Session One: At-a-Glance (Scroll down for Course Descriptions) 

Self-Defence: Module 1 - Dr. Hatch (Grades 6-12)

Grounded in the unique situations in which people can experience violence (both verbal and physical), this is a practical, hands-on course which examines the mindsets and verbal and physical skills women can utilise. Run in a workshop format, this course grows from three subsections to help participants successfully navigate violence. Firstly, participants explore and develop situational awareness using Cooper's Colour Codes of Awareness. As part of this section, participants research, study and consider the significant forms of violence women face in their respective countries. They will consider attack statistics and the legal parameters to defend themselves. Secondly, students will explore, practice and develop skills in verbal de-escalation. Working from the adage that the best form of self-defence is not to be there, de-escalation skills can also be transferred to other social circumstances where bullying or other forms of non-physical violence occur. The third sub-section draws upon local data on violence and habitual acts of violence to develop the necessary skills to respond to physical violence. Such skills are designed to account for individual mental and emotional states and the reality of the adrenaline dump. This is not a learn-a-trick self-defence course but rather grounded in the very real practice of violence and providing participants with tools necessary for its mitigation and navigation.

Cultural Studies - Mr. Carter (Grades 6-12)

What culture interests you? Is it an ancient civilization that influences the way we live today? Or is it the video game culture that is becoming increasingly popular? This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, communication, research, and collaboration skills as they explore the impact of culture on society, politics, and the arts. Through analyzing a wide range of cultural artifacts, such as films, music, fashion, and social media, students will learn how culture influences our values, beliefs, and behavior and how cultural practices shape our identities and experiences. In this course, students will engage in lively classroom discussions, participate in cultural activities, interview people of different cultures, and work together on group projects to apply their understanding of cultural analysis. Students will develop the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively, all of which are essential for success in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse world. This course will challenge students to think deeply about the world around them and to become informed and engaged participants in our global society.

World Mythology: A continuing influence on modern life - Mr. Corcoll (Grades 6-12)

If you like mythology, I want to tell you a secret: Greece, Egypt, Scandinavia, Japan... All the world's mythologies, Christianity included, have many characters in common. And the most interesting? They continue to appear in movies, books, and series today. What can Harry Potter have in common with Ulisses? ¿And Spiderman with Thor? ¡Even Mononoke and Poseidon have similar narratives! In this course we are going to review the world’s mythology from a fresh point of view, watching movies, reading books, writing, and holding interesting debates to understand how the human mind works. In the end, I propose you create your own mythology from scratch.

Making a Play: Explorations in Theatre Creation - Mr. Mitchell (Grades 6-12)

This three-week drama course is designed for middle and high school students who are interested in exploring the world of theatre and performance. The course will focus on character creation and development, physical and vocal acting techniques, scriptwriting and plot development, and basic costume/design. Students will improve their stage presence and will fine-tune ATL skills such as communication, collaboration, initiative, self-management, and creative thinking. Students will work individually and as an ensemble cast to create a short production that will be presented to other summer school students and teachers. Overall, this course is the perfect opportunity for middle and high school students to explore their love of drama and theatre and develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment!

Puzzles, Logic & Games - Ms. Matuszek (Grades 6-12)

Learn strategy, logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving through board games! We will use fun, educational, games to build critical thinking and tactics. This course will introduce various topics in graph theory, logical deduction, pattern recognition, and theory of mind. Games vary from year to year (this summer course may be taken for two years in a row). Example games include Set, Clue, Bananagrams, Catan, Mastermind, Ticket to Ride, Election Night, and more. The key is variety. We will look at individual vs. co-op games, pattern recognition and timed games compared to turn-based games, and more. Meetings will include learning the rules and playing the games (no previous experience required). Then, we'll get into further puzzles and discussions related to the current game we're exploring, reflection on which strategies work well and why, and bonus puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers. We will analyze each game we cover -- including breaking down how the rules affect the optimal strategy, and how adding/removing rules affects gameplay.

