VESPA Handbook

The VESPA Handbook builds on the success of Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin's acclaimed books, The A Level Mindset and The GCSE Mindset, by introducing 40 practical activities designed to help teachers improve student outcomes. Serving as both an introduction to the VESPA approach and a valuable companion to the earlier books, this handbook provides ready-to-use strategies for developing independent, successful learners.

At the heart of the VESPA approach are five key characteristics that enable students to regulate their own learning:
VisionEffortSystemsPracticeAttitude
These qualities are fundamental to academic success. Students who can set meaningful goals, apply sustained effort, stay organized, practice effectively, and maintain a positive mindset are far more likely to reach their full potential.

The book contains 40 clearly structured activities, organized under the five VESPA themes for easy navigation. Each activity is designed to take just 15–20 minutes and can be delivered one-to-one, with tutor groups, or to an entire cohort. They help students set goals, work more efficiently, organize resources, manage workload, and develop effective study habits.

Written with students in mind, The VESPA Handbook includes space for learners to record their responses, reflect on their progress, and organize their thinking. It offers a comprehensive toolkit of practical techniques and strategies that support effective learning, planning, organization, and execution.

Drawing on more than 40 years of combined experience in teaching and coaching, Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin provide practical advice and evidence-informed guidance to help teachers foster resilience, motivation, ambition, and independence in their students.

Suitable for teachers, tutors, and parents supporting learners aged 14–18, The VESPA Handbook equips young people with the skills and habits they need to succeed in further education, employment, and beyond.

Praise for the book

"Written by Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin, The VESPA Handbook: 40 New Activities to Boost Student Commitment, Motivation and Productivity offers 40 concrete, practical tools and activities that will supercharge learners' ambition, organization, persistence, and determination."

"The VESPA Handbook begins with a vital question: what are the characteristics and behaviours of successful students? In this fascinating guide, Oakes and Griffin explore the mindsets and habits of high-achieving learners, using their findings to help readers develop similarly impressive results. Packed with practical advice and sensible strategies, this is an essential resource for students who want to improve their study skills and reach their academic potential."

— Mark Roberts

"Steve and Martin have the remarkable ability to present ideas that develop positive learning habits in ways that make perfect sense to both teachers and students. Their research is highly relevant, and their practical suggestions encourage learners to reflect deeply on how they learn and how they can become even more successful. A true staple of any successful curriculum."

— Suzanne Ingram

"Martin Griffin and Steve Oakes clearly understand what makes both students and teachers tick. In this highly practical handbook, they combine cutting-edge educational research with extensive classroom experience to create a wealth of accessible activities, many of which fit perfectly into short tutorial sessions. This is a fantastically rich resource for anyone committed to improving student learning."