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Original poster

Holiday in the middle of GCSEs?

38 replies

Username123343 · 21/01/2024 08:57

Hi there,

Did any of you go on a sightseeing holiday with your mid-exams 16 year old in the half term break in June?

I’ve got the opportunity to go with my 3 children and it’ll be fine for them and I think they’ll enjoy it, but for the 16 year old I’m worried it’ll affect his performance in the next set of exams after the holidays. Then again, maybe it’ll help him keep a level head/good for mental health by having a break away?

Should we stay or go? Any experiences to share that might help make a decision? At the moment I’m thinking best not to go. This opportunity is only for that particular week though.

OP posts:
FrenchandSaunders · 21/01/2024 09:04

If the other two are younger I’d pull them out of school in mid June for a cheap break.

paigeeemicj · 21/01/2024 09:03

Going to come at this from someone whose parents did this to me when I was a kid.

We ended up on a delayed flight back home causing me to miss my Maths GCSE and my Physics GCSE. The rest of the exams I had that week I got lower than my predicted grades because I was so exhausted and I hadn't had enough chances to revise. I also didn't enjoy the whole holiday because I was worried about my exams.

Just don't do it it's not worth it

FrenchandSaunders · 21/01/2024 09:03

My DDs were expected to be in school quite a lot of May half term for revision sessions.

Meadowy · 21/01/2024 09:03

They will feel much more ‘level headed’ if they feel prepared because they’ve spent a week revising, rather than panicked / regretful / tired because they haven’t!

StrangewaysHereWeCome · 21/01/2024 09:03

My 16yo was shattered by May half term in GCSE year. She didn't revise all week, but did rest and recover. Travel would have been the last thing she wanted to do.

ChessieFL · 21/01/2024 09:01

No, they need to focus on revision. Plus what if something goes wrong and you’re delayed coming back or something?

Meadowy · 21/01/2024 09:01

No, of course not. Why are you even considering it?!

Decorhate · 21/01/2024 09:00

It’s a no from me. They need to be at home revising that week. I don’t even do holidays at Easter in exam years.

Fridaypoolside · 21/01/2024 09:00

No, absolutely terrible idea

Watchinghockey · 21/01/2024 09:00

No. Don't.

Glittertwins · 21/01/2024 09:00

No, I wouldn't do this either.

BlindurErBóklausMaður · 21/01/2024 08:59

Wouldn't dream of it.

LunaLovegoodsLeftEyebrow · 21/01/2024 08:59

I wouldn’t. But your family dynamic may be different.