After the hustle and bustle of end of term preparations, deadlines and exams, the transition from class to summer can be a bit of a shock! If you find yourself getting bored and watching 90210 reruns all day, there are plenty of things you can be doing to help you get ahead next term, and the future...
1. Get ahead
Make life a bit easier for yourself by getting a head start on next term’s reading and work. If you’re going into A2s, there’s a high chance you’ll know what work you need to do, if you haven’t been set any already! If you’ve got a lot of reading to do, starting over the summer is a great move: you can read it in your own time, and not feel added pressure of assignments and analysis to do at the same time.
2. Extended projects
Find out whether your college, sixth form or school is running an extended project, and see if you can get involved. These projects usually combine at least two of your subjects, and result in an essay of around 3000 – 5000 words! There’s unlimited freedom, and it’s a great chance for you to explore subject areas that you’re passionate about, as well as using knowledge from a couple of different subjects to prove your thesis. It’s also a great way to get into a university-mode of thinking and working!
3. Get work experience
If you plan on applying for a competitive university place or apprenticeship, make sure you stand out from other applicants by getting as much relevant work experience as you can. Not only does it show you are dedicated and determined, but you’ll also get a great taste for what a certain career will be like – and whether it’s a path you still want to follow! With unemployment on the rise, it’s often a question of who you know, rather than what you know – so start forging contacts, as it’ll help you out in the long run.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering is another great way to spend your summer. It’s a brilliant addition to any CV, as well as giving you the chance to meet new people, and help out in your community. Whether you like the elderly, young children, animals, or the environment, there’s sure to be a project or charity around that will appreciate your help
5. Cultural education
You can’t learn everything from books, so get out of the house and go on as many day trips around the country as you can. Visit historical sites, cultural hotspots, or the huge range of museums this country has to offer. Most of the national museums in London, including the British Library, are either cheap, or free to enter. If you’re a drama or English fan, book tickets to see your favourite play – venture out to the Globe and stand throughout, or choose from a number of award-winning theatre productions on London’s west-end.
6. Learn a language
Take advantage of any holidays this summer and learn a new language or brush up any existing skills! The easiest and best way to hone your linguistic knowledge is to throw yourself head first into it – being in the country and chatting with locals is a perfect way to start! Even if you’re not going away, there are plenty of free resources online to help you learn another language: it’s a great life skill to have, as well as looking good to potential employers or universities.
7. Relax!
You’ve put in so much work through the school year that you need some down time – catch up with friends, get a tan, start a new hobby!
This post was written by Anu Jagota of Justin Craig Education, who provide GCSE and A-Level revision courses. Visit them online at www.justincraig.ac.uk
