Arrangements for study leave

From the Headteacher

Each year, a small number of young people ask me about my decision not to offer early study leave to Year 11. They ask because they feel they would be able to focus better at home and enjoy the idea of preparing for examinations in their bedrooms, for example. And there is nothing unreasonable about that!

As so often is the case, the reality is slightly more complex than it first appears.

In Wales, there is no regulatory basis for study leave but a Headteacher can exercise their authority to permit learners to remain at home to prepare for examinations when reasonable and proportionate. A balance must be struck to ensure equity and promote an equality of opportunity whilst also providing a degree of autonomy and trust.

In coming to a decision, I consider:

• The importance of routine to good learning. Establishing and maintaining effective study routines takes practise. Many young people have not yet perfected this skill and distractions at home can prove too tempting too resist. Most parents and carers go to work during the day and a lack of supervision when revising can contribute to waning focus.
• The art of good revision. Too many young people misuse their time by writing copious notes which they hope will somehow 'sink in'. Note taking rarely confers an advantage to those preparing for exams. Effective revision requires the application of knowledge and skills to new and unknown contexts - this means completing past papers and practise questions with the support and guidance of a teacher.
• The differences in lived experience. Some children are fortunate enough to have their own bedroom, furnished with a desk and equipped with all the files, folders and stationery they need. Others find themselves lacking these essentials. Examination preparation works so much more effectively when everybody has a solid foundation to build on - this means teachers helping learners in the early stages and, as confidence and competence grows, letting go.

There are lots of other factors that Headteachers must think about, such as safeguarding children from being unsupervised in the community or helping families to manage transport to and from school, for example. These are important and complex considerations.

Generally, I find that study leave which commences on or around the Whitsun half term break strikes the desired balance: late enough to establish good learning routines and perfect revision, and early enough to offer some freedom and flexibility.