Creative writing - Mr. Dutki (Grades 6-9)

This course has successfully run for a number of years and is designed primarily for Middle School students. This Creative Writing course is open to students who are passionate about writing and students who have attended it in the past are welcome too! You will be guaranteed a challenging experience that will enhance your creativity and wring skills. This course will enable you to develop your own unique voice and pay attention to different writers’ styles and craft. You will readily transfer the skills attained in this course to your writing classes when school resumes. In the three weeks, we will expose students to a variety of types of writing and provide them with opportunities to create their own, original works! Essentially, students will bring their ideas to life in a written form. Together, we will learn about different types of creative writing, both fiction, and nonfiction that will include poems, memoirs, and scripts. We will also learn about and practice the different techniques used in creative writing. Students will receive regular feedback from the instructor and peers and will benefit from the different writing workshops that we will run. We will aim to have a digital publication at the end of the course.

Informational Writing - Ms. Alo (Grades 6-8)

In this course students will unpack and gain integral skills that will help them with reading nonfiction texts. Learners will have access to mentor texts and the opportunity to explore a topic of their own choice, related to issues and ideas that have relevance in their lives. A key resource that will be used alongside the mentor texts is Flocabulary, an online learning program that models Bloom's Taxonomy and uses educational hip-hop music videos and activities to engage students, and provide them with multiple opportunities to sharpen and cultivate their literacy skills. By the end of the three weeks, students will have read a range of non- fiction texts, generated ideas for research, practiced key elements of informational writing, and produced one piece of polished work for an intended audience and purpose. This will help build their confidence to complete research for any writing-based assignment in the next school year.

Middle School Math Readiness - Ms. Dunn (Grade 6)

This course is designed to help students improve their computational and problem-solving skills. Topics studied in this course will fall into the categories of the number system, ratios & proportional relationships, expressions & equations, geometry, and statistics & probability. Students will review the topics covered in elementary school mathematics that students need to master in order to be successful in middle school mathematics. Students will use investigations to find out why the rules work as well as explore relationships between different areas of math, in line with MYP standards. This course will help students fill in gaps that might have encountered through elementary school. (for rising 6th graders)

Ceramics and Wheel Throwing - Mr. Deleon (Grades 7-12)

Satisfy your curiosity about clay! Come get your hands dirty in this fun and thorough introduction to throwing clay on the pottery wheel! This class will provide hands-on instruction covering the fundamentals of wedging clay, centering, opening, pulling up and shaping your pots. You’ll learn about the stages that clay goes through – from wet, to leather-hard, to bone-dry and about the hand-tools used for trimming and creating texture on pots. The ceramic process from wet clay to finished work is not short and so, time spent learning how to throw will consume the majority of the class. Pieces made in the class will be fired after the class is finished for students to pick up the following school year. Beginners will learn basic forms like cylinders and bowl forms, while, Intermediate to Advanced students will also learn about tall forms, jars, pitchers, making handles and lidded vessels.

Exploring Global Issues - Mr. Granger (Grades 8-10)

This course will focus on unpacking and investigating economic, social, political and environmental issues from the lens of current events. Students will choose the topics of study based on their interests. From the summer 2022 course, the class investigated constitutional issues regarding same-sex marriage, along with gun and abortion rights. The class also investigated the causes of inflation and how it affected prices both inside and outside of Japan. Various case studies on border disputes which included investigations into China's claims on Taiwan and the Invasion of Ukraine were also topics of investigation. This course is aimed at aspiring debaters, speech givers, historians and social scientists. The course concepts and content will be delivered in by way of newspaper and magazine readings, videos and podcasts with the class aimed to be centered on socratic dialogue and discussion centric format.

Extended Essay Summer Course - Mr. Bevan (Grades 10-12)

The Extended Essay summer course is now in its ninth year and has helped more than 150 students complete their extended essay! The purpose of the course is to help you have a near completed extended essay draft for when you come back to school in August. You will receive dedicated time to work on and make significant progress with your essay while building research techniques and skills. Mr Bevan will provide you with expert help with essay planning and argument structuring. We will begin by covering how to create the ideal research question, how to complete RPPF forms which are worth 18.4% of the final grade and how to structure your EE, including the introduction, paragraphs and conclusion. Exemplar essay components will be provided for each step of the EE so you can have confidence in knowing that what you are doing is correct. Finally, the EE grading criteria will be broken down into easy-to-understand parts so you can complete your EE piece by piece. The skills practiced over the three-week course are not only useful for the IB Extended Essay, but for other areas of study too.

