Entrance exams - should my daughter revise over the Christmas holidays?

The Christmas holiday is here, but hot on its heels come the entrance tests and examinations for many schools. Should you insist that your daughter revises, tackles practice papers or even has lessons with a tutor throughout the holiday? How much time off should you allow her? Will her examination preparation be harmed by a break, what if she forgets everything she has learned or just “goes off the boil”?

Such dilemmas are being hotly discussed at the moment (not least in The Archers on Radio 4). As in most things, moderation is the best approach.

Your daughter has probably had a long, tiring term at school. She needs a break, some time to relax and recharge, otherwise she will not be at her best in January. The Christmas holiday is traditionally a time for families and good food, fun and treats. Your daughter needs these more than ever at such a stressful time. If you spend the whole holiday reminding her about revision and exam practice, she will be resentful and family quarrels may erupt. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to transform through last-minute cramming a girl who is not particularly able to the standard required for entry to a very selective academic school. Indeed, if such a girl were to pass the entrance examination she might suffer years of misery as she struggled to keep up with the work at that school.

The best preparation is plenty of TLC, some quiet reading of good fiction (a very good way to prepare for English tests) and possibly just a little revision of any specific points which may be causing her anxiety, for example, in maths. However, if that revision causes stress, stop at once. Your daughter needs a holiday; she needs to have fun over Christmas and New Year. After that, she can return to study, refreshed and positive, ready to face whatever the exams may bring. You will have enjoyed your Christmas break more, too!