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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Holiday during Easter in A Levels year?

66 replies

BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 19:11

Currently debating on a possible holiday next year to visit family abroad during Easter. However, dd is in year 13 and I'm concerned how it might affect revision or in school study sessions during that time? (If this is even a thing). I know May half term is impossible but wondered if one of the Easter weeks might be more doable. I'm not even sure when A Level exams even start? Any advice from anyone who's been through A Level years?

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 30/09/2021 20:44

I know nothing about uni holidays and how it works if you're not there during term time, as opposed to frowns and fines from school!!

Terrible idea. Students get penalised for work that is handed in late - their marks go down for late work. It's a good incentive to meet deadlines. Attendance is taken for seminars.

DFOD · 30/09/2021 20:42

One week for long haul with jet lag both ends - v bad idea. Will take the second week just to get back in an even keel.

I have 4 kids - we haven’t done Xmas, Easter or May half term holiday for nearly a decade as there is always someone doing mocks, GCSEs, AS levels and A levels…. Feb half term for some simple sun, sea and sand in the Canary Islands is a nice distraction in the bleak midwinter.

Cruiser11 · 30/09/2021 20:40

Most unis have a reading week and it’s often around October half term but obviously you won’t know the date until you know what uni she is going to if she goes. New year is another poss.

RampantIvy · 30/09/2021 20:38

@Cruiser11

How about next October half term?
Students don't get half term. Some universities do reading week, but it doesn't always coincide with school half terms.

If the third subject is art/graphics/product design/similar type of subject then definitely do not go away at Easter.

Why can't family visit you?

spudjulia · 30/09/2021 20:37

We run revision sessions over easter for exam groups - easter is a vital part of the revision schedule. There's no way I'd be taking my own children away at Easter during exam years.

Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:35

@whiteroseredrose

I really wouldn't. I've been desperate to go on holiday at Easter for years but DC won't go! Exams are too important.
Personally I've always hated our Easter holidays because we've always had bad weather wherever we've been 😁
OP posts:
Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:34

Really rummikub? I know nothing about uni holidays and how it works if you're not there during term time, as opposed to frowns and fines from school!!

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whiteroseredrose · 30/09/2021 20:33

I really wouldn't. I've been desperate to go on holiday at Easter for years but DC won't go! Exams are too important.

Rummikub · 30/09/2021 20:32

Better off taking a week in o river off from uni rather than easter

Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:31

@Cruiser11

How about next October half term?
I'm not sure how that would work if she goes to university? I know their holidays differ to general school dates.
OP posts:
Sarah2384 · 30/09/2021 20:27

Maybe a long weekend, but not long haul. That's madness!
Also it's possible that she might need Easter to finish off practical work for her third subject, depending on deadlines.

Cruiser11 · 30/09/2021 20:27

How about next October half term?

Rummikub · 30/09/2021 20:26

If your dd would be disappointed with not getting the grades then defer the holiday till next year.
I wouldn’t recommend going away near results day neither.

Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:21

@Cruiser11

Why couldn’t you go in the six week school holiday?
Unfortunately the dates don't really fit in with family plus being here for results day
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Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:20

@Rummikub

It’s to do with mindset. She really needs to focus on her exams. If she didn’t get her expected grades will she regret it? If she wants an apprenticeship then I guess it doesn’t matter if she gets her A levels. Also there’s always foundation year 0 at uni too. The decision depends on priorities and what ifs. What does your dd think?

She'd be happy to go but not sure her decision would benefit her which is why I thought I'd ask others! I know she would be disappointed not to receive good grades no matter what she chooses to do after.

OP posts:
Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:17

@ShaunaTheSheep

I wouldn't, especially after the last 18 months, and the stress of their first ever public exams, plus another likely grade fiasco looming.
Yes, that's definitely my concern. Dd sat 2 lots of GCSE mocks but it's still not the real thing.
OP posts:
Cruiser11 · 30/09/2021 20:17

Why couldn’t you go in the six week school holiday?

Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 20:16

Thanks all, like I said, we were just debating as we've been discussing it for a few years but haven't had the opportunity until now, nothing has been decided for definite. Constantly working around school holidays and exams is just one of those things as a parent unfortunately!

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alwayslearning789 · 30/09/2021 19:59

Why would you do this??

It's just one year/ holiday.

A levels is stressful enough in itself, give your DC a chance to focus properly.

Rummikub · 30/09/2021 19:57

It’s to do with mindset. She really needs to focus on her exams.
If she didn’t get her expected grades will she regret it? If she wants an apprenticeship then I guess it doesn’t matter if she gets her A levels.
Also there’s always foundation year 0 at uni too.
The decision depends on priorities and what ifs.
What does your dd think?

ShaunaTheSheep · 30/09/2021 19:57

I wouldn't, especially after the last 18 months, and the stress of their first ever public exams, plus another likely grade fiasco looming.

RampantIvy · 30/09/2021 19:54

Yes, mocks. DD had mocks straight after the Easter holidays when she took her A levels.

GoWalkabout · 30/09/2021 19:50

No, we avoid being away in feb, easter or may in exam years, there is just an endless stream of mocks and deadlines and while you can work while away, the journey days eat into the time and its hard to take everything you need.

Original poster
BarefootHippieChick · 30/09/2021 19:45

We particularly wanted to visit them because dc have never visited there before. To be honest, they're in Canada and not entirely sure April weather there is ideal anyway.

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RampantIvy · 30/09/2021 19:41

@bentleydrummle

Easter is two weeks. Definitely go away for one of them if you can, it's important that they have a break.
I agree that they should have a break, but a whole week away from any kind of work will just add to the stress. (I speak from experience).

Can family come and visit you @BarefootHippieChick instead?