We all want our children to have a varied, healthy life and a great holiday. We also want them to be well-prepared for the next academic year and not to slip back over the eight weeks. Happily, we can combine the two, and the brief message here is that we can distinguish between stimulating their minds and filling them with ‘stuff’. During the vacation (and probably at other times too) the former is far more important than the latter, and in the long term is far better preparation for academic success. This makes sense for several reasons – firstly, students need a break. It’s better that they return refreshed and ready – perhaps even ever so slightly bored by the holiday – rather than come back to repeat the work they already covered to get ahead. Secondly, the cognitive machinery of the brain can be engaged in so many ways, and to far better effect than simply filling it up with school work. Outside of term-time, to focus narrowly on academic curriculum matters is to miss the vast opportunities offered by travel, visiting museums, galleries, reading great books, playing games, and simply by talking about things. There is also the opportunity, impossible in term time, for a student to immerse himself or herself in something they love – whether sports, a hobby, reading – and it’s important that the choice in this is at least partly with them.
Of course there may be exceptions; some small amount of review in areas of difficulty can do no harm; and if a student’s passion is for chemistry then reading broadly and deeply, and discussing with an expert can be wonderful. But the general message is clear; the students need and deserve a
break.
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