Ampleforth believe offering a broad and balanced curriculum has been instrumental in yielding good exam results from children of all academic abilities in term time. Director of Studies, Dr Hannah Pomroy shares her views on why she believes the summer holidays should stay a holiday for those with big ambitions in the autumn term ahead.
“For the vast majority of students at Ampleforth College the long summer holiday is essential down time. Equilibrium is one of our Benedictine core values and the holidays play an invaluable role in achieving this, with the opportunity to do some of the things term time pressures don’t allow. Spending time with others and developing social skills through shared experiences deepen bonds of family and friendship.
“Through reading for pleasure, visiting museums or galleries and travelling, students develop their cultural and linguistic skills. For those who want to challenge themselves undertaking a self-directed project such as building a PC from scratch (as my own son is planning!) or measuring the weather each day as I did at his age. What you do in the holiday can lead to a lifelong interest or career. For those who need a bit more direction doing some work experience, volunteering, getting a holiday job, going on an experiential course or taking part in competition can be transformational.
“Even being bored can have immense value! Boredom is important in developing motivation and creativity as well as self-efficacy’”
