Friday Mindset #196

Happy Friday!

A course for you, folks. This one’s run by Bath Spa University’s Network for Learning, and features Martin taking you through a fifteen-session curriculum for effective revision! Perfect for GCSE or A Level leaders - you get a powerpoint covering all fifteen activities, plus a handout for each one.

It’s on November 12th, and it’s online, from 4:00-6:30pm. Not a freebie this one, but a bargain nevertheless. And because you read this newsletter, you can of course follow-up and chat with Martin, as well as Steve and Tony, anytime you want too.

Check it out here:

OK, onwards.

Something we're reading...

This article about trying a really interesting one. In it, the writer David Cain examines what it is to really try to achieve something meaningful and important.

His conclusion? Trying hard to achieve something is actually pretty rare. Instead, what most of us do is, think about trying hard, imagine the joy of success, begin tentatively, then withdraw effort when things get uncomfortable. “Most failures aren’t proceeded by trying” he says, “but by reasoning yourself out of really trying.” This brought us up short; made us think about the many and varied failures in our own lives. And yeah, for some of them, it certainly felt true.

Cain suggests asking yourself the following question: “How would someone who is actually determined to do this go about it?” If the actions you’re currently taking are significantly different, you need to adjust your actions or modify your goal.

Clear, readable and illuminating. Here it is:

Portal Talk...

This week, we’ve been working with 24 students at Long Road Sixth Form College to put the VESPA study planner through its paces, because a new timetable and good intentions don’t always tell you what to do at 11am on a Tuesday in your independent study periods (formally known as “frees”…)

Together, we’ve been focusing on turning study periods into purposeful sessions: moving from “do some revision” to a specific task, with time set aside to complete it. Working directly with students helps us develop tools that fit the reality of their college week.

The planner brings students’ timetables into view, so they can choose study slots around their existing lessons. Each session starts with a simple commitment: how much time will you spend? Students are then encouraged to add a subject, topic and study activity, giving each session a clear purpose.

For those needing inspiration, the Study Assistant can generate suggestions using our database of exam specifications and boards, helping students plan work relevant to their courses. The finished weekly plan can then be printed or added to their own calendar.

Our new VESPA Student App, now available on the App Store, puts these tools within easy reach, with notifications and reminders to help students follow through. The app is exclusively for students at schools and colleges subscribing to the VESPA Portal. Students access it using their existing school or college VESPA account; downloading the app alone does not provide access.

Want to explore how the VESPA Portal could support students at your school or college? Book a quick demo—we’d be happy to show you around and answer your questions.

Something to try...

Subscribers! Our final session on resilience this week. Over the last two weeks we’ve shared part one and part two of a powerpoint looking at everyday academic resilience - important distinction there, between the type of resilience we’re looking for in schools and colleges and the wider construct - using our model the resilience circle.

Now, to finish the three weeks, we’ve got a fifteen-minute video in which Martin talks you through the material…

Subscribe to our premium content to read the rest.