How to use October half term effectively

October half term is an important moment to slow down, pause and reflect on the term so far. Often the longest half term in a school year, it’s vital that students use this to its full potential.

Take a look at our top tips for making the most of this break:

1. Pause and reflect

The half term is a natural point in the term to look back at how your child or teenager has got on in the first half of the term, and to look ahead to the rest of the academic year.

How have they got on? Have they faced any challenges, academically, socially, or emotionally? If they’ve started a new school, are they feeling settled, or if they’ve started GCSEs or A Levels, how are they getting on with new subjects?

Take a moment to celebrate successes and to build strategies around any challenges your child has faced. You may also want to use this half term as an opportunity to spend some quality time together as a family, celebrating how proud you are of your child or teen’s achievements this half term.

2. Prepare for success in the second half of term

Especially if your child is in an exam year, it’s vital that they finish half term feeling confident and ready to take on the rest of term positively.

Many students find it helpful to have a few tuition sessions over the break to consolidate learning and get ahead of the curriculum. It’s much better to feel well prepared and close any learning gaps now, rather than worrying about getting to grips with that tricky maths topic closer to exams!

3. Build the core skills for success

Does your child or teen feel equipped with the right skills to take on this academic year with confidence?

From writing great essays to developing effective revision techniques and getting to grips with exam skills, taking on GCSEs and A Levels means developing new core skills that go beyond learning in the lower years.

Our specialist Academic Coaches are on hand to work with teenagers throughout the academic year, helping them to develop these skills early, so they can make the most of their learning and feel prepared for coursework and exams.

4. Build a timetable

It can be difficult to find the right balance between study and relaxation in the half term break. We’d highly recommend creating a timetable to clearly carve out times for study or revision and times for relaxation.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for an example of how this might look. For students who need some intensive support over half-term, we’re also on hand to build manageable, bespoke learning timetables that help them make quick progress in their learning while also giving them some time off.

5. Take a break

While it’s important to keep learning going, especially in key exam years, taking a break is equally as important.

Taking on GCSEs, A Levels or IB exams is a marathon, not a sprint, so finding ways to decompress and enjoy well-deserved time off is important.

Build opportunities for your child or teen to get out and about, for example arranging family trips, movie nights or opportunities for your child to see their friends.

We’re here to help your child make the most of this half term, and feel confident as they take on the next half of term. Get in touch to discuss your child’s half term learning pathway.