Should you study over the holidays?

Studying over the holidays is a double-edged sword. Sure you might learn something, but you might also begin the school year burnt-out and in need of a break. What should you do?

Year 6 going into Year 7

Year 7 is a scary year for a lot of students and it’s a crucial year for students to form their identity about whether or not they’re “good at school.” If your child is struggling to keep up in year 6, studying or having tutoring over the holidays could help them start the year in a more comfortable position.

We say: Yes. Struggling students should study.

Year 7 to Year 10

During these middle years students are developing in all sorts of ways: academic, social, athletic and more. The summer holidays are a key opportunity for kids to develop their real-world skills and identity outside of school. Students should focus on activities that are less easy to do during school terms. Sports camps, nature activities, reading for pleasure, social events, and summer jobs are all much more important than studying during the holidays.

We say: No. Develop other skills.

Year 10 going into Year 11

Year 11 and 12 are more difficult and more time-intensive than Year 10 by a huge margin. Students who previously studied on 2 or 3 nights of the week will now be expected to study almost every day including weekends. Once students fall behind they will not have enough time to revisit old topics in addition to their current classwork. In these holidays, students should revise any topics from Years 7-10 that they have not yet mastered; the assistance of a tutor can be crucial. Moreover, students should read the texts they are assigned for English as soon as possible and the holidays are a great opportunity to complete this time-intensive task. (Read: Time-Saving Tips for Reading English Texts)

We say: Yes. All students should study, especially struggling students.

Year 11 going into Year 12

These students are in the thick of it, and studying is almost always necessary. Students who have Major Works should use this time to complete as much of their Work as they can. Teachers and tutors who are available during this time should be consulted for feedback as you work to ensure that the direction of your piece meets the assessment criteria. This time should also be used to read assigned texts, including secondary texts about the authors and historical contexts that you are studying. Most students will also have take-home assignments to work on over this period. Despite the clear need to study, students must also prioritize their broader wellbeing and use the holidays as an opportunity to nurture those parts of themselves that aren’t developed at school. Proper rest, even the seemingly “too unproductive” kind are encouraged in moderation.

We say: Yes. All students have work to complete, but they must not neglect rest as well.

As always, a balance of study, rest and personal development are needed. Generally, younger students should prioritize personal development and older students should prioritize study and rest.