York ISSP opportunities

York ISSP is a partnership between twelve schools in York. It provides opportunities that schools cannot provide alone, designed to challenge York’s most able and interested students. Students from Year 7 to Year 11 have been involved in a range of exciting York ISSP events so far this year.

During October half term, three Year 9 students went on a residential trip run by the Brathay Trust in Cumbria, taking part in masterclasses and adventurous outdoor activities. In November, a group of Year 7 students visited St Peter’s School to debate which was the most important ‘breakthrough moment’ in history.

There was an archaeology lecture on the ‘superpowers’ needed for archaeologists to rediscover the lives of past societies. In January, Year 7 and Year 8 students attended a lecture by Damien Cruden, artistic director of York Theatre Royal. He explained how the Theatre brings York’s stories to life and the role it plays in the community. 

Some Year 8 students have joined the Maths Excellence Club and are tackling tricky mathematical puzzles, supported by undergraduate students from the University of York. Year 9 ISSP students have joined a new debating club, learning new skills and holding debating events with students from across York. GCSE Latin and Astronomy classes have also continued this year.

This year has seen the launch of York ISSP’s online journal, Insightful Imaginings. The aim of the journal is to publish fantastic work produced by York students. This includes work produced in school, at home or at an ISSP event. The work can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, artwork, scientific research, maths puzzles etc.

There will be many more ISSP events for Vale of York students to take part in during the rest of the year, such as masterclasses and summer schools.

If you would like to find out more about York ISSP please contact Mrs Askham.