When I was a child, I spent a lot of my summer holidays idly playing on swings with my best friend, talking about what we’d do when we left home (in six years’ time!). We watched a lot of daytime TV and scuffed around our village wondering when something – anything – exciting was going to happen. It felt like we’d only hit the ignition switch on life when we turned 18.

But these days – well, it’s a leetle bit different. School holidays offer some incredible opportunities for children looking to make the most of the six week break, and Muddy has been talking, somewhat jealously, to five intrepid pupils from top Girls’ Schools Association schools about their personal tales of a summer well spent. Inspiration for your own child’s 2025 adventure incoming!

AN EXCHANGE TRIP TO AUSTRALIA

Alesha, Year 10, St Swithun’s School, Winchester

This summer, I’m on an exchange trip from St Swithun’s School to Tara Anglican School in Australia, immersing myself in a new culture, and experiencing the Australian way of life. I feel a real sense of adventure. My parents are thrilled too – they see this as a chance for me to become more independent and build confidence in navigating in new environments.

The exchange program involves living with a host family, attending classes at Tara, and joining in various extracurricular activities. I’ve been exploring Sydney, visiting iconic landmarks, and picking up new hobbies – the exchange is both challenging and rewarding. Adapting to a new school system, making new friends, and adjusting to a different lifestyle has pushed me out of my comfort zone but I know these challenges are also helping me grow.  

An exchange trip like this is a unique opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, make lasting friendships, and gain life skills and the confidence to travel and explore alone. For anyone considering such a program, I would say go for it! It’s an incredible way to spend your summer, and the memories and lessons you’ll gain will be truly unforgettable.

COMPETING INTERNATIONALLY IN KARATE

Janelle, Year 9, St Anne’s Enfield, London

I’ve been doing karate for 10 years and have represented England a few times at home and abroad. The first time I competed abroad I was around seven years old and I’ve competed in Belgium, Venice, Copenhagen and Spain. I love it and I was excited to take part this summer in Poreč, Croatia.

I acclimated to the venue by watching the under-21s compete. This familiarized us with the environment and set a benchmark for the level of competition. Training continued at the venue on Friday and Saturday, focusing on precise movements and building speed.

On the competition morning, the anticipation was palpable but competing against athletes from around the world was exhilarating. The venue buzzed with energy as spectators and squads chanted and clapped and I advanced to the third round, one of the few athletes from England to do so.

The competition this summer taught me a lot about myself. I discovered my ability to persevere under pressure and handle intense competition. The experience boosted my confidence and reinforced my love for traveling and competing internationally – after the competition, I relaxed by the sea, enjoyed the food and explored the country. For anyone wondering whether they should persevere with their sport, I would say that the thrill of competition and the rewards that surround it are well worth the effort.

WORK EXPERIENCE AT JANE AUSTEN’S HOUSE

Lauren, Year 12, Blackheath High School GDST, London

Last summer, I was lucky enough to do three day’s work experience at the Jane Austen House in Chawton, Hampshire, learning key skills surrounding the work of upkeep and curating a House Museum. My insight into Jane Austen’s life was complemented by incredible jobs such as transcribing letters she wrote and handling artefacts including letters to her sister Cassandra and first edition copies of her publications and helping to curate a new exhibition by historian Alice Loxton, inspired by her book ‘Satire and Scandal’, which helped me better understand the connections between English and History.

As a hopeful English Literature Oxbridge applicant, the deep dive into Austen’s world was really valuable – much more so than I expected. I gained experience working both front of house and behind the scenes, I planned interactive book club quizzes about Jane Austen, and learned about the archiving of literature.

This summer I’m going to as many book launches and author house museums as possible for a deeper insight into the life of authors and the world of crafting books. I’m also attending poetry society lectures and hopefully some publishing work experience – all of which will inspire my future studies and ultimate aim of being a writer.

ATTENDING CONDUCTOR SUMMER SCHOOL

Polly, Year 12, King’s High School, Warwick

My dream is to be the first British female conductor of the last night of the proms (although if someone beats me to it, I will not be disappointed) and to also be principal conductor of a major symphony orchestra.

This summer I’ve been attending a conducting summer school for under 18s run by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The course teaches participants the physical technique of conducting, providing the opportunity to conduct a variety of repertoire with a chamber ensemble. Following the course, participants are encouraged to record themselves conducting their own ensemble and send this to the tutor for feedback. The course will help me to develop skills to lead ensembles confidently and to direct rehearsals efficiently and effectively by learning about score preparation, rehearsal planning and communication.

I’ve been interested in conducting for a number of years, but it’s difficult to find conducting opportunities, particularly as most people start their conducting journey at degree level. My school has been really supportive in providing opportunities and I’ve been able to work with several school ensembles. Also through contacts at the school, I’ve applied for and gained a junior organ scholarship. Through this, I regularly work with a choir, accompanying them on organ, conducting them and leading rehearsals, which gives me invaluable regular experience, and supports my dream of becoming a professional orchestral conductor.

OXFORD BOAT ADVENTURE CAMP

Savanna, Year 4, Oxford High Prep School, Oxford

Last summer holiday, Mum was at home working her socks off in her study while I was at the Oxford Boat Adventure Camp. Mum thought it would be quite good for me to go because I usually don’t go out much and she thought it would be good for me. I was canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, bushcraft, archery, fire making and orienteering. I didn’t have any friends with me which was sad and was quite hard, but I managed to do it.

The most challenging activity was fire making. It was very hard to light the fire because we were using the flint and steel – I did manage to make a spark but it didn’t catch, so the instructor helped. When the fire had grown big, we cooked sausages on a stick on it – they were very tasty, but a bit burnt!

The activity I enjoyed the most was paddleboarding around the lake, and in the middle of the lake was Pizza Island, where we made olive pizzas! I didn’t stand up on the board because I was too scared as I’d previously fallen off into the water, but it was quite easy to paddle on my knees and I enjoyed getting splashed with water by some of the other children.

My friends think the activities sound amazing and I felt really happy when I came home as I had a lot of fun and learn new skills and I’ve signed up again this summer. I would definitely recommend this to others if they like the wilderness.

The Girls’ Schools Association represents the head teachers of 152 of the UK top girls’ schools, a diverse collection of day and boarding schools, Prep and Senior, rural and city. Find your nearest GSA school.