New for 2026 : What should I be doing and when – a monthly timetable for Years 12 and 13

I was reading the Nativity Story again recently and read that the Shepherds returned home after seeing the baby, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had head and seen “Which were just as they had been told”. Obviously as an RS teacher, I am interested the Nativity Story, but it made me reflect on the bigger need for certainty and security in a fast changing world. We are so much happier when we know what we need to be doing and when. Faced with such certainties we can be confident that we are meeting expectations and on track.

With this in mind, and following comments from students, I shall be starting a timetable in my blogs in 2026 for Years 12 and 13 separately, giving suggestions as to what students should be doing each month. Obviously these are not exhaustive nor are they compulsory, but it will give an indication of what needs to be done and an idea of when. I hope these will prove to be useful – a new year’s initiative before the old has finished!

So no time like the present. What should each year group be doing over the Christmas period?

Year 12

Wishing you a very happy Christmas break. Hopefully you will enjoy a break from the hard work of adapting to sixth form life. This is essential – recharge your batteries and enjoy time with family and friends.

· The only work related thing that needs to be done, is to spend some time making sure that your notes are all in order, files are well organised, and all outstanding work is completed.

· You might like, if really keen, to prepare revision notes for the topics covered so far, but that would be super keen although really helpful preparation for next term.

Year 13

Hopefully all University applications are now submitted. If not, make this an absolute priority. Once this is completed, enjoy a well deserved break from a tough term, and enjoy the offers coming in.

· Just as for Year 12 , make sure that all your work notes for the past term are in order, files are well organised and all outstanding work is completed.

· You might like, if really keen, to prepare revision notes for the topics covered so far, but that would be super keen although really helpful preparation for next term.

So lots to do in the New Year, but once term is over, enjoy the break. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and in the words of the angels from the Nativity Story which started me off on this blog “Peace to all people on earth”.