Year 12 (4): The one where they're pondering what to do next

[Numbersaremything]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/further_education/3491933-year-12-3-open-days-and-predicted-grades-beckon

Let's try this

Numbers, I don't mean this as criticism, but are you sure you want your DD to go so far away if you're finding the train fares just for visits to be too painful?

DD got to London & back, peak time, for £80 (with YP rail card). That was the most expensive outing. I gave her a tenner each trip to buy food etc. I didn't have to go with her, no parent to her Open Days has saved a lot.

DD gets free rail travel but with the exception of Warwick we have driven to the Open Days - I did Bath which was probably £20 in petrol and DF did York - probably £30 in petrol...but we live in the Home Counties so pretty central.

We will cover Scottish Uni's whilst on holiday ...We are fortunate because travel tends to either be free or I can fit in a business appointment to cover petrol costs.

Warwick was quite kind in giving out drinks vouchers to anyone visiting Life Sciences faculty... the food within the department was cheap and incredibly good.

Perhaps the train operating companies should "step out" and offer these youngsters FREE travel during this period of time given it is mainly weekend off-peak travel.

@sandwich - that's great news

oneteen that is a very good idea (free rail travel to open days). Perhaps we could get an MP interested?

I know Interail have given concessions out for 18/19-year-olds so they can travel either free or at reduced rates during the summer period before they start Uni and I do think the train operating companies should step up and give these young adults a helping hand.

I think the universities could play a part in setting up a scheme with the train operating companies - register for the open day - get free travel....

We've looked at train travel for all ouf dd's visits but the cost was phenomenal. We stay in YHs, and the petrol + overnight stay (where we've done that) for two is cheaper than the train cost for one in all cases. Plus, it has been nice to spend the time with her.
I also know from experience that dd is very indecisive, so I think us being able to prompt with "What about...." or "Do you remember..."

Just read the article. Interesting that Sheffield is quoted as offering some hundreds of beds for free accommodation - we went there and didn't see that offer

lljkk where DD decides to go & what she decides to take are absolutely nothing to do with me! I was restricted where I could apply by where I grew up, so I think it's great that DD can apply wherever she likes. The further she travels, the less I will have to pay for accommodation, so it's swings & roundabouts really.

Travelling anywhere from where we live at peak times makes your eyes water. I have someone who books my business travel for me, so I don't usually pay much attention to prices.

Apparently the rail companies are about to launch a 16-17 railcard offering 50% off travel, but nobody seems to know if the discount will continue to apply after their 18th birthday or if it will be available from September. DD's college is in limbo at the moment, not knowing whether to advise students to apply for their season ticket with 1/3 off or wait & see if the new scheme materialises before term starts.

oneteen it is but I'm stressing that I've pushed DD into work experience and will be my fault if she doesn't pass the assessment in September. She hasn't been doing any revision when she gets home from her work experience, which I know isn't my fault, but I still feel guilty.... sigh....

irk! DD needs a DBS to volunteer in care home... Enhanced DBS costs £44 (we think) and the care home has to apply for it. And the care home manager is on leave next week. DD wanted to get all the care home WE done before September and now that looks impossible unless she only goes a few times. I need to talk to DD about what are best options.

@sandwiches77 - Your DD will need a break from school work during the holidays - yes the assessments will be important in September but I think if she is doing the work experience I wouldn't expect her to revise too. I think DD's school advised them to spend at least 4 of the 8 weeks just chilling...

First day at home here today. DD is definitely chilling & hasn't been seen or heard of yet.

lljkk Is it possible for her to volunteer during the application process, on the basis that she isn't left alone with the residents? That is what usually happens in nurseries etc when they take on a new employee and need them to start quickly.

Thanks for your wisdom oneteen

I think the universities could play a part in setting up a scheme with the train operating companies - register for the open day - get free travel.

Exeter offered a discount (which could be claimed on top of any railcard discount) last year.

I suppose Exeter has the same issue as those in North Wales, it feels as though you're travelling to the end of the earth to get there unless you're local. Every little helps.

We are down in Devon next week and staying about 20 mins from Exeter so we will go and have a look around- DD wasn't keen but sometimes when you see a place you change your mind.

Ds has taken himself off to our library to work each day this week - he says he sits next to the person who looks the most hard-working in the hope that it will rub off!

Quiet, nice and cool, free wifi, opposite a Cafe Nero - what's not to like?

Kingscote - my DS has paid £15 for a 6 month Cambridge Uni library pass. He has found it really useful as a place to revise without distraction and now as he needs to find sources for his history coursework invaluable. I was impressed that he did this off his own back as I had no idea regular people could buy this type of pass, so I reimbursed him.

He is impressed that he can give a list of books and articles in at the desk and someone will bring them to him

@OKBobble Thanks! I didn't know about this and have just text DS to suggest it. He also has this history coursework essay thing to do next term (he's doing the Crusades) so it might be what he needs to inspire great writing

Also noticed this I have a ds who ‘loves libraries’ especially to work in so I looked up our local university ( Suffolk) they charge £25 ‘registration’ and £25 a year and no access to study spaces which seems extortionate compared to Cambridge

DD told me that mentioning revision or tutoring just stresses her out... I get that, but what am I supposed to stand back and watch her fail 🤔

Peaseblossom - I suspect it is because Cambridge Uni is so wealthy they can offer subsidised passes and somewhere like Suffolk needs all the cash it can get to run the library.

Sandwiches - the revision was prior to his end of yr 12 exams. Now he is usingbot for coursework. She will find her own way. They usually do. My older son actually ended up repeating year 12 before settling down to at least some form of study.

DD broke up earlier this week and submitted an essay yesterday. She has a couple of books which she needs to read and her EPQ to crack on with. Apart from that, she has a few days work and various breaks. I think she needs to recharge her batteries as Sept - June is going to be relentless.

Can pay zero/day to £20/yr to access UEA library, DD went there to do some EPQ research. UEA seems like neither rich nor poor Uni.