and global awareness.In summary: why international learning matters more than everOur world is becoming more connected in every possible way. That means the skills that matter most aren’t just grades: they’re empathy, adaptability and the confidence to work with people from all walks of life.At Claremont, international learning gives you exactly that. Through the ISP ILOS programme, you’re part of a global network of schools that share the same goal: helping young people learn with curiosity, courage and creativity.Whether creating art, leading a debate, coding solutions or launching eco-initiatives, students know their voice matters and makes a real difference in the world. Every project, every idea and every connection has the power to make an impact beyond the classroom.As a local East Sussex school with a global outlook, discover what makes Claremont different.
