Create your personal Summer school

The days are longer, sunsets are later – the holidays are ahead. How can you make the most of this time?

Reflect on the past five months: what’s gone well? What have you learned? What’s missing?
Make notes about your knowledge and skills, mind and body, personal and professional. What do you need to learn? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Sign up for a course to boost your work skills
At the top of the price range is The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), who offer over 80 courses. Fees start at a hefty £3500 – but if you’ve been wondering if a post-grad course is for you it may be worth finding out more.
London Business School (LBS) offers a mix of classroom and online (the latter has lower fees).

Get creative
Slade School of Fine Art offers short courses programme online, or you can take a short course with UAL (University Arts London). I’ve done a few courses over the years and found the teaching to be excellent.

Take to the stage
Performing arts specialist City Academy has a range of Summer Schools, such as dance, screen acting and Creative Writing.

Pay attention to body and mind
Marlborough College offers a range of body and mind courses for adults.

Get outside
Countryside or the beach, spend some time outdoors. In town, find open air theatre; Visit London has listings of outdoor theatre and entertainment.

Read that book
Yes, that book you bought back in March and haven’t finished yet. Or feast your eyes on Goodreads’ top 22 titles of 2022.

Get a mentor
A good mentor will work with you to share their experience and get you thinking about your development.

Be a mentor
I work with mentors and they find it eye-opening and fulfilling. You can find out more about mentoring here.

If you’re planning learning and development for your organisation, get in touch to discuss how I can help with your Summer School.

Dawn is the author of ‘The Feedback Book’

Photo: DepositPhotos