An attempt to put forward a clear, reasoned philosophy on education in a jargon-free manner with anecdotes and insights.
5.0 out of 5 stars Crusade for True EducationReviewed in the United Kingdom
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 Essential reading for every parent, school governor, teacher and HeadteacherReviewed 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 Empathic approach to educationReviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 July 2015
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.
John Fioravanti
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for all who care about educationReviewed in the United States on 31 December 2017
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.