The GCSE Mindset: 40 Activities for GCSE Students
Students: The GCSE Mindset by Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin is a practical book of 40 activities organised around the VESPA model: vision, effort, systems, practice and attitude. Its month-by-month structure is designed for use with GCSE pupils individually, in tutor groups or across a cohort, with activities taking 15 to 20 minutes according to the listing.
At a glance
- Forty activities are sequenced by month to follow the academic year.
- Activities are described as suitable for one-to-one work, tutor groups or whole cohorts.
- Covers VESPA themes alongside coaching questions, school implementation and mindset measurement.
Reference price: £19.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The short activity format can suit scheduled tutor or coaching sessions.
- The book includes guidance for teachers and schools as well as pupil-facing tasks.
- The month-by-month progression gives educators a suggested sequence through the school year.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Crown House Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 22 Dec. 2017 |
| Edition | B106 ed. |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 248 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1785831844 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1785831843 |
| Weight listed | 572 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.29 x 1.78 x 23.37 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes the activities as 15 to 20 minutes each. It presents the book as suitable for 14 to 16-year-olds and for teachers, tutors and parents supporting GCSE pupils.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Teachers and tutors seeking structured activities for GCSE pupils.
- Parents looking for guided discussion and organisation activities for 14 to 16-year-olds.
- Schools exploring a VESPA-based programme with coaching and implementation guidance.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a subject-specific GCSE revision guide or exam question collection.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
76% 76% - 4 stars
17% 17% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings are strongly positive overall, with five- and four-star categories making up the reported distribution and a smaller three-star share. This suggests a favourable reception but does not show what readers liked or disliked, so it cannot establish how useful the activities are in a particular school or family setting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VESPA model in this book?
The listing describes VESPA as vision, effort, systems, practice and attitude, with activities grouped around those themes.
How are the activities organised?
The 40 activities are arranged chronologically by month to follow the academic year.
Can the activities be used with a group?
The listing says activities can be delivered one-to-one, to a tutor group or to a whole cohort.
Does the book include guidance for educators?
Yes. The description says it includes coaching questions, school implementation guidance and a chapter on measuring mindset.
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