SUMMER SCHOOL 2025
SUMMER SCHOOL
Students attending the York ISSP Summer School will take part in 20 hours of indepth learning in their chosen masterclass over four days, alongside like-minded young people from partner schools across the city.
This is a unique opportunity to engage in an exciting, challenging, and enjoyable workshop, led by an outstanding subject specialist an experience not to be missed
If your child is interested in applying, please read through this booklet carefully. It includes full details of the masterclass options available and guidance on how to submit an application.
YEAR 7 & 8 SUMMER SCHOOLMASTERCLASS OPTIONS
You can choose one from the options below to study during your week at summer school More information on each class can be found later in this booklet
Adventures in Ethics
From Fairytale to Fantasy: Fiction Writing for the Future
Psychology
Machines that Learn
The Hidden Maths of: Escape rooms, problem solving and puzzles
The Hidden Maths of: Board games, probability and strategy
Improvisation Skills for Stage and Life
Make your own Newspaper
INSPIRING CURIOUS MINDS
ADVENTURES IN ETHICS
LED BY BETH STEER FROM BOOTHAM SCHOOL
THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. THE TOUGH ANSWERS.
Are there rules to living a good life, or does morality depend on the situation? Should we always do what brings the greatest happiness, follow strict moral laws, or act out of love? And, most importantly are children evil?
In this masterclass, we’ll embark on an adventure through some of the greatest ethical theories in history Natural Law, Kantian Ethics, Situation Ethics, and Utilitarianism Along the way, we’ll tackle real-world dilemmas, from the tricky choices involved with self-driving cars to the question of whether we are truly free.
Through lively debates, thought experiments, and mind-bending challenges, you’ll not only wrestle with ethical puzzles but also have the chance to craft your own If you love questioning everything and exploring the grey areas of right and wrong, this is the masterclass for you!
FROM FAIRYTALE TO FANTASTY: FICTION WRITING FOR THE FUTURE
LED BY VICTORIA EDGAR FROM ST PETER’S SCHOOL
Calling all budding writers!
Do you love writing stories?
Do you dare go into the woods to find out how fairytales inspire all our favourite fiction writers?
Would you defeat dragons* to create incredible new worlds?
PSYCHOLOGY
LED
BY HARRIET ENNIS FROM BOOTHAM SCHOOL AND
JULIE KETTLEWELL
& DAVID KNIGHT FROM HUNTINGTON SCHOOL
Students in this class will spend two days with Harriet Ennis & two days with Julie Kettlewell / David Knight, studying two different elements of psychology & social sciences
THINKING ABOUT THINKING
The Psychology of truth with a dash of mind control magic - Harriet Ennis
The psychology of everyday perception is fascinating. In this class, you’ll gain an insight into the difference between naïve realism and perception, offering you techniques to shape your own reality! We will delve into the workings of the mind and brain in this hands-on, interactive workshop that explores neuroscience, lies, and mind magic, among other fascinating topics.
Psychology & Social Sciences - Julie Kettlewell & David Knight
Students will go beyond basic concepts by critically evaluating influential theories and their realworld applications. They will analyse real-world events, ethical controversies, and societal issues, applying sociological, psychological, and criminological frameworks. Through engagement with real social science research, students will interpret data, question methodologies, and draw evidence-based conclusions. They will also participate in structured debates on contested social issues, defending perspectives with academic evidence and refining their reasoning skills The program will encourage students to link social science disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of human behaviour, power structures, and societal change.
By the end of the masterclass, students will have strengthened their analytical thinking, academic writing, and research skills, preparing them for higher-level study and future leadership roles in the social sciences
MACHINES THAT LEARN
LED BY ROD WALSH FROM FULFORD SCHOOL
WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS CODE
Join the Machines That Learn Masterclass – A 4-Day AI Adventure!
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of AI? In this exciting masterclass, you’ll dive into the world of smart machines and discover how they learn from data! You’ll collect and analyse data to uncover hidden patterns just like a tech wizard while exploring the maths, models, and ethics behind AI in a fun, interactive way. Experiment with AI tools, create powerful prompts, and see how technology is shaping the jobs of the future
With Vibe Coding, you’ll bring creative tech ideas to life at lightning speed, and we’ll wrap up with a Moonshot Challenge, designing AI for a better future happiness, health, security, and beyond! This is not your average class it’s hands-on, mind-expanding, and made for young innovators like YOU!
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THE HIDDEN MATHS OF: ESCAPE ROOMS, PROBLEM SOLVING AND PUZZLES
LED BY CHRIS CLARK FROM FULFORD SCHOOL
LOGIC. STRATEGY. FUN.
Wanted: Interested Pupils to Study and Learn the Ins and Outs of Escape Room Design (with a Splash of Maths Behind the Scenes)
In this masterclass, you’ll explore ciphers from the past, tackle logic puzzles, develop critical thinking skills, and dive into the basics of combinatorics along with plenty of other maths along the way.
You’ll kick off the week with a murder mystery-themed escape room, then move on to discovering the art of developing puzzles and codes. By the end of the week, you’ll design your own themed escape room for other teams to enjoy!
IMPROVISATION SKILLS FOR STAGE AND LIFE
LED BY CATHERINE JACKLEY
WHERE IDEAS TAKE FLIGHT
Learn professional tips and tricks to help you stand up in front of others and express yourself with confidence.
Learning and practising improvisation engages higher-order thinking skills, and this course offers a practical, playful approach to unleashing your creativity while supporting others to do the same It all begins with saying “Yes And!”
What you will learn:
The positive power of saying "Yes!"
Active listening skills
How to control nerves when presenting or performing.
How to enjoy and harness spontaneity.
How not to block your own creativity
How to provide and receive constructive feedback.
That improvisation can be tender as well as funny and utterly unpredictable!
LOGISTICS & COST
Summer School will take place from Tuesday 22nd to Friday 25th July 2025 at St Peter’s School, York.
Exact timings will be confirmed closer to the time, but the day is likely to run from 8:45am to 3:15pm
The cost of Summer School is £150. Subsidised or fully funded places are available for families in receipt of Free School Meals or Pupil Premium support Please see the FAQs for further information.
Please note that places are limited and often oversubscribed Students must be able to attend all four days of the programme.
THINK, LEARN, BELONG
HOW TO I APPLY?
If your child would like to take part in ISSP Summer School 2025, please help them select their first, second, and third choice classes, then please click below to apply or scan the QR code
The initial application window will open on Sunday 18th May at midday and will remain open until midnight on Tuesday 3rd June. Once this application window has closed, we will contact you by email to confirm whether your child has been offered a place. This email will also include a link to make payment.
Please note: Places offered are provisional until payment is received. To secure your child’s place, payment must be made by the deadline stated in your confirmation email
As Summer School is by invitation only, we kindly ask that you do not share the application link with others.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER
We hope your child will take this opportunity to dive deeper into a subject they love, challenge themselves in new ways, and make lasting connections with others who share their enthusiasm We can’t wait to welcome this year’s group of curious, creative and committed learners to York ISSP Summer School.
Applications must be submitted by 3rd June and will be allocated on a first come first served basis within each school.