Science Lab Time - Mr. Cabiles (Grade 11)

"Science Lab Time" is a unique opportunity for Grade 11 students to complete their science experiments for their International Baccalaureate (IB) components - Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA). This session provides students with a relaxed, yet focused environment to complete their experiments and relieve the pressure they may face in the fall, when school and other subjects begin. The program provides students with access to Seisen's science labs and equipment, as well as experienced mentors who can guide them through their experiments and offer valuable advice. Additionally, the summer environment allows for more flexible scheduling, so students can spend more time on their experiments and less time on other commitments. Overall, this is an excellent way for students to get ahead on their IB science components, develop their skills and knowledge, and prepare for a successful academic year ahead. **Note: students should already have an idea of what their experiments will be well-before the summer session begins, as specific materials and apparatus needs to be identified and ordered if necessary.

Session Two: At-a-Glance (Scroll down for Course Descriptions)

 

Let's speak Spanish! - Mr. Corcoll (Grades 6-12)

Are you a Spanish student and you are sad because you cannot practice the Spanish language? Do you like to have fun and want to do activities in the summer? This course has it all! Come and spend a fun summer with us. Sports, movies, excursions, museums, cooking... and everything in Spanish! The easiest way to visit "Spain" this summer.

Power Up Vocabulary - Mr. Dutki (Grades 6-10)

This is the second year that we will run this course. It is intended for students who have the desire to enhance their English speaking and writing vocabulary. In this course, students will expand individual vocabulary skills in a self-paced, no-stress environment. Students will learn new words by practicing reading in context and participating in fun vocabulary quizzes at the end of each week. This course includes more than 1,000 words which are arranged by theme for easy retention. Students that will attend this course will build their vocabulary and be able to communicate more accurately with and understand others’ messages. Students will feel more confident when they communicate as writers and speakers. They will easily recognize words in their academic texts, and on standardized tests like the SAT, PSAT, and MAP. Students will also use the vocabulary they learn in speech and debate settings. Students will learn prefixes and root words to help them “Power-up” their vocabulary.

The Power of Picture Books - Ms. Alo (Grades 6-10)

Picture books encourage imagination and creativity, They are building blocks that promote literacy, vocabulary skills, sentence structure and story analysis. When learners have difficulty with words, illustrations can help them figure out the narrative, which helps to build up their comprehension skills. In this course students will plan, write, illustrate and publish their own children’s picture books. They will review examples of picture books to gain an understanding of the creative process, text features, and the elements that help make a children’s book engaging for readers. The target audience will be Elementary School learners in grades 3 and 4. Students will use graphic organizers to brainstorm ideas for their characters, setting, and conflict, and use peer feedback to develop their stories. This course inspires and strengthens visual and creative thinking skills. Exploring themes through picture books reinforces reading and comprehension strategies, supports vocabulary development, offers students a more hands-on learning experience, and the opportunity for literacy-rich conversations with their peers.

LEGO Robotics - Ms. Matuszek (Grades 6-8)

Be ready to tap into your creativity and problem-solving skills as you build & program robots that move and interact with the world around them! Our sessions will focus on hands-on application while also discussing the programming, engineering, and scientific concepts that go into making a functional robot. Students will learn about the science behind various sensors (force, distance, and color) as well as building principles like gear ratios, speed, and translating rotational motion to other types of motion. Programming will be done in Scratch, so this a great intro for new programmers, but still includes complex functionality for more advanced coders. We will start by exploring the basic concepts with a simple robot, following instructions. Then, students can explore their own interests as they collaborate and choose which robots to work on. Finally, they'll come up with their own design and turn it into a reality for a battle bots competition during our final session! Your instructor, Ms. Tara, has taught and worked in computer science and robotics for years. She is able to facilitate meaningful conversations on these topics and suggest additional resources and activities for students to pursue long after our sessions end.

