Katie Ross

Cultivating Curiosity: How Summer Learning Shapes Future Success

The summer holidays give children a much-needed break. But for thoughtful parents keen to go the extra mile, they offer something more: a chance to build on existing knowledge in ways that feel natural, inspiring and even fun. These unstructured weeks can help children grow intellectually, paying dividends far beyond the school gates. 

So let's move past the fear of "summer learning loss" and embrace summer as a time for enrichment. The most successful children I meet, especially those who shine in interviews, are not crammed with facts, but quietly curious. Along the way, they've built a rich store of general knowledge. This blog is about how to support that curiosity with purpose.

The Informed Child: Why General Knowledge Still Sets You Apart

General knowledge isn’t just quiz fodder. It helps children speak fluently, connect ideas across subjects and walk into a new classroom or an interview with something to say.

A child who reads widely, explores their passions, or visits interesting places will always have the edge.

I’ve worked with children who dive deep into big ideas: one boy devoured the Real Dictators podcast and could talk passionately about history. A girl, inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird, dreamed of becoming a human rights lawyer. Another child  could name every British Prime Minister since Thatcher and offer sharp opinions on each.

     

    

 

 

But it’s not just academic interests that make a child stand out. One boy loved golf and admired Seve Ballesteros after reading biographies. Another was fascinated by The Gladiator Mindset by Adam Peaty. And two Formula 1-obsessed brothers could analyse driver strategies like Ted Kravitz or David Croft.

The real magic? It’s not the topic - it’s the spark. Whatever the topic, a passion and enthusiasm for something makes a child memorable.

Selective schools increasingly look for children who can think flexibly, speak thoughtfully and show real appetite for the world around them. General knowledge builds on all of that. And children with it, come across as interesting, confident and articulate individuals.

Smart Summer Learning - Without the Pressure

No one wants to turn summer into school 2.0. But switching off completely until the night before the new term is a missed opportunity, an opportunity that many so-called "pushy parents" are already using wisely.

Just a few small, intentional moments of learning can make a big difference, boosting confidence, curiosity, and readiness for the year ahead.

Here are five stealth strategies that work:

1. Explore beyond the syllabus

Pick one area your child genuinely loves - Formula 1, Roman Britain, space, climate change - and dive deeper. Podcasts, exhibitions, documentaries, or even a themed day out all count.  You just need to decide on the topic and then go for it!

2. Start a knowledge notebook

Just one fact or idea a day. It’s quick, it sparks discussion and it gets children thinking about what they’ve learned in a new way. 

3. Talk at mealtimes

Try light debates or “what if” questions. A great way to get some gentle interview practice in too:

"What would happen if everyone in the world told the truth, no matter the cost?"

"Should footballers earn more than nurses?"

“If you had to lose two of your five senses, which would you choose?”

4. Expand their reading horizons

Go beyond favourite authors. Add a biography, a myth, a dystopian story - or try gothic fiction.

5. Practice giving a presentation

A short talk or slideshow on a favourite topic, delivered informally to family or a godparent. It builds confidence in speaking and helps a child learn how to structure their ideas.

None of these take hours. They’re easy to instigate and they will pay off.

 

Want Some Easy Wins? Here’s How I Can Help

📚 Books

My puzzle books are designed to build general knowledge, maths, and English in a joyful way. Packed with cartoons, number games, word puzzles, history, science, and logic, they’re ideal for children aged 9–12 preparing for senior school.

👉 Browse Books – 20% Off Until 26 July 2025
Use code JUMPINGYAK at checkout.  Have a look at them here.

📺 YouTube Webinar

If your child is approaching interviews or selective assessments, watch my free parent’s guide to the 11+ here. I share practical strategies to help parents support and motivate children during their final year of primary school. Whether you’re facing entrance exams or simply feeling the pressure, this video offers tips to boost confidence and resilience.

One-to-One Interview Preparation Sessions

My one-to-one sessions are designed to draw the best out of your child and to help them develop a natural confidence in conversation.

What parents say:

“Katie did a fantastic job of preparing our son for interviews at Westminster, City and Latymer Upper. She gave him the confidence to be the best version of himself. He got offers from all three schools.”

“My son has had an offer from Wellington and from Brighton College. Katie's interview practice sessions and tips really helped him to open up and understand why interviews are so important.”

"Katie recently helped our twin boys, who are poles apart in personality. I was impressed that with one she quickly told us, he wouldn’t need to see her again as he might come across over prepared. She really had his best interests at heart. With his brother, she spent more time building his confidence and he actually looked forward to her ‘chats’! Katie has endless recommendations for books and films and exhibitions they might enjoy to increase their confidence in areas of interest. It didn’t feel like interview preparation at all."

“Katie helped bolster and prepare my daughters so they could shine in their interviews. Her feedback was thoughtful and constructive. Both girls received offers at all their schools and are now at SPGS.”

📞 Book a Free Consultation to see how I can help.

 

A Gentle Head Start for September

Whether your child is heading into Year 4, 5 or 6, summer offers a golden opportunity to build confidence, fluency, and curiosity - without pressure.

Help your child feel braver, bolder and quietly confident when the next academic year begins in September.