York Independent State School Partnership (ISSP) is a mutual partnership between 13 secondary schools across York. It has been running since 2007, with the aim of providing academically challenging opportunities to able and interested children across the City Such opportunities include masterclasses, summer school, talks, lectures, maths excellence clubs, GCSE’s, business courses and much more
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.
You can choose one from the options below to study during your week at summer school More information on each class can be found in this booklet
From Page to Screen: Unlock the Secrets of Screenwriting
Design your own magazine
An introduction to Psychology
Advanced Mathematics: Abstract or Applicable but always Amazing
Acting is Fun! Performance Skills for Actors
An Introduction to Theatre Makers and Practitioners
The Waters Remember: Music, dramatic expressions & Yorkshire Folklore
'Fit for gods': Art and architecture of Greece and Rome
LED BY SARAH JEEVES FROM ALL SAINTS SCHOOL
Is the book really better than the film? Time to find out in our four-day screenwriting masterclass, where we’ll dive into the world of storytelling and movie magic.
We’ll begin by comparing the opening chapters of legendary books like The Hobbit and Pride and Prejudice with the first scenes of their blockbuster film versions. What makes one a Hollywood hit and another a total flop? You’ll become a critic and decide which ones make the grade
Across four action-packed days, you’ll discover how to:
Plot the perfect film using the legendary Save the Cat! technique
Write killer dialogue your characters would actually say
Create taglines and pitches so good, producers will be begging for your script
Once you’ve learned the tricks of the trade, it’s your turn adapt your favourite book for the big screen and bring your story to life.
Fun, creative, and full of surprises this could be the start of your next big adventure. The perfect way to start the summer holidays.
LED BY KATHRYN THORPE, FROM JOSEPH ROWNTREE SCHOOL
Step Into the World of Media!
In this hands-on masterclass, you’ll create your very own magazine front cover, contents page, and feature article on a topic you’re passionate about
You’ll start by exploring different magazine styles and using these as inspiration for your own design Then, you’ll research your chosen topic and write a feature article using language techniques that grab attention and suit your audience.
You’ll also pick up some quick tips for taking great photos to use on your cover and inside pages. Everything will be designed using Canva, and we’ll give you a step-by-step tutorial so you can bring your ideas to life No media experience needed just bring your creativity!
LED BY JAMES RATCLIFFE FROM BOOTHAM SCHOOL
Join us for a tour of advanced mathematics!
Experience the beauty of maths and apply it to solve practical problems.
Topics include complex numbers, abstract algebra, combinatorics, mechanics, cryptography, knot theory, and much more. There will also be a daily mathematical challenge and investigation interludes, where you can discover the joy of maths for yourself!
It’s all new content, so even if you’ve previously attended Summer School or participated in ISSP Maths clubs, you can still take part
The aim of these sessions is to have fun exploring creating your own interesting characters through mask work, physical theatre and mime
Although much of the time will be spent developing your own improvisations (solo and in pairs/groups), you will then use the skills learnt to craft unique group performances of scripted work drawn from a range of play texts (including Ancient Greek, Shakespeare and contemporary)
You will begin the week learning to work with a range of theatre full- and half-masks; the skills acquired through this will then be applied to your own improvisations The week will end with group explorations and performances of a selection of scripts. Be prepared to get very physical, very vocal – and to work from behind a mask
LED BY BETH PELLEYMOUNTER
IGNITE YOUR IMAGINATION, ELEVATE YOUR CRAFT
A key element to excelling in all Drama qualifications GCSE, A Level, BTEC, and degree level is having a firm understanding of the work of both Theatre Practitioners and Theatre Makers.
This Drama Masterclass offers a practical, creative, and fun exploration of a wide range of theatre genres and acting styles. Throughout the masterclass, you will learn about various practitioners and Theatre Makers, understand their styles of theatre, and develop your skills in devising, script work, design, and directing.
Practitioners you’ll explore, through the lens of an actor, director, and designer, include Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Dv8, Frantic Assembly, and Kneehigh Theatre Company.
This Practitioner and Theatre Maker Masterclass will be engaging, hands-on, and extremely creative!
LED BY LAURA BOK FROM BOOTHAM SCHOOL
This is a fast-paced journey through time as we explore the artistic and architectural development of Greece and Rome, from the colourful, nature-loving Minoans through to idealised 'classical' Athenian sculpture, and ending in the Roman era.
You'll get a chance to explore the buildings, statues, mosaics and pottery of the ancient world in depth, as well as engaging in your own classically inspired artistic activity.
You'll find that classical influence is everywhere!
If you've always wanted to build your own temple, now's your chance
EXPLORE ANCIENT BEAUTY. BRING IT TO LIFE.
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 note that places are limited and often oversubscribed Students must be able to attend all four days of the programme.
If your child would like to take part in ISSP Summer School 2025, please help them select their first, second, and third choice masterclasses, then 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.
Q: Do I need prior knowledge of the subject area?
A: No prior knowledge is required — but you should have a genuine enthusiasm for the subject, as you’ll be focusing on it all week Classes are designed for able and interested students in Years 9 and 10.
Q: If I apply, am I guaranteed a place?
A: Unfortunately, no. Places are allocated evenly across different schools during the first application window, with an element of first come first served within each school To increase your chances of attending summer school, please select a second and third choice. While we aim to offer as many first choices as possible, most classes are likely to be oversubscribed
Q: Do I have to choose a reserve (second/third choice) class?
A: It’s optional, but highly recommended If your first choice is full and you haven’t chosen a reserve, you may miss out on a place altogether. Choosing a reserve does not affect your chances of getting your first choice we will always try to allocate that first
Q: When will I find out if I have a place?
A: We will contact all applicants shortly after the application window closes If you are offered a place, we’ll ask for payment at that point. Your place will only be confirmed once payment is received.
Q: Do I need to bring a laptop?
A: If your chosen class would benefit from using a laptop, we recommend bringing one if you have access to one. However, don’t worry if you don’t we will have a limited number of laptops available to borrow during the sessions. You won’t miss out if you can’t bring your own
Q: What do I need to bring each day?
A: Please bring:
A packed lunch, nut-free snacks & a refillable water bottle. A notebook and pencil case
Q: What if I am in receipt of pupil premium funding or free school meals
A: Please enter code: PPISSP25 in the discount / promotion box on the checkout page This will discount the total to £75. Please note this will be checked with individual schools