Holiday during Easter in A Levels year?

[BarefootHippieChick]

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?

I always used to go away at Easter but stopped when my DC were coming up to GCSE age.

I wouldn’t
Wait till after exams over

First exams about 14th may. Perfectly possible to go away and still work.

No way.
Such a bad idea.

At that age you really need to put things on hold for your children.
After A levels and before the school holidays start is the best option.

Your A level student will be feeling particularly stressed. Also, on this evening's news they were talking about being stricter with the grades after the fiasco of the last two years.

@superram

First exams about 14th may. Perfectly possible to go away and still work.

Thanks, I've been trying to find this info and couldn't!

We've been trying to visit family for the last couple of years, unfortunately summer holidays arent really feasible and then we're possibly into Uni territory which is why Easter seems the only date available

Perfectly possible to go away and still work.

Hmm. It depends on how many distractions there are and how confident the A level student feels abut being away from home while stressing about A levels.

I still think that straight after A levels is the best option.

So much hangs on A level results these days.

I would love to go away straight after exams but other dc still in school unfortunately!

Also, on this evening's news they were talking about being stricter with the grades after the fiasco of the last two years.
This is particularly annoying! As if they aren't stressed enough! It's hardly the kids faults It's been such a bloody fiasco!

I really wouldn’t. Not really fair on your A Level child to have to go away and then just work constantly while there - they should be revising. Why not just wait until after exams. They normally finish by around 20th June latest, so not yet summer holidays.

Sorry, I missed your update!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-58734418

It’s not worth the risk in A level year. What grades does your dd need?

burbage that would be perfect but unfortunately have younger dc in school

Easter is two weeks. Definitely go away for one of them if you can, it's important that they have a break.

Ask your DC, mine begged me not to book anything at Easter.

RampantIvy thanks, that's interesting!

Rummikub she's predicted B/C. Still currently debating on what she wants to do after. We're booked in for some uni open days but it's not a definite that she'll decide to go. Two of her subjects are academic but one is pretty much practical, so no real revision, just making sure her work is finished.

@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?

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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.

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!

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