The A Level Mindset

Synopsis

During their combined 40 plus years of teaching and coaching, Steve and Martin have discovered something important: those students who make real and sustained progress at A level aren't necessarily the ones with superb GCSEs. Some students leap from average results in Year 11 to outstanding results in Year 13, while others seem to hit a ceiling. But why?It was in trying to answer this question that the VESPA system emerged. Steve and Martin have cut through the noise surrounding character development and identified five key characteristics that all students need in order to be successful: vision, effort, systems, practice and attitude.These characteristics beat cognition hands down. Having pinned down the core traits that contribute to student success, the authors have developed a range of practical activities to help every student develop the A Level Mindset: 40 concrete, easy-to-use and applicable tools and strategies that will supercharge learners' ambition, organisation, productivity, persistence and determination.And in this revised edition Steve and Martin present a range of case studies and useful advice on effective implementation to guide schools towards putting the VESPA model into practice. Furthermore, they have also revamped the introductions to each aspect of the VESPA model with updated insights and references.Suitable for teachers, tutors, heads of sixth form or anyone else who wants to help A level students achieve their potential.

Summary

The A Level Mindset is a book by author Alex McInnes, which explains why it is important to focus on getting better grades in an A level educational system, and how to do it.

Chapter 1 - The Power of Mindset

The first chapter of The A Level Mindset explains the importance of having the right mindset for getting good grades in A level exams. This chapter explains how having the right mindset can positively affect a person’s academic performance. It includes examples of people who achieved great success in their A level studies with an optimistic attitude and drive. This chapter also highlights the importance of making a clear plan and setting achievable goals. To illustrate this, McInnes provides an example of a student who turned their ‘C’ grades into ‘A’ grades in their A levels by focusing on setting achievable goals and staying motivated throughout their revision process.

Chapter 2 - Studying Smarter

The second chapter of The A Level Mindset focuses on studying smarter. This chapter looks at how a student can plan their study schedules and revision techniques for each of their subjects. It covers the importance of breaking tasks down into manageable chunks and focusing on problem areas for each of the units. The chapter also explores the benefits of using mnemonics and diagrams to help remember key concepts. This is illustrated through an example of a student who used a mnemonic to memorise a lengthy list of components for a chemistry course.

Chapter 3 - Being Organised

The third chapter of The A Level Mindset explains the importance of organisation and how it can help a student to successfully complete their A level studies. This chapter highlights the benefits of keeping records of study sessions and revision notes. It also looks at how organising a study space can help a student to stay focused and motivated throughout their studies. McInnes also provides a real life example of a student who organised a dedicated study area in their home and managed to complete their A levels successfully.

Chapter 4 - Maintaining Balance

The fourth chapter of The A Level Mindset focuses on the importance of having a balanced approach to the A level coursework. This chapter looks at how a student can manage their time efficiently by prioritising tasks, as well as how to set breaks for relaxation and leisure. This is illustrated through an example of a student who managed to balance his work and social life while still achieving excellent grades in his A levels.

Chapter 5 - Practising a Winning Mindset

The fifth chapter of The A Level Mindset focuses on the importance of having a winning mindset. It outlines the benefits of using positive thinking and visualisations to stay motivated and focused throughout the A level process. This chapter also provides examples of people who have achieved success in their A levels through the power of positive thinking.

Chapter 6 - Get Ready to Succeed

The sixth and final chapter of The A Level Mindset focuses on setting yourself up for success. This chapter looks at how to create a plan for success and make sure that goals are achievable. This involves setting an appropriate schedule, setting achievable goals, and working steadily to reach them. It also includes how to evaluate progress to remain on track and avoid pitfalls. As an example, McInnes highlights the story of a student who set clear targets and remained motivated until exam day. The student kept track of their progress, stayed motivated, and achieved excellent results in their A levels.