the vespa handbook: 40 new activities to boost student commitment, motivation and productivity

The Vespa Handbook builds on the success of Steve and Martin’s acclaimed books, The A Level Mindset and The GCSE Mindset, by introducing 40 new activities that will help teachers improve the grades of their students. The handbook is a perfect introduction to the VESPA approach, as well as a practical addition to previous resources. Just like their previous books, The Vespa Handbook will help teachers develop the five key characteristics and behaviours that students need in order to regulate their own learning: vision, effort, systems, practice and attitude. When it comes to achieving academic success, these characteristics are crucial. The ability of students to have a vision, commit the effort, be organised, practise and revise well and have a positive attitude and good work ethic are vital to their success.

The 40 activities included are set out clearly and categorised thematically under the VESPA umbrella, making them easy to navigate and use in any setting. Each activity can be delivered one-to-one, to a tutor group or to a whole cohort, and is designed to take fifteen to twenty minutes to complete. These activities will help your students to set goals, work more efficiently, organise their resources and manage their workload.

The Vespa Handbook will empower learners to unlock their potential, overcome obstacles and take control of their own knowledge and skills. It has been written with students in mind and includes spaces for them to record and reflect on their answers and organise their thought process. The book offers a comprehensive toolkit of study techniques, strategies and approaches that can be applied for effective learning, planning, organization and execution. Steve and Martin share practical advice and valuable insights for teachers looking to improve their students’ resilience and ambition, based on their combined 40-plus years of experience in teaching and coaching.

Suitable for teachers, tutors and parents who want to boost academic outcomes in 14-18-year-olds and equip them with powerful tools and techniques in preparation for further education and employment.