Get Ahead This Summer: Study Skills for High School and University Success
- May 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Many high school students are expected to write essays, manage research, and prepare for exams, yet few are ever taught the study techniques that make these tasks easier. Developing strong study skills before the final years of school can make a significant difference in both academic performance and confidence.
The ISSOS Study Skills programme was originally created as a Pre-IB course designed to prepare students starting the International Baccalaureate Diploma with the tools needed to tackle the final two years of high school. The programme is designed for students aged 15 and above with an English level of B2 or higher, or for native English speakers.
Over time, more parents and students asked if they could join the programme even if they were not taking the IB Diploma. It quickly became clear that the skills taught in the course were valuable for students following any curriculum.
Three years ago, the programme evolved from Pre-IB into the ISSOS Study Skills course, expanding to support all high school students preparing for the final years of school and the transition to university.
Why Study Skills Matter Before University
Students often reach the most academically demanding years of school without having been taught how to study effectively. Strong study habits can make coursework more manageable, improve academic results, and help students approach their studies with greater confidence.
The ISSOS Study Skills programme focuses on practical techniques that students can apply immediately in school and continue using throughout university.
What Students Learn in the Study Skills Programme
The course covers a range of practical academic skills that students frequently need but are rarely formally taught in school.
Students develop skills in:
Essay writing and structure – organising ideas and arguments clearly
Research and planning – finding reliable sources and structuring assignments effectively
Speed reading techniques – managing large volumes of reading more efficiently
Note-taking methods – learning strategies that improve understanding and retention
Goal setting and time management – staying organised during busy academic periods
Communication and teamwork – working effectively with peers on projects and assignments
Presentation and public speaking – developing confidence when sharing ideas.
Each student also receives the ISSOS Study Skills Handbook, a resource designed specifically for the programme. The handbook allows students to revisit the techniques they learn during the course and continue applying them once they return home. It also includes additional recommended resources to support students throughout their academic journey.
Learn from Experienced University-Level Teachers
The ISSOS Study Skills course is available at both campuses and is taught by experienced educators who hold PhDs or master’s degrees. Many of the teachers spend the academic year teaching at university level, giving them first-hand insight into the skills students need to succeed in higher education.
Their experience allows them to guide students through the academic expectations they will face in the final years of high school and beyond.
A Balanced Academic Summer Programme
As with all academic subjects at ISSOS, students combine their morning class with an afternoon elective of their choice.
ISSOS is not just an academic summer school. The programme is designed to provide a balanced experience where academics and electives are taught to the same high standard. Students challenge themselves in the classroom while also developing new interests, meeting friends from around the world, and making the most of their summer.
Where and When Can You Take Study Skills?
Students can take the Study Skills course in summer 2026 and combine it with one of our electives to create a personalised summer programme that matches their interests.
Whether students are preparing for the final years of high school or looking ahead to university, learning how to study effectively can make a lasting difference to their academic success.
28 June – 19 July 2026
Pair Study Skills with: Art, Film, Golf, Tennis, or Theatre
22 July – 12 August 2026
Pair Study Skills with: Art, Film, Golf, Tennis, or Theatre
8 July – 29 July 2026
Pair Study Skills with one of the following electives: Outdoor Leadership, Theatre, Tennis or Photography
