When you finally finish your GCSEs (or National 5s in Scotland) it’s time to celebrate – and enjoy a spot of relaxation. But it’s worth thinking about your next step and starting to prepare.
Buy a diary
Now you’re in sixth form or college you’ll have more work to do, deadlines to juggle and exam dates to remember. Get organised from day one and buy a diary to keep track of everything. Make sure you choose a school diary, otherwise you’ll have to replace it after only three months.
If you use an online planner, enter all your deadlines as soon as you get them, and put reminders in so they don’t come as a shock when you reach that week.
Get ready to meet new people
Feeling nervous about going off to college or into sixth form? It’s good to have people who know what you are going through by your side. If you can, stay connected to your school friends over the holidays. It’ll make September easier.
Year 12 is a chance to meet new people and find your tribe. Maybe you could set yourself a summer challenge of talking to a few strangers in places such as train stations or cafés, to build your confidence. Good conversation starters can be ‘I love your outfit, where are your trainers from?’ or ‘What’s your favourite drink here – can you recommend something for me?’
Join any social media groups set up for your sixth form or college and get chatting to your new year group.
Stock up on stationery
So, what equipment do you need to get work done? There’s a few things you’ll almost definitely use – such as pens and notebooks – but the rest can vary based on personal preference and your subjects.
- A notebook for each subject – don’t try and cram everything into one
- Paper
- Pens – and highlighters to help important information stand out
- Folders for sheets and handouts so they don’t end up crumpled in the bottom of your bag
- Coloured post-it notes are fun and you can use them as bookmarks for different units or chunks of information
- Files, plastic wallets, hole punches and hole reinforcement stickers are always handy
- Get the right equipment for your favourite revision method. There’s a lot of content in Year 12 and 13 and you won’t have time in class to go over it all
- Check any requirements for your course. Make sure you buy the right kind of calculator for maths, for instance
Sort your clothes
Make sure whatever you’re planning on wearing for the first couple of days is clean and ready to put on.
That way you won’t be running around in a panic at the last minute, yelling “Mum! Where are my shoes?” or working out what tops go with what trousers.
And finally…
Enjoy your summer! Relax into the rest of your time off and try not to get stressed about the next stage. Getting through GCSEs is a huge achievement – whatever your grades – so relax and have fun.
More advice
- How to make the most of sixth form.
- Check out what A level students wish they’d known.
- GCSE results day – what’s next?
- Career choices in eyecare