Sixth Form - Important Dates

[LeilaK]

Hi all,

My son has just started Sixth Form and I am clueless as to what the next two years will entail. The idea is for him to go to University so that side of things needs consideration.

What I am trying to find out is if there are any key events etc that I need to be aware of during the 6 weeks summer holidays as I am planning to take the family on a 3 week holiday to Australia but obviously don't want him to miss out on Uni open days, Uni applications etc etc.

As a family we have had a terrible 18 months with me being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through chemotherapy. So I would really like for us to have this lifetime holiday before my son gets any older and will be off to Magaluf with his mates (dear god!!)

So, can I book to go on holiday for 3 weeks as soon as school breaks up or will I be compromising his future education....

I think Uni Open Days are generally in June & September so you should be ok on that front. If he is applying for any courses that require the application to be in early, he would be wise to have his personal statement written before you go away

Open Days are usually in term time and University vacations are usually longer than school holidays so there shouldn't be a problem in that respect.
However, is he likely to want/need any summer schools?

Poor you, hope you are through the worst now. What a tough time for you all.

I've had three DCs through sixth form (youngest just finished) and I agree with PPs that uni open days aren't generally during the summer hols. Two of my DCs did a bit of work experience during the hols, to help them decide what uni course to do and to add to their personal statement. But you have plenty of other weeks to do that if you wanted to.

So go for it, I say!