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What do I do over the summer holidays??

With the end of Year 12 at sixth form, which is tomorrow, I want to give myself a REALLY strong start to Year 13. The thing is, I don't want to be bored over the summer holidays. I have decided to get some voluntary work in, along with further reading for my subjects - I will read Dr Faustus for my NEA which will help with my Picture of Dorian Gray in English Literature, and I am reading Disaster by Choice by Ilan Kelman for Geography, and finalise all of my revision for Year 12.

However, I worry that this won't be enough. I really want this summer to be different rather than doing the usual and bedrotting and being cooped up in my house all day. I really don't have any friends to hang out over the summer break.

Any thoughts?

Reply 1

McGinger

Look at relevant Moocs on Coursera and Future Learn - and listen to some BBC podcasts.

Set yourself a goal that has nothing to do with study. Go swimming daily and set yourself a target (time, distance etc) or train for Race for Life or another charity fun-run. Go to the theatre - especially of you don't normally go. Read a sensible newspaper everyday, online is fine - and get up to speed on current affairs. If you live in / near a big city, go to museums, art galleries, walk around a cathedral. Etc etc.

Reply 2

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

Original post

by dantay051207

With the end of Year 12 at sixth form, which is tomorrow, I want to give myself a REALLY strong start to Year 13. The thing is, I don't want to be bored over the summer holidays. I have decided to get some voluntary work in, along with further reading for my subjects - I will read Dr Faustus for my NEA which will help with my Picture of Dorian Gray in English Literature, and I am reading Disaster by Choice by Ilan Kelman for Geography, and finalise all of my revision for Year 12.
However, I worry that this won't be enough. I really want this summer to be different rather than doing the usual and bedrotting and being cooped up in my house all day. I really don't have any friends to hang out over the summer break.
Any thoughts?

Hi there,

what you are currently doing is actually perfect. Volunteering is good for your personal statement, and further reading for your NEA will get you a head start, as I assume you will be able to start writing your NEA early.

I did A-Level Biology, Chemistry and English literature. In the summer between Year 11 and Year 12, I wanted all A's and tried to push myself - by the time I started year 12, I was incredibly burned out. My A in GCSE Biology quickly turned to a D. Please be mindful of burnout! I now have a degree in Medical Biology, and without cramming and starting content incredibly early I have scored as high as 92% in exams.

You are doing more than enough! I would do some light reading around your year 12 work, mostly ensuring that you understand the content as this forms a foundation for year 13. But do not push yourself, and do not start on year 13 content early than you need to. I would focus on consolidating year 12 work mainly.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 3

SkvlFlower

Original post

by dantay051207

With the end of Year 12 at sixth form, which is tomorrow, I want to give myself a REALLY strong start to Year 13. The thing is, I don't want to be bored over the summer holidays. I have decided to get some voluntary work in, along with further reading for my subjects - I will read Dr Faustus for my NEA which will help with my Picture of Dorian Gray in English Literature, and I am reading Disaster by Choice by Ilan Kelman for Geography, and finalise all of my revision for Year 12.
However, I worry that this won't be enough. I really want this summer to be different rather than doing the usual and bedrotting and being cooped up in my house all day. I really don't have any friends to hang out over the summer break.
Any thoughts?

I take lit too, and I'm spending loads of time reading around our subject areas - primarily the gothic - which is both fun and hopefully benefitical

Reply 4

mehet07

Hi, whatever you’re doing now is really good, most people won’t be doing the same. Volunteering is good for your personal statement, I’d recommend reading a book or two, listening to podcasts for whatever subject you want to do at uni for your personal statement. Making revisions notes will also be helpful and starting your coursework. I began mine in yr12 summer for English literature and finished it in September/October time.

Reply 5

University of Bradford

Official Rep

Original post

by dantay051207

With the end of Year 12 at sixth form, which is tomorrow, I want to give myself a REALLY strong start to Year 13. The thing is, I don't want to be bored over the summer holidays. I have decided to get some voluntary work in, along with further reading for my subjects - I will read Dr Faustus for my NEA which will help with my Picture of Dorian Gray in English Literature, and I am reading Disaster by Choice by Ilan Kelman for Geography, and finalise all of my revision for Year 12.
However, I worry that this won't be enough. I really want this summer to be different rather than doing the usual and bedrotting and being cooped up in my house all day. I really don't have any friends to hang out over the summer break.
Any thoughts?

Hi @dantay051207 I was a year 12 student too .The advice I have for you is to get a personal challenge going that isn't related to academia. Also you could give yourself a small summer project .For example, you could create a writing project and write short stories, poetry using your Lit knowledge. You could also do solo podcasts and blogs and talk about things like books, school subjects, or life as a student. Furthermore, you could also even do a skills challenge ,for example, learn to bake 5 new things, solve a Rubik’s cube, sew, draw, code, or learn Photoshop. Even if you're solo this summer, you don’t have to be stuck indoors. I know it can become boring and dull when stuck inside so why don't you take your books to a library or café so its a change of environment for you.

Kiran

(edited 9 months ago)

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