A Selection of my Book Reviews in the UK – An Education book – A Passion For Education – The Story of a Headteacher.

Posted on by Opher

This is my anecdote packed story of my life in education. It pulls no punches.

TJB
5.0 out of 5 starsEssential reading for every parent, school governor, teacher and Headteacher

6 November 2017

Format: Paperback
‘Passion for Education – the story of a headteacher’ was I thought the most
inspiring book on education since I read A.S. Neill’s Summerhill when I was 15
(over 50 years ago). It ought to be top of the search results when looking for a book on Headteachers.
In fact I could only find it here by entering both ‘Headteacher’ and ‘Goodwin’.
Never mind, an excellent and uplifting read – every PARENT should read it!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsCrusade for True Education

10 April 2016

Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
As an retired teacher and Head of Department I found this book a joy to read. It is many things – personal biography, passionate polemic, practical handbook, education history, inspirational text, you name it – woven together in a natural, organic way which really gives you the feel of school life. The author knows whereof he speaks and in friendly fashion takes you, the reader, by the hand on a headlong and often exciting journey through the maze of modern education. His vision is clear and compelling, he knows what works and what doesn’t, he wants you to share his profound sense of the human potential which we can unlock if only we get our schools right. He articulates a philosophy which puts the whole child at its centre and explores the relationships underlying the magic of educational development. The book is written in a direct, heartfelt, jargon-free style and is packed with amusing anecdotes which illuminate his principles, unlike many dry books on the subject. Passionate and humorous and unafraid of controversy, it certainly gets you thinking. I found it a real page-turner and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in good education, whether outside or inside the teaching profession. For anyone connected with school management, in any capacity, it is essential reading. A unique and valuable voice.
Mystic blueport
4.0 out of 5 starsYou need to read this book!

19 October 2014

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
In this autobiographical account of his life as Head Teacher of Beverley Grammar School, Chris takes us through many of the failings of the post-war education system to the much superior, more flexible teaching of the twenty-first century. Along the way, he enthuses about rock music, leadership vs management, and – particularly – the kids. If you can make every lesson fun, every child feel cared for, and every staff member nurtured, attendance and results will pretty much look after themselves. You can pass every Ofsted inspection with flying colours, and your school can become best in class (no pun intended).

I was at college with Chris, and it didn’t seem to me then that he was destined to be a head teacher of a secondary school – a music critic, more like. He has done education a great service by showing you can be a rebel and get results too. I hadn’t expected to enjoy this book as much as I did; it has extraordinary energy and a lust for achievement. Every teacher should read it! 8/10 (October 2014)

John Fioravanti
5.0 out of 5 starsA Must Read For Those Concerned About Education

1 January 2018

Format: Kindle Edition
This is an outstanding treatise on what education should be in the Twenty-First Century. Goodwin is a gifted teacher who had the opportunity to buck the establishment as a Headteacher and create a child-centered learning environment that focused on the whole child. His empathetic approach aspired to make every staff member and every learner a success. As a Canadian educator, I must admit I had some challenges with idioms that are particular to the education system in the UK. However, these small hurdles did not prevent me from understanding his vision for a better style of education. My only regret is that I was unable to teach with Christopher Goodwin.
Alexander
5.0 out of 5 starsAn excellent and informative book

24 October 2015

Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
An excellent and informative book of Mr Goodwin’s time at the Beverley Grammar School. As a former pupil, it is hard to believe what was going on behind the scenes, however he kept it together and carried on securing the school an outstanding rating from Ofsted in both 2008 and 2010.
Pete 2 Sheds
5.0 out of 5 starsEmpathic approach to education

5 July 2015

Format: Paperback
If you have any interest in the education of your child this book is essential reading. Having studied and worked in education myself I find Mr Goodwins insights and experiences very thought provoking. It deserves a place on the shelves of every educational establishment and needless to say a few people at the ministries and especially the minister for education should read this and maybe, just maybe, we could move forward and improve the educational standards of our children where they have been slipping on a global level.
Mr Goodwin shows, his Ofsted scores prove the point, that civility and empathy rather than antiquated regimented regimes can be extremely effective.

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