What would you be doing if you had this long summer?

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Going abroad, and maybe preparing for next academic year if it were me.

Reply 2

plenka

5

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

I know someone who went to Paris (paid for it by staying in someone's apartment to catsit), but if you're not that adventurous maybe try looking up what events are happening in your area (for me it was car and airshows and a couple festivals/parties)

Reply 3

klafow

14

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

enjoy it while it lasts, year 12 summer is not nice
you could get a part-time job and save up some money
definitely prepare a bit for a-levels, but also take a break! you deserve some time to rest
go out with friends, do whatever you enjoy doing

Reply 4

Sobbingsoobin

14

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

im in yr 11 and im going on ncs! its a residential trip with fun activities like water sports and ziplines and all that, most people go alone so youll meet new people there, and its mostly all funded by the government so its super cheap! i think spaces are severely running out tho so you might want to see before its too late. if you get in then see you there!

Reply 5

Bexh133

4

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

Just try to do little things and activities. You won't have many 'summer holidays' left unless you work in education so make the most of it.

Go get late night ice cream, arcades, sports, read, binge watch a series, shop, water park, video games.

If you want something bigger, maybe go on a small holiday with your mates, whether it's abroad or just to a local city. Experience the independence of travelling.

But maybe also take the time to think about the future, plan what things you can do to start getting serious about your next steps: get your school bags and stationary sorted for 6th form, have a little skim through of the textbooks and see if anything interests you. If it does, watch a film or documentary linked to the topic. Maybe get a little seasonal job a few days a week to save up for after A Levels.

You've got a summer of free time, so don't be afraid to use it and make memories!

Reply 6

University of Kent

Official Rep

15

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

Hi @Maximum-tragedy ,

Firstly, congratulations for finishing year 11! It is a huge achievement and I hope you are proud of yourself. Definitely take some time off and relax because you deserve it.

If you do start to get bored though you could do some of the following:

•

do a clear out and either sell unused clothes or things around the house to make a bit of money or donate some things you have to a local charity for example a homelessness charity (do call up beforehand to see if they are accepting)

•

read or listen to audiobooks (fictional/non-ficition to mix it up). One audiobook I would recommend that I was given for core reading at university was called "Calling Bullsh*t by Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West". I would recommend this because they talk about how to be critical of data using real world recent examples and its not a super long and boring book. A fun way to learn about how to be critical of data and statistics, it also will help in sixth form and day to day to think critically about things you see

•

As fun as spending all our time watching Netflix shows in bed is, try find something you can do daily that is non-screen time based which might help you start your day or unwind for bed

•

Experiment with cooking - try making some dinners or lunches that are quick and easy so you can make them easily when you are in sixth form. It is great to have go to food you know how to make and love when you are stressed revising for exams or working on an essay. Food is fuel and important especially when you are super stressed and don't feel like you have time for it.

•

Plan days out with friends or even afternoons out - make the most of the free stuff to do thats close to you and go on some adventures (you could take pictures frequently and use them for a scrapbook)

•

Find some summer work experience or some volunteering which you could put on your CV, whether its dog walking, shadowing someone at work even litter picking (shows you care for the environment). Charity shops are often on the lookout for volunteers, working a till is quite fun and the conversations people have in charity shops is really nice sometimes as its not as fast paced as in some high street shops. You might be able to make friends this way too!

What are you interested in/like to do?

I hope you have a great rest of the summer! :smile:

Alia
University of Kent Student Rep (BSc Psychology)

Reply 7

Orange Blossom

22

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

I joined the air cadets. I had a great summer.

Reply 8

PreciseOmission

11

Original post by Sobbingsoobin

im in yr 11 and im going on ncs! its a residential trip with fun activities like water sports and ziplines and all that, most people go alone so youll meet new people there, and its mostly all funded by the government so its super cheap! i think spaces are severely running out tho so you might want to see before its too late. if you get in then see you there!

Hey! I didn’t know anyone else who was doing NCS! I am too! When are you going?

Reply 9

Sobbingsoobin

14

Original post by PreciseOmission

Hey! I didn’t know anyone else who was doing NCS! I am too! When are you going?

hey! im going to west runton (i think) on the 22nd july, what about you?

Reply 10

PreciseOmission

11

Original post by Sobbingsoobin

hey! im going to west runton (i think) on the 22nd july, what about you?

I’m going on the 22nd to some Manor place idk?

Reply 11

karmaapolice

6

I think the best thing to do would be get a part time job. There’s no point saving money because you’re gonna end up getting a full time job in the future. So whatever you earn, just spend it on some nice things, go out with your friends.. you deserve it after all that hard work that’s gone into your GCSEs!

If I was you, I’d ignore the comments telling you to start revising and studying for sixth form😭

Reply 12

emm4nuella

Debate & Current Affairs Helper, Study Forum Helper

19

Original post by Maximum-tragedy

I'm in yr 11 going into 6th form and don't have anything really planned as the exams finish - does anyone have any ideas, advice or what they did during this time for me to steal or take inspiration from
I really don't want to waste this but idk what to doooooo....

set myself like a 30-60 day challenge - or something along those lines! if you go on @kayleigh_t.27's blog: a diary of simply existing - kay's post-exams blog - The Student Room (third post), she has set herself a lovely challenge where she has to do certain activities every day for 18 days!

Reply 13

Sobbingsoobin

14

Original post by PreciseOmission

I’m going on the 22nd to some Manor place idk?

maybe we are going to the same place? either its milton keynes or west runton (i think), if we are then lets see eachother theree

Reply 14

study23!

Study Forum Helper

16

I slept for a week or two first haha and then I got a part time job (slightly regret as spent summer working but ay if you want money 🤷*♀️). In the nice weather I did simple things with my friends like picnics in the park, swimming pools, beach. Had some day trips with them to places like Bristol by train. Could volunteer if you’d like. I was honestly so set on preparing for the ‘jump’ for year 12, but realistically I’d just reread gcse knowledge for relevant subjects week before. If you want pre read the syllabus and I think I watched a couple of YT videos of the first few topics to get familiar, but really any more than that is a waste of time as you’ll be taught from scratch anyway. If you can book a holiday anywhere I’d make most of it (y12 summer you’ll be prepping for personal statement/admissions tests, y13 long too but prep for Uni). Most importantly have a chill as well