1 of 13

The Student Manifesto

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

2 of 13

What is a manifesto?

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

3 of 13

Nir Eyal

New York Times Journalist and Author

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

4 of 13

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

5 of 13

Resist temptation by using “I don’t,” so the behaviour becomes part of your identity.

I don’t work in places where I’ll get disturbed.

Once I’ve started, I don’t stop until it’s time to take a break.

I don’t check my phone when I’m revising.

I don’t miss deadlines.

I don’t waste time passively re-reading notes. I test myself.

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

6 of 13

Example manifesto: Farnham Street

From the Farnam Street Manifesto: “Direction over Speed. Live Deliberately. Thoughtful Opinions Held Loosely. Principles Outlive Tactics. Own Your Own Actions.”

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

7 of 13

From the Indie Traveller Manifesto: “Pack Light and Keep Things Simple. Options Over Possessions. Discovery Over Escape.”

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

Example manifesto: Indie Traveller

8 of 13

Johnny Marr

Musician

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

Example manifesto: Johnny Marr

9 of 13

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

10 of 13

“ I ran down this manifesto. A list of dreams, if you like. Be on Rough Trade Records. Whatever the name of the band is going to be – that’s what the name of the first album should be. The first single should have a navy blue label, like the Decca label. We should always have picture sleeves. Incredible – they all came true.”

Johnny Marr

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

11 of 13

So what’s your exam-season manifesto?

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

12 of 13

Your Manifesto

Consider:

Effort: ‘I give 100%, whatever I do. I never give up. I don’t waste time. I get things done.’
Resilience: ‘I’m dedicated. I’m strong under pressure. People can rely on me.’
Wealth of resources: ‘I ask for help and advice every day. I’m going to get the most out of all the resources around me.’
Control: ‘It’s down to me to fix problems and chase down solutions. I don’t pass on responsibility when things get tough.’
Open-mindedness: ‘I’m positive, open-minded and curious. I welcome mistakes and feedback.’
Concentration: ‘I’m totally focussed once I start work. I won’t be distracted by others.’

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy

13 of 13

Over to you!

copyright Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin info@vespa.academy