CARIBBEAN Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations are a critical moment in the lives of our high school students as these exams play a crucial role in determining their future academic and career paths. Accordingly, it is essential for students — particularly those moving on to fifth form — to adequately prepare for these exams; as such, they should explore the benefits of summer learning. Let’s examine some of these benefits:

Firstly, summer learning helps students to maintain academic momentum as they transition from fourth to fifth form. Admittedly, the summer break should be a time of relaxation and leisure — which promote good mental health and well-being — however it can lead to summer learning loss, which is detrimental to students’ academic progress. This is especially critical for those pupils transitioning to fifth form where they will be required to complete the CSEC syllabus for their various subjects. In the majority of cases, upcoming fifth-form students have not even completed half of their CSEC syllabus and so fifth form will prove to be a gruelling year. Therefore, the summer break is a balancing act between relaxation and academic progress.

Secondly, summer learning provides students with additional opportunities to reinforce their learning, improve understanding of key concepts, address knowledge gaps, and develop a deeper understanding of subject matter. Generally, students have greater latitude in the pace of learning, thus setting them up for success.

Thirdly, the summer is a great time for students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as these are skills required by CSEC. Programmes designed with activities, group projects, research assignments, and critical reading will be beneficial. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are not only important for examinations but also for success in future academic and career pursuits.

Fourthly, summer learning can help students develop time management and organisational skills essential for academic success. Summer learning programmes with structured learning environments, deadlines and expectations will help students in this regard. In the lead-up to the ‘big’ exams, students will find these skills invaluable.

Fifthly, summer learning builds academic confidence and motivation wherein students build self-assurance and feel better prepared for the upcoming school year. Motivation is like a muscle — action is needed to main it. Keeping students engaged over the summer helps them develop self-discipline.

Finally, summer learning can provide students with a competitive advantage. CSEC exams are highly competitive, with some students aspiring for placements within their country and the Caribbean as well. Summer learning will provide that edge to students to achieve higher scores in school and to perform better on exams.

Analysis of research shows that summer learning should not be considered a luxury or an afterthought. It has a real positive impact.

It is important to note that all summer learning programmes are not created equal and so parents and guardians must do their research. In general, smaller groups are more effective than large groups to ensure that students receive individual attention — which is generally missing in the regular school time. The YES institute offers students extra support in science subjects and leadership skills over the summer.

It is also necessary that students approach summer learning with a positive attitude and a commitment to learning. Summer learning is a valuable investment in a student’s academic and personal growth. It should not be considered a chore or a punishment. The right attitude makes a world of a difference.

Dr Karla Hylton is the founder and CEO of Your Empowerment Solutions (YES) Institute, offering mathematics and science tutoring as well as a host of workshops for parents, teachers, and students. She is the author of Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success, and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools. Contact her at (876) 564-1347; e-mail: ceo@yes-institute.com; or visit www.yes-institute.com, or www.khylton.com.