What are your year 11s doing this summer - particularly history/geography related

[RosieLig]

Hi

I'm thinking ahead for my just about to go into year 11 son.

GCSEs going OK I think he's planning Geography, History and Business Studies A levels.

It would be great to get him involved in something related (or unrelated) next summer. He's quite keen on the idea of archeology (not sure he's got the patience but he is only 15!) Any thoughts?

Thanks.

I imagine this will be unpopular thing to say, but why would he spend time learning stuff that isn't going to be on the exam? I mean, he can read up for pleasure, but why do structured learning? They have enough stress just getting the structured learning done for the exam purposes.

DD is entering y11 but has already completed both geog & history GCSE. I suppose she might do history A-level but seems to think she'll want Eng. Lit instead right now.

Hi
I'm not meaning structured learning, more an experience. A field trip/expedition or an archeological dig. Something fun but also relating to his interests.

Also totally open to unrelated activities too.

Just interested to hear what others are doing!

If he is looking ahead towards his UCAS application, them simple things such as visits to historical sites would be useful. Bath, York, etc. These are fantastic family days out.

I imagine it would be difficult to get on a dig at this late stage.

My GSCE geographers all went to Iceland at this stage. I don't think it had a meaningful impact on their GCSE, and none of the chose Geography at uni. I'm sure that they would have mentioned it on their UCAS app if appropriate,

Depends on which periods he is interested in. DS is more a modern history / politics person. We built our / his end Y10 holiday around his specialist interests (Russian and German 20th century history) and he's visited Parliament and will do work experience with our local MP's office this summer (end Y11). Unfortunately the General Eelection fell mid GCSEs, otherwise he'd have been heavily involved in the campaigning for that!

National Trust volunteering? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteer I know you can do that as an individual or a family?

Buzz- thanks, it's not particularly for UCAS, just to give him a chance to see the subjects he enjoys in a different context. To have an experience and to see a bit more of the world.
It's for next summer so I may look into the archeological dig idea. Thanks.

Cantkeepaway- that sounds amazing!! Unfortunately he's more interested in Classic civilisation than modern day although he's enjoying his WW2 topic in GCSE. I will look into the national trust.

Earthwatch do an amazing sounding trip for teens to Italy but it's expensive. I also don't want him to get a too glamorised view of that line of work! Does anyone know anything about Vindolanda?