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11 August 2025
Beat the “Summer Slide” with these holiday learning strategies.
Research confirms that the “summer slide” is real—a significant loss of learning over the long break. When students return to school in the new year, they often find they’ve lost progress. This is especially challenging for those moving to a new school or entering a different stage—like transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7—where they must adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, new teachers, and more complex content.
For younger learners, this learning gap can be even wider since their foundational skills aren’t fully secure and need consistent reinforcement. Studies show that the negative effects of the summer break can be reduced with targeted cognitive engagement through structured learning programs and activities. That’s why Aussie Edu Hub, like many other educational providers, offers summer intensive courses.
Summer tutoring offers a range of benefits. Senior students preparing for high-stakes assessments can use the break for structured revision and to get ahead with new material, helping them maintain focus and momentum. They can ask questions and get personalised help without waiting for term to resume.
Ambitious learners can work ahead of their peers, increasing their chances of securing places in advanced classes. Meanwhile, students who struggled during the year can use summer tutoring to revisit concepts at a slower, more manageable pace. For all students, investing a little time in learning over the break can make the year ahead far less stressful.
Research also suggests that instead of recreating the traditional classroom—which children often need a break from—individualised tutoring programs, such as those at Aussie Edu Hub, are more effective. These sessions fit naturally into the relaxed pace of the summer and complement rather than compete with holiday fun—beach days, pool visits, active play, and plenty of rest.
We often talk about the importance of balance in a child’s life. Term time can feel hectic and pressured, while holidays—especially summer—can seem slow or dull. Without guidance, children may retreat into endless screen time.
Dr. Joanne Orlando, an international authority on family and digital lifestyles, suggests that parents should focus less on counting every minute of screen use and more on encouraging educational engagement through technology. Using part of children’s holiday screen time for learning can build skills, spark creativity, and add balance to their days.
Most students experience some loss in maths skills over the summer. Literacy skills also decline, especially when reading isn’t prioritised. It’s simple: if you don’t practise, you forget. Years ago, when kids read all summer, this wasn’t such an issue. Now, with phones replacing books, the problem is becoming increasingly clear.