Band 6+: In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Whether children should be given long holidays or short breaks remains a widely debated issue. Some people argue that the students of elementary and high school should be given lengthy day-offs, whereas others believe that small breaks should be given to pupils from time to time. This essay puts forth both the arguments about the value and benefits of extended and mini holidays.

One primary advantage of long breaks is that the students can enjoy their time with the family. Due to busy a schedule, the pupils are not able to give their time to families as the pressure of homework and study keeps them occupied. Long breaks allow children to explore different places around the country or even around the world. They would get to learn and enjoy different places along with the culture, nature and even varieties of food during the vacation they went on holiday. Another benefit of long breaks is that the learners get time to enhance their skills and work on the extracurricular activities they are passionate about.

But why short holidays should be favoured more than long holidays has its own argument. The working parents have to keep their children aged around 5-12 years in childcare as they would be alone at home during their breaks. The short breaks would not disturb the student’s schedule as the teachers would not have to revise the lectures that were taught before the day off. Even the students would get some rest and come with fresh minds after a small break to education center. For instance, students who studied continuously for their exams should be given a small break afterwards, so that they do not get mentally tired and come to the education center with new ideas and clear minds.

In conclusion, the debate about long and short holidays depends on the country, the weather and even the school. Lengthy holidays to protect the pupils from hot weather and give them time for extra skills are important, but along with that, the side effects should also be kept in mind. While small breaks would not give time to students to improve their skills in other activities.