How to make best use of Summer Vacations- Class 11

Class 9 and 11 have a special role to play in the career development of any child. They are both just before a Board exam year, while 11th in particular is sandwiched between the two. It is also poignant to note that most students agree on these years actually being tougher than both 10th and 12th. Yet these years lack the psychological stress, so students can enjoy more and participate more in other holistic developmental activities. 

The Summer Vacations in particular can play a crucial role to the year. A lot of students will be in the post Board hangover phase. Many will reel from not getting the desired choice of stream so may even feel unsettled by wanting to shift school where they may get the choice. A lot of them will be confident about the 10th boards so will instead be looking forward to their results being declared as usually does happen by the time vacations begin. Following are some tips on what students may do to make best use of the summer vacations: 

• Stream Clarity: This should have happened earlier, but there is still time. Students will receive a lot of advice at this stage. It is up to them and their main advisers to steer clear of other sources and take a calm decision based on the student’s interests and abilities.
• Leisure& Enjoyment: This is the time between the two years that some enjoyment can be had. A trip or two across the country or outside will do much to refresh the child. The exposure will also provide fresh perspectives to the student. 
• Volunteering: The weather may be torrid at this stage but if the student can spend a few hours for a few days on some volunteering assignments, it will open up a different world altogether in perspective. It will also look better on the CV. 
• Coaching institutes start early at this stage as now is the time to build the foundation. This is particularly true for disciplines that require intensive studies such as cracking engineering, medial or law entrance tests. Due balance needs to be maintained betweens school studies and the ultimate goal of cracking open the entrances. 
• General Knowledge: Oft-ignored when students strive towards academic excellence, they often forget that post class 12 and after that GK counts a lot in every entrance exam conceivable. Students often find it hard to grasp such vast knowledge in such short space of time, so one must begin early. A lot of GK revolves around basic school Social Studies, so a thorough understanding of those aspects must be seen to. Students may also practice quizzes online through recommended websites or from quiz books. In fact, GK exists everywhere so students may derive GK not only from formal sources, but also from their passion areas.

Short-term Internships/Live Projects: This is something not everyone will consider as the focus could then shift away from some crucial days. But if possible and reasonably comfortable, students could consider doing a short internship at some company. A certificate from any prestigious body could do wonders during college selections.