Kinetic Design and Automata - Mr. Deleon (Grades 7-12)

Some of the first toys in history were called automata. A mechanical device with gears, springs and wires that worked with a simple winding. Fast forward, a two-hundred years and we can see their influence in engines, robots and even winding mechanisms, like watches. You will become apart of this rich history of creation, by designing and constructing your very own automata. Students will focus on construction of a working automata, from simple to complex. Topics include discussion of moving parts, rotary vs. linear motion, cams, gears, and timing. In this process, students will work in the Design Thinking realm where we define problems and then refine our solutions as a continuous cycle. Students will also build prototypes in an array of materials before constructing a final working model. Basic and complex movements will be designed and constructed. We will work with paper, cardboard, wood, wire and hot glue as well as custom made 3D printed parts. Creative minds required.

Writing a research paper - Dr. Hatch (Grades 7-12)

Specifically designed for students who plan to pursue studies where producing a research essay is necessary. Designed through three units, the course will guide participants through the academic writing process. Unit 1 will provide students with a framework, tools and practical how-to mindsets that help writers identify a topic, assess its viability, and conduct preliminary research to determine its viability. The second unit focuses on identifying where information can be extracted and considering the various methods ( survey, interviews, quantitative, qualitative etc.) researchers can utilise to support existing research. Finally, the last unit will guide students through the writing process, including drafts, edits, citation formats and other steps necessary before final submission. A particular focus which will inform all units within this course is the role AI and other e-tools play in modern academic research paper production.

Basketball - Ms. Dunn (Grades 7-9)

This camp will focus on every aspect of the game and on the overall training of the player. Skills such as ball handling, shooting, games, scrimmages, and more. Each session will focus on one skill and will end with fun games and inter-squad competitions. The goal of this camp is to make players more versatile in all parts of basketball, gain confidence in their basketball abilities, and have fun. All abilities are welcome from beginners to ballers.

Reading and Writing SAT Preparation - Mr. Bevan (Grades 8-10)

If you are planning or thinking about going to university in the United States of America then you should consider taking the SAT Prep @Seisen Course this summer. This course is designed for students entering high school who may be new to the SAT. The course will provide: - Access to a variety of materials and learning tools, including practice exams, prep books, question banks, flashcards, and more. - Techniques to answering many questions students may otherwise feel are beyond them - Ways to recognize the pitfalls that lie in wait for the unwary or hasty test taker - Familiarity with the types of critical reading and writing questions on the SAT and PSAT. - Multiple practice tests leading to individualized instruction - Simulations of the conditions and pressures of the actual test - You’ll learn strategies to identify the concepts being tested in each question, so when test day rolls around, there are no surprises. You can walk in with poise and confidence, ready to reach your goal. You will gain an understanding of both the content of the tests and strategies to optimize your scores. With lessons, numerous practice tests, and guided reviews, students will gain the skills and confidence to reach their full potential.

Philosophy - Mr. Carter (Grades 9-12)

Why do we exist? What is right and what is wrong? Do we live in a computer matrix? These are some of the countless questions in the exciting world of Philosophy! This course is designed specifically for high school students and is the perfect way to explore some of the most thought-provoking questions that have challenged thinkers throughout human history. You will delve into the fascinating world of ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics, among other topics, and discover how philosophical concepts are relevant to the world around us. In this course, you will be encouraged to think critically and reflect on your own beliefs and values. You will learn about famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes and their impact on the world. By the end of the course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the ways in which philosophy influences our thoughts and actions and be equipped to engage in philosophical discussions with confidence. So, come along and join us on a journey of self-discovery and philosophical exploration! Whether you are interested in studying philosophy in university or simply seeking to expand your knowledge, this beginner course is the perfect starting point. Get ready to challenge your beliefs and engage in meaningful discussions that will help you see the world from a different perspective.

