As we reach the end of a busy and exhausting term, we can look forward to a restful Christmas break. Paradoxically, time seems to have flown so quickly that the start of term is still a remarkably fresh memory. A great deal has been achieved in the course of the term, and as we approach Christmas, there is no sign that things are letting up.

Students should have settled into their work routines by now and should be looking to pick up the pace next term. For the examination students with modules or mocks after Christmas, the vacation has to be a period of consolidation and revision as well as rest.