Post GCSEs - what do pupils do until end of year?

[Bonsoir]

When DCs have taken their GCSEs, what happens to them at school before year end? Do they start work on the next year's syllabus?

Nope. They leave school once their last exam is done and occupy themselves meaningfully until they start sixth form in September.

Summer job is the way to go - point out to them that they need to start saving for driving lessons!

What about at private schools/boarding schools?

See above message....

(I teach at a boarding school).

Great, thanks.

Now I've got you here - what about DCs in Years 12 and 13?

when they finish writing their exams they finish - there are no classes for them to attend

At my school there was a week long "introduction to 6th form" thing in July. Can't remember what we did. There was a day trip on a coach somewhere

I'm asking you all this because my DSS1, who is in the equivalent of year 11 in France, will finish school on June 10 this year. His school says he must do a language trip or work experience for a fortnight after this but I cannot find anywhere to send him in June for a language trip and work experience in the current climate is somewhat tricky... I need ideas!

My DD is in Yr 12. Once her exams were finished last summer they had to attend a couple of 6th form seminars but apart from that she was free. She had a wonderful time, she attended a leadership course, did some paid employment and even a bit of voluntary work, but mainly slept, chilled and had a great time with friends.

She deserved every single second of that time as she had worked so hard for 12 months.

She then went away with a youth group for a month, then a family holiday, oh to be young :)

pinkbraces - was the leadership course arranged through school, or something you arranged yourselves? DSS1 could really do with something like that...

Our Year 12 students return to classes after their AS exams and begin the A2 modules. I am planning to get mine to begin their A2 coursework (I teach English). The Year 13s leave straight after their last exam - most to go on holiday from what I can gather and then on to summer jobs before uni.

how about this site for a language trip or exchange?

alice15 has used them and can advise more if you need it.

Bonsoir, people like the army and the universities run all sorts of taster courses for this age group. They're not expensive and things like the Oxford uni summer schools are free if the kid comes recommended by a teacher.

Bonsoir, could your DSS do the international equivalent of the DofE Award? The Gold DofE Award has a residential requirement which sounds as if it would fit the bill for your son - five days away taking part in some kind of educational or charity-based activity.

More here

On the DofE site, they advertise lots of residential activities.

thomasbodley - he's French, so the army is out and it's quite hard to get on courses that require teacher references (French teachers don't like giving references for studies abroad). But thank you for the suggestions.

roisin - I didn't know that site lingoo - thanks. We are not looking for an exchange this year, but to send DSS1 somewhere (we cannot host anyone in return this year) but that could be useful another time. Thanks!

We've had DofE participants do this before - tall ship sailing - and they have said it was absolutely amazing. Team building/leadership in spades but being outdoors and learning a new skill too.

If it's anything like it was post O-levels for us then I imagine an endless round of drunken parties and shagging is in order. Although I think the school expected us to be mature enough to organise this ourselves rather than doing it for us.

TheCowardlyLion - that looks very interesting! Will read!

I can second the Tall Ships - my son did that although I think he was in the 16-25 group.

Margles - DSS1 will be 16 in April. Has your DS done anything else interesting?

What about money spent on private fees in GCSE term? Has anyone out there asked for a refund for some of summer term? My son has 3 weeks free between last GCSE and end of term with nothing laid on except 2 days induction to 6th form and 1 day prize giving. With only 5 days lessons at beginning of term and 3 in the middle, makes it a fantastically expensive term.