Writing the Common Application Essay - Mr. Mitchell (Grades 11-12)

This three-week course is designed to help you navigate the often-daunting task of writing a standout common application essay. Through a variety of writing exercises, examining sample essays, drafting and revising, and one-on-one feedback sessions, you'll learn the key elements of a great essay, including how to develop a strong thesis, use descriptive language, and showcase your unique personality and voice. The course will also cover how to choose the right prompt, how to reflect on the experiences that matter to you, and how to write essays that highlight your strengths and meaningful experiences. By the end of this course, you will have the skills, confidence and a polished essay that will make you stand out from the many applicants. Don't let the common application essay stress you out, join this course and increase your chances of getting into the college of your dreams!

Science Lab Time - Mr. Cabiles (Grade 11)

"Science Lab Time" is a unique opportunity for Grade 11 students to complete their science experiments for their International Baccalaureate (IB) components - Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA). This session provides students with a relaxed, yet focused environment to complete their experiments and relieve the pressure they may face in the fall, when school and other subjects begin. The program provides students with access to Seisen's science labs and equipment, as well as experienced mentors who can guide them through their experiments and offer valuable advice. Additionally, the summer environment allows for more flexible scheduling, so students can spend more time on their experiments and less time on other commitments. Overall, this is an excellent way for students to get ahead on their IB science components, develop their skills and knowledge, and prepare for a successful academic year ahead. **Note: students should already have an idea of what their experiments will be well-before the summer sesssion begins, as specific materials and apparatus needs to be identified and ordered if necessary.

Session Three: At-a-Glance (Scroll down for Course Descriptions)

Tabletop Roleplaying Through Time - Mr. Carter (Grades 6-12)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a part of history? The moment when man discovered fire? Or witnessed the fall of Rome? Or experience WWII? Yes, we don't have a time machine, but we have the next best thing our knowledge of the events and our imagination. So come travel through time by means of a tabletop roleplaying game. This class is designed to provide students with a unique and engaging way of exploring the past while also building essential transfer skills. Using tabletop roleplaying games, students will experience history in a dynamic and interactive way, as they step into the shoes of historical figures and participate in dramatic reenactments of key events. In addition to the roleplaying component, students will also engage in discussion-based learning, and critical reflection activities to develop their historical knowledge and understanding. The class will provide opportunities for students to develop and practice their communication, collaboration, and self-management skills as they work together to complete group assignments while participating in roleplaying scenarios. This class will not only provide a fun and engaging way to learn about history but also develop essential skills that will serve students well in their future academic and professional pursuits. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a unique way to experience the past, this class is sure to challenge and inspire you as you explore the past.

Greek/Latin Language and literature for beginners - Mr. Corcoll (Grades 6-12)

Γειά σου! Classical languages are so much fun! Did you know that many of the words you use daily come from these languages? Even Western culture and law are based on Greco-Roman culture. During this course, we will read a small selection of the best classic Literature and learn basic notions of grammar that will help us with second languages. We will discuss the most important aspects of classical philosophy, and we will talk about Greco-Roman mythology. Do not forget this: Audacious Fortuna Iuvat!

SIS Improv! - Ms. Alo (Grades 6-12)

SIS Improv! is a combination of Improvisation, Music and Dance, with a focus on the art of Spoken Word. Spoken word is poetry that is performed aloud before an audience and uses elements of storytelling, rap, hip-hop, theatre, jazz, rock, blues, and folk music. It is often characterised by rhyme, repetition, play on wards, poetic phrases, slang, emotion and improvisation. Combining the fundamentals of poetic writing and improvisational acting, students will explore 'Spoken Word' as a form of Empowerment and Advocacy, using their voices to make personal, social and political statements about issues that impact their lives and communities. Students will examine and reflect on traditional monologues and examples of spoken word performances, before selecting a favorite poem to perform. They will also research the elements of spoken word performance, write and perform their own original piece, and incorporate an element of music, sounds or dance, to elevate their message. By the end of the course, students, will have an understanding of the basic fundamentals of Spoken Word, and how they can use their voices to deliver a powerful message to an audience.

