Advice
March 18, 2025

Holiday Lessons with Ascent: Why Learning Shouldn’t Hit the Brakes

Andrew Darwich

Wondering whether or not holiday lessons are worth it?

Well, it's a good question considering school holidays have fast approached and the idea of hiding all your textbooks and notes away in a rusty cabinet is no doubt appealing. When I was in school, I always thought of school holidays as a time where there was no obligation to study and revise, but a time where I could just relax and enjoy the summer the way I wanted. However, truth be told, as I grew up I realised that learning is a continuous process. In fact, every great performing student out there revises efficiently during their holidays to ensure that they don’t go into the new year feeling completely out of place.

At Ascent Education, we believe that learning doesn't have to take a break just because school does. In fact, holiday tutoring can be a game-changer for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Let's dive into why this is such a smart move.

1. Preventing the 'Summer Slide'

Did you know that during extended breaks, students can lose a significant amount of what they've learned? Research shows that students, on average, lose between 25–30% of their school-year learning over the summer.

Brookings

This means that without some academic engagement, students from any and all grades could find themselves playing catch-up when school restarts. And trust me, you don’t want to be doing that.

2. Boosting Academic Performance

Personalised tutoring isn't just about keeping up; it's about getting ahead. A study by the NSW Department of Education found that structured tutoring programs led to significant improvements in student performance, especially in mathematics.

NSW Education

This extra attention can make a world of difference in your confidence and grades. Think about it for a minute. Imagine going to a class where you already know the content that’s being taught. I’d argue you have more freedom than ever in a situation like that because you can now use your time to really listen closely instead of worrying about aggressively typing notes and trying to keep up with your teacher (who incidentally sounds like he’s trying to match Eminem’s speed in Rap God…).

3. Building Confidence and Motivation

The relaxed atmosphere of holiday tutoring allows students to tackle challenging subjects without the pressure of regular school assessments. This is a huge advantage and extremely beneficial for the mind. It no doubt leads to a boost in self-confidence and a more positive attitude towards learning. Plus, mastering tough concepts during the break can make the upcoming term feel much more manageable like I discussed above. And besides, if you have the option to avoid stress, why wouldn’t you take it?

4. Maintaining a Healthy Routine

We all know how easy it is for routines to go out the window during holidays. Engaging in regular tutoring sessions helps maintain a sense of structure, making the transition back to school smoother. It keeps those study habits sharp and ensures that you are ready to hit the ground running. 

I believe it’s important to keep in mind that we often enjoy ourselves much more, when we feel we’ve earned it. You enjoy a goodnight’s sleep after a long day out hiking as opposed to a long day of doing nothing. Things are often relative and we perceive them as such.

In light of that, it is good to keep in mind the famous quote from St. Thomas Aquinas who says:

“Without work, it is impossible to have fun.”

5. Personalised Learning at Its Best

Every student is unique, and holidays provide the perfect opportunity to focus on your individual needs. Whether it's reinforcing foundational skills or exploring new topics, personalsed tutoring can cater to your learning style and pace.

At Ascent Education, we're committed to making learning enjoyable and effective. Our mobile tutoring services are designed to bring quality education right to your doorstep, ensuring that your child gets the support they need without the hassle. Parents have enough of their hands, and we understand that wholeheartedly!

Investing in holiday tutoring isn't just about preventing learning loss; it's about setting yourself up for success for the coming terms. Let's make this holiday season a time of growth and confidence-building. Reach out to us at Ascent Education, and let's ascend to the top together!

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