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Secondary School

The Youth Academy is offering Summer Camps for high-ability secondary school students from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, in the 2025/26 academic year.

Dates and Times

Week 1: 

Course Dates Time
Monday 6th July 10.00am -15.00pm
Tuesday 7th July 10.00am -15.00pm
Wednesday 8th July 10.00am -15.00pm

Week 2: 

Course Dates Time
Monday 13th July 10.00am -15.00pm
Tuesday 14th July 10.00am -15.00pm
Wednesday 15th July 10.00am -15.00pm

 

Who can apply?

To attend Youth Academy secondary school programmes students must present evidence of one of the following:

  1. The most recent standardised test at primary or second level showing 90th percentile or higher result in English, Maths or Gaeilge (e.g Drumcondra, Sigma T or Micra T tests, PPAD-E literacy, PDST etc) or 90% or higher in any CAT4 test at secondary level e.g. 90% verbal scores or 90% or higher in New Group Reading Test (NGRT) at secondary level. For summer programmes the most recent test result might be from 2025. 

    OR

  2. A copy of an educational psychologist’s assessment with ability scores included. Reports must be submitted no later than 4 years after the date of the educational psychologist’s assessment.

When to apply?

  • Applications will be open from Tuesday 12th May until Tuesday 26th May. Applications are made online via our application portal which can be found here: Application Portal
  • No offered places can be deferred or transferred to another child. 

Fees and Scholarships

A fee of €165 applies for secondary school summer camp courses.

If you are successfully selected you will be contacted regarding fee payment after an offer has been made.

Due to popular demand and a limited number of places, not all applicants will receive a place. 

We have a limited number of scholarships, based on economic circumstances, available for students to attend the Youth Academy free of charge.

If your child has a medical card you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Please apply via the online application form by uploading proof of your child's medical card details. You can take a photo/scan of your child's medical card and upload to the form. 25% of the total number of places we have on offer are allocated on a scholarship basis, so not all who apply for a scholarship will be successful. 

 

Summer Camp Descriptions 

Week 1 (6th-8th July)

Inside the Mind: The Psychology of You

This course introduces students to psychology, the study of how we think, feel and behave.

Over three days, students will explore how the brain supports everyday thinking, how our personalities develop, and how our behaviour is influenced by the people and environments around us. Using real-life examples, the course helps students connect psychological ideas to their own experiences.

Through interactive activities, group tasks, and simple demonstrations, students will explore key areas of psychology including perception and memory, personality, development, and social influence. There will also be a focus on everyday decision-making, peer influence, and how to think more critically about information encountered online.

Across the three days, students will:

- Explore how the brain shapes perception, attention and memory

- Take part in activities looking at social influence, group behaviour and decision-making

- Consider personality and development, and how people change over time

Students will take part in practical exercises that give a sense of how psychologists study behaviour in real-world settings.

This course is suitable for students with an interest in people and behaviour. No prior knowledge is required.

Inside out: From Cells to Systems, A Journey Through the Human Body, Medicine & Health

Did you know your body is like an amazing machine working 24/7, even when you’re asleep? In this three-day, hands-on workshop, we’ll go on an exciting journey to explore what’s happening inside you right now!
We’ll start small by looking at cells, the tiny building blocks that make up your body, and see how they team up to form different parts. Then we’ll follow the path of your food to discover how your body digests it and turns it into energy to keep you moving and playing.
Ever wondered how you breathe, move, or feel things? We’ll explore breathing, movement, and your five senses: how your eyes see, your ears hear, your nose smells, and more! You’ll also learn how your body fights off germs like a superhero through the immune system, and how you got your unique features through genetics.
Along the way, we will even explore the fascinating world of medicine and how it helps our bodies heal and stay healthy.
With fun activities, cool experiments, and lots of “wow” moments, this workshop will help you understand your body like never before, because the more you know about it, the better you can take care of it!
Ready for the ultimate summer adventure? Dive into the fascinating world of health and medicine—the perfect playground for curious young scientists!

 

 

Week 2 (13th-15th July)

Inside out: From Cells to Systems, A Journey Through the Human Body, Medicine & Health

Did you know your body is like an amazing machine working 24/7, even when you’re asleep? In this three-day, hands-on workshop, we’ll go on an exciting journey to explore what’s happening inside you right now!
We’ll start small by looking at cells, the tiny building blocks that make up your body, and see how they team up to form different parts. Then we’ll follow the path of your food to discover how your body digests it and turns it into energy to keep you moving and playing.
Ever wondered how you breathe, move, or feel things? We’ll explore breathing, movement, and your five senses: how your eyes see, your ears hear, your nose smells, and more! You’ll also learn how your body fights off germs like a superhero through the immune system, and how you got your unique features through genetics. Along the way, we will even explore the fascinating world of medicine and how it helps our bodies heal and stay healthy.
With fun activities, cool experiments, and lots of “wow” moments, this workshop will help you understand your body like never before, because the more you know about it, the better you can take care of it!
Ready for the ultimate summer adventure? Dive into the fascinating world of health and medicine—the perfect playground for curious young scientists!

Inside the Mind: The Psychology of You

This course introduces students to psychology, the study of how we think, feel and behave.

Over three days, students will explore how the brain supports everyday thinking, how our personalities develop, and how our behaviour is influenced by the people and environments around us. Using real-life examples, the course helps students connect psychological ideas to their own experiences.

Through interactive activities, group tasks, and simple demonstrations, students will explore key areas of psychology including perception and memory, personality, development, and social influence. There will also be a focus on everyday decision-making, peer influence, and how to think more critically about information encountered online.

Across the three days, students will:

- Explore how the brain shapes perception, attention and memory

- Take part in activities looking at social influence, group behaviour and decision-making

- Consider personality and development, and how people change over time

Students will take part in practical exercises that give a sense of how psychologists study behaviour in real-world settings.

This course is suitable for students with an interest in people and behaviour. No prior knowledge is required.

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