Storytelling and Adventure with Dungeons & Dragons - Ms. Matuszek (Grades 6-12)

Embrace your creativity as you're whisked into a magical world that you interact with and create alongside your companions! Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a collaborative story-telling game that will test your ingenuity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. We'll learn about some of the probabilities and statistics behind the gameplay, as we discuss tactics and strategies while playing through our own thrilling adventures. What started out as a mere roleplaying game, has since evolved into a creative tool with applications from aiding with social interactions and empathy in therapy sessions, to developing problem-solving skills in classrooms, and beyond; the creative empire that has spawned numerous book series, movies, and sparked internet sensations will be coming alive at Seisen this summer! Your Dungeon Master (the teacher), Ms. Tara, has enjoyed playing D&D for many years, since first starting at the age of eight. She has also taught classes in Logic & Critical Thinking, and currently teaches Engineering Design & Computer Science -- these skills will help her lead deeper discussions around game theory and design, and even touch on concepts in Artificial Intelligence if students are interested. This camp is designed for students with no previous experience, although experienced players are welcome to join as well.

Lifetime Sports - Mr. Bevan and Ms. Maiya (Grades 6-12)

If you want to keep fit and enjoy exercising with friends this summer then sign-up for Lifetime Sports. In Lifetime Sports we will enjoy participating in sports that everyone, regardless of ability can enjoy. These will include; Soccer, Badminton, Yoga, Tennis, Bowling, Golf, Swimming, Basketball, Frisbee, Hiking, Bowling, non-contact Boxing, Hockey, Table Tennis, Running, and more! Our number 1 priority is to have fun while exercising but the emphasis will be placed on trying sports that may be new to students while skill building.

Why history matters in an era of fake news and social culture - Dr. Hatch (Grades 6-12)

This course is for those who love history, its mystery, messiness and wisdom. Regardless of the grade level of participants, they will leave this course with a deeper understanding of what history is and, more importantly, why now, more than ever, being historically literate and aware is central to informed citizenship. Drawing upon some of the cultural, political and economic challenges an increasingly globalised world faces, this course starts from the premise that history matters. Our future remains confusing and myopic without a sound grasp of the past. Designed around a triple circle Venn diagram, the course examines the methods, methodology and data underpinning a good understanding of history. However, the participants will explore all these learning objectives through an exciting and relevant topic of their personal choice. So if you love history and enjoy a challenge, this course is for you!

Reading Comprehension 101 - Mr. Dutki (Grades 6-10)

In this course, you will learn the best way to approach a variety of reading materials and how to improve your comprehension and speed. These are skills that you will need to be successful in the world beyond the classroom. This course will position you to read faster and accurately, skills that you can transfer to other subject areas. In the three weeks, students will develop an ability to summarize different text types, will be exposed to different writing styles, and will learn how to skim and scan different texts. Students will learn how to recognize organizational patterns in reading texts, develop an ability to identify key ideas and main ideas, make inferences and predictions, and the writer’s attitude and point of view. By the end of the course, students will have acquired critical analysis skills that they can transfer to any reading text. They will be able to read confidently and clearly.

fun with science  - MR. carter (Grades 6-7)

This session is designed for Grade 6 & 7 students who are interested in science and want to learn about it in a fun and interactive way. The program includes hands-on activities and competitions that engage students' creativity and critical thinking skills. Examples of activities (from last year and may differ from this year) included building paper airplanes and launching them to test their aerodynamics, constructing and launching water rockets to understand the principles of propulsion, cooking experiments to explore the science of food, and making their own ice cream to learn about the science of freezing and states of matter. These fun and educational activities aim to spark students' curiosity and imagination, and encourage them to engage in STEM learning. The program also provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where students can work together, share ideas, and have fun while learning about science.

Middle School/High School Math Support - Ms. Dunn (Grades 7-10)

This course is designed to help students improve their computational and problem-solving skills. Topics studied in this course will fall into the categories of the number system, ratios & proportional relationships, expressions & equations, geometry, and statistics & probability. Students will review the topics covered in middle school mathematics that students need to master in order to be successful in middle and high school mathematics. Students will use investigations to find out why the rules work as well as explore relationships between different areas of math, in line with MYP standards. This course is designed to help students who need a booster in mathematics and will be designed around the student’s individual needs.