My high school was crap, to put it bluntly. I was the first person to get an A* in a language there, if that says anything. I didn't have the best experience there and resulted in me GCSE grades I'm not that happy with.. I think if anything will ruin my chances of getting into the uni I want, it'll be that. I know unis consider the big picture (PS, reference, etc), but yeah it's got me slightly worried.
And well done on your predicted grades! Your teachers obviously have a lot of faith in you to do great in your exams! At the moment, I'm predicted 2A*s in French and Sociology and a A in Film. I've told my film teacher I'm aiming for an A*, but I need to up my work this year.
A lot of open days seem to be on days we're in college, right? The ones I've gone to so far have been on weekends or during the Summer holidays. A guided tour sounds good, though! Just make sure you have a map, etc.. Sheffield uni didn't send me one for their open day and I ended up getting lost half a dozen times, alongside going up many hills. xD And I'm not completely sure about the interview thing, sorry.
Your mum sounds like mine! They keep saying that everything is so dear down there and my dad has already decided he doesn't want to drive down there due to the traffic. Great.