Holidays with Year 11 GCSE Teenager

[HolidaysWithYear11GCSEs]

Hi, I would like to book some time away with my son - he will be 16 in October and taking his GCSE's next June. How much time would you spend going away considering if your child has exams? I'm thinking maybe going away for a week in October half term, a few days or a week at Christmas (I think he has mocks after Christmas) and then a big 2-3 trip after his exams in Juy/August 2023. Does this sound a good balance between time for study and holiday? We'd like to go to Australia or Thailand next summer. I was thinking maybe Canaries in October (he could practice his Spanish!) and maybe Paris or Iceland for Christmas. I just want to go on some lovely trips and spend time with him before he leaves home :( Any suggestions gratefully received.

I wouldn’t do the Christmas trip. Mocks can be important - especially after the stuff we’ve had over that last few years. otherwise all good.

Many thanks for the tip re Christmas Underneaththeash - that sounds sensible - I just feel a bit hemmed in/cooped up after the Covid years however I'm probably best to wait, plan and look forward to next summer :)

One comment about planning for summer 2023 - you'll need to remember his prom (our school didn't publish this for ages and I'm aware that it varies - round me most were within 10 days of the last exam but some were later) and bear in mind that there is a date before which they are supposed to be available for exams even if their scheduled exams have finished. It is set by the government (I think) rather than the school and is for emergency delays to exams - this year it was about six days after my DS's last exam. I didn't know about this when I planned our summer break immediately after GCSEs and it caused a little bit of stress (as we went away before it). Some schools have sixth form taster days early in the summer break. DS missed his as we were away. And finally remember the GCSE results day which is late August!

I agree on the Xmas break.

Happy planning.

My son is taking his GCSEs next year. We're going away for a week in October but leaving Christmas free for revising for his mocks. Then possibly skiing in February.

That said, we went skiing this Easter when my older son was meant to be revising for his A levels. Partly as we'd cancelled it in December due to him getting covid and partly as we hadn't been abroad in two years and wanted a change of scene.

I'm usually not keen on going on holiday before exams, but it did him the world of good to have a proper break. But A levels start later than GCSEs so I don't think I'd do the same for GCSEs.

We are not doing any holidays this year until after exams. It’s too important a year and our school does exams straight after both half term and Christmas

GCSEs here she’s on scout camp for 4 days in October half term. Nothing at Christmas except we might try a quick trip to see the northern lights or might do it for a couple of days in February. Nothing at Easter or May half term. Away in the summer

I wouldn’t do Christmas unless your son is the sort of child who works too hard and needs to be forced away from study (mine certainly isn’t this type!).

what about a long weekend city break at the start of October half term leaving a bit of time for school work and down time before the return to school?

I plan to do 3-4 nights away somewhere, either UK or shorthaul, over Easter. Although I wouldn't want a whole week away that near to exams I think a shorter break away from books and study pressures will be beneficial.

Isn’t Feb half term after mocks? I’d go then. We also let DC go at Easter. School trips. They needed to relax for some of the holiday period. Results didn’t appear to be affected! Telling DC they have to work with no fun for a year is not what we expect adults to do. A few days away really doesn’t harm anyone. It’s a great thing to do! Even before mocks which are often marked harshly anyway. Before A level mocks not a great idea if school use them for grade predictions.

Many thanks everyone - I really appreciate all your comments and input and love the wisdom and experience of Mumsnetters who have "been there, done that" which has helped me get unstuck and going around in circles! X