You all humble me.
I did not go into teaching to change the world. I stumbled into it. But once there I set about putting right the terrible, mind-numbing experience that I had suffered throughout my own education experience. I was bullied, threatened, belittled, beaten and demotivated by teachers. The teaching I received was appalling. I was determined to make teaching the enjoyable, mind-expanding partnership I knew it could be.
This book tells that journey.
I thank all your reviews. I cherish them. Thank you!
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for every parent, school governor, teacher and Headteacher
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 November 2017
‘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!
5.0 out of 5 stars Crusade for True Education
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 April 2016
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars A former pupil of his, a fantastic headteacher, respected and extremely competent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 January 2025
Mr Goodwin was a fantastic headteacher at Beverley Grammar School. He was respected by even the most troublesome of students, would not tolerate bullying or intimidation, which was quite rare as future ones sadly did, and he instilled in myself and others a passion for learning and reading that led me to read law and go into business.
He had a profound influence on myself and others, looking back, knew so many of us by first name, and was a warm and kind hearted guy, as his son was too. Great characters, which cannot be bought or learned.
This is also a great book that I am very much enjoying reading.
I have great respect for the family, and thank you for all that you have given to us, Sir.
Yay for positive reviews!
Yay indeed! They give us the strength to go on!