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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go on holiday mid GCSE exams.

94 replies

GCSEDoom · 15/10/2018 15:41

The only time we can all get off together is half term in May. Would be going to see/with family.

Literally mid exams.
Would this be a really bad idea?
Child has Sen and is already massively stressed about exams, is looking at scraping C's rather than A star.
Are they likely to be exams across half term?

Would you ?

OP posts:
Ta1kinpeace · 15/10/2018 15:57

Both mine had revision sessions during the Half Term (for GCSEs and then A levels)
But we did go away - for a couple of days to somewhere with wifi so they could work and then play on the beach

SunburstsOrMarbleHalls · 15/10/2018 15:58

They won't have exams during half term but many schools hold revision/consolidation sessions during this time. While they are not compulsory to attend many students do go to them and find them beneficial. My DS's school held them and they went over the syllabus in each subject to spot any gaps in knowledge.

We did squeeze in a long weekend at the beginning weekend of may half term to a cottage 2 hours from home and had to take two boxes of revision materials with us as DS still had over 10 exams to sit in June. DS would come out to the beach in the morning to get some fresh air but would be back at the cottage by 2pm and studied for several hours.

KitKat1985 · 15/10/2018 15:59

No I wouldn't sorry.

SillySallySingsSongs · 15/10/2018 16:00

No I really wouldn't. It's a bad idea.

Winterbella · 15/10/2018 16:00

I can't believe your actually asking this question, It should've been a straight no when your mother spoke to you.

Thisreallyisafarce · 15/10/2018 16:01

9-1 now, surely? If your child is looking st scraping passes (4) that's all the more reason to stay at home.

Fairenuff · 15/10/2018 16:07

No don't go away then. Go after exams have finished. It will be cheaper then anyway and less busy.

sonlypuppyfat · 15/10/2018 16:10

I would, I don't rate school at all

Exochorda · 15/10/2018 16:10

Definitely not.
When my DC were 16 and upwards we didn't go away at either Easter or half term, right through GCSEs, AS and A levels. They were both hard working and motivated but neither felt they would actually do enough revision while away on holiday
Most schools will actually put on revision classes those weeks which although not compulsory are very useful for some DC.
The good news is that you could get away before the school summer holidays when GCSEs are finished.

Gabilan · 15/10/2018 16:11

I took my A levels nearly 30 years ago. My mum decided that the week before they started would be a really good time for my German penfriend's sister to stay. She thought taking the girl out and about would be a good break for me. It wasn't. I was massively stressed by the whole thing and puzzled as to why my mother wasn't taking my exams seriously, or listening to me.

I've never told my mum this, as it would be pointless, but I've never forgiven her for this. So no, I wouldn't go on holiday in the middle of GCSE exams!

Original poster
GCSEDoom · 15/10/2018 16:11

You are right there's sessions in school that week . It was only for 3 days and she could have revised as it was with family rather than a holiday but will stay home.

OP posts:
Gabilan · 15/10/2018 16:13

I would, I don't rate school at all

The question is, do your children rate it? Do they want the qualifications?

Inertia · 15/10/2018 16:13

I think it's the most critical time to avoid holidays. Your child will need some down time and rest, but not a hectic travel schedule with large groups.

Is there no way that you can go once exams are finished, or are there other children to consider?

lalaloopyhead · 15/10/2018 16:15

I was initially going to say absolutely no way, but remembered we went away for a couple of days over half term this year when DD did her exams. It was just me, DD and younger sibling at a family holiday home, rather than a full on holiday. Me and younger DD went out for the day while GCSE DD stayed in a revised, and then we had a nice time in the evening watching a film all together, and a walk on the beach etc.

You know your child best, and also what is planned for the holiday. Would there be scope for plenty of revision time for them, or would that not work. As PP have said there are usually revision workshops run in the holidays, and again it depends whether you feel your child would benefit from them.

speakout · 15/10/2018 16:15

No way- a terrible idea.

Mummyundecided · 15/10/2018 16:15

I’m a bit sad at your choice of language. ‘scraping’ a grade C for any kid, let alone one with SEN is brilliant! C grades at GCSE give you so much choice for college, 6th form etc.
If your child is only just on the cusp of a C, you should really be doing all you can to get them through - including a may half term week with a mix of revision and down time.
Think how much more stressed they will be if they don’t spend the half term revising.
Silly idea I’m afraid.

northlaine · 15/10/2018 16:15

I wouldn't.

YoureAllABunchOfBastards · 15/10/2018 16:18

Could you book something for after her last exam? Check with school when it is first though

WickedLazy · 15/10/2018 16:19

I wouldn't, if I were you. You can go on holiday any time, any year, hopefully your ds only has to do GCSE's once.

QuickPollPlease · 15/10/2018 16:21

I work in a school and the advice is no to going away during April or May holidays.

(For Year 11)

WickedLazy · 15/10/2018 16:23

And they're more important than ever now, most jobs, even basic minimum wage ones, ask for C's (or the new equivalent) in at least maths and english.

NicoAndTheNiners · 15/10/2018 16:23

Taking them away could mean the difference between scraping that C or failing them.

You just miss out on a holiday for one year. I’m sorry, can’t believe you’re considering it. I’m not mother of the year but even I coped with missing a holiday when dd was in year 11. I normally go away with friends, leaving dd and dh at home in May and didn’t even do that as I felt dd might want me around for support.

CherryPavlova · 15/10/2018 16:23

We took ours on holiday in the Easyer when we Had A levels and GCSEs. We picked a boat in Belgium with another family on a separate boat. They had absolutely nothing to do but revise all day and, assuming they remained focussed, then we went out for the evenings. It worked brilliantly. So if it’s somewhere that revision can be supervised and so dull they’ll want to revise then I’d consider going.

CherryPavlova · 15/10/2018 16:24

That I should Easter

Original poster
GCSEDoom · 15/10/2018 16:24

Mummy if you read my post at 13:50 you will see I would be delighted if they got a C/4!

Nope no chance of booking when exams finish etc. Will just leave it, was just a bit thrown when my Mum rang but for the record Inertia it was to family for a few days not a hectic travel schedule with large groups.

OP posts:
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