DFC - Could you explain what you mean by a figure of 8 holding pattern - that's a new one to me. And don't you teach field-to-field low level, including climbing out from a PFL, that's certainly how I was taught and have flown ever since. I'm also fascinated that you teach a straight in out of preference - is that your normal circuit join with students as well, and do you S-turn or sideslip off extra height?
FD - I disagree that you meaningfully know whether, in most smaller aeroplanes, you are going to make a PFL by 500ft or not, unless you have a HUGE field in front of you - and you do have room for corrections, small heading changes to avoid a ditch, sidelipping to lose some extra height are both quite normal. Also you need to get used to the view as you roundout into a field with no runway edges and often a slope - you won't get that at your home field. I know that it feels much more comfortable to go-around from 500ft, but I really don't think it's a truly meaningful exercise.
G