There is a paradox at the heart of contemporary school improvement and system change in education. Why is it that despite the phenomenal increase in our recent knowledge about what works in schooling, standards still lag behind expectations and school level performance is far too variable? Unleashing Greatness addresses this paradox and concludes that, unless we focus unrelentingly on the quality of teaching in both our small and large-scale reform efforts, current practice will never meet society's expectations. Unleashing Greatness is a compilation of David Hopkins' writing into one concise manual to provide an eight-step strategy for unleashing greatness. Introducing a rational and conceptual framework for pedagogic improvement that has the potential for generating an increasingly specific language for teaching and learning, this book significantly aids consistency and precision in the quest for both excellence and equity for all students. Written for 'school improvement activists', particularly those who work in laboratory schools or who wish to emulate that ethos and way of working, the author himself has located his professional practice for over forty years, as well as this book, in the middle of that triangle bounded by the vertices of practice, research and policy.

There is a paradox at the heart of contemporary school improvement and system change in education. Why is it that despite the phenomenal increase in our recent knowledge about what works in schooling, standards still lag behind expectations and school level performance is far too variable? Unleashing Greatness addresses this paradox and concludes that, unless we focus unrelentingly on the quality of teaching in both our small and large-scale reform efforts, current practice will never meet society's expectations. Unleashing Greatness is a compilation of David Hopkins' writing into one concise manual to provide an eight-step strategy for unleashing greatness. Introducing a rational and conceptual framework for pedagogic improvement that has the potential for generating an increasingly specific language for teaching and learning, this book significantly aids consistency and precision in the quest for both excellence and equity for all students. Written for 'school improvement activists', particularly those who work in laboratory schools or who wish to emulate that ethos and way of working, the author himself has located his professional practice for over forty years, as well as this book, in the middle of that triangle bounded by the vertices of practice, research and policy.

Theoretical and practical exemplification of the education adviser's skills, knowledge and understanding in relation to school improvement. This is the second book in The Education Adviser series which fully aligns with the AoEA accreditation and focuses on school improvement, supporting the professional learning of education advisers. The education system has undergone significant change recently, giving education advisers a huge part to play, especially around school improvement. Divided into three parts – context and causality, building capacity, and collaborative school improvement – providing a thorough exploration of school improvement strategies. The range of contributions – from MAT leaders, headteachers, system leaders, key influencers and education advisers – showcases diverse perspectives and approaches and provides critically reflective opportunities. This book delves into the following topics and more: understanding a school’s improvement within a wider context, advising on curriculum, and pedagogy, supporting new head teachers in identifying priorities, building capacity to create and sustain an inclusive school culture, system-wide collaboration. Perfect for new or prospective education advisers, it will help school leaders fully understand the complexities of school improvement and how to apply this knowledge in practice.

This book explores the foundations of modern primary education and the role that society and culture has had in shaping it. Dismantling assumptions about what education has been or ‘should’ be, Tony Birch outlines what the core principles are that underpin high quality education to provide a holistic approach. Supporting leaders, practitioners and those studying primary education, this book: - Explains key issues in primary education and what drives them - Highlights the importance of pedagogy and leadership to enrich education - Builds on the existing frameworks in schools to encourage an holistic approach - Emphasises the importance of seeing the range of a child’s potential outside of academic expectations Understanding Primary Education as a Whole is an essential resource for leaders and those studying primary education who want to understand the changing nature of their schools, classrooms and children. “All of those leading primary education at whatever level can learn from Tony Birch’s analysis of history and competing influences on primary education. This book is systematic, comprehensive and thoughtful.” Dr. Alison Borthwick, UK and International Freelance Education and Mathematics Consultant “As well as being wise, this book is also engaging, accessible and essentially practical. Read it!” Professor Emeritus David Hopkins, www.profdavidhopkins.com “Tony reminds us of the complexity and challenge of primary education, the battles that have been fought around it and the changes in systems and practice that have occurred as a consequence.” Michael Tonge MA, Chief Executive Prestolee Multi Academy Trust, UK Tony Birch is Director of Birch Education and a Senior Associate of the Association of Education Advisers. He established Bolton Council's award-winning Curriculum ICT team, was Head of School Improvement and also Assistant Director responsible for Education and Learning.

Now, more than ever, it seems that the age of professional learning networks has well and truly arrived. The rise and proliferation of digital communication, coupled with the circumstances enforced during the pandemic experience, have led to a dynamic re-imagining of Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) – both in terms of what they are for and what they can achieve. Set against this context this book provides a stimulating insight into the current state of the art of professional learning networks and the transformative difference they are poised to make to our educational future. Drawing on a wealth of expertise, each chapter is written by leading thinkers and doers in the field, and covers a range of topics and emerging areas. These include: the professional learning vistas opened up through digital opportunities; how these networks have helped to enhance teachers’ identity and sense of well-being: the new sense of practitioner ownership and partnership now at the heart of PLNs; new openings for professionalization; how PLNs have become vehicles for radically different forms of professional development and learning; and what this all means for school leadership.

This important new book draws lessons from a large-scale initiative to bring about the improvement of an urban education system. Written from an insider perspective by an internationally recognized researcher, it presents a new way of thinking about system change. This builds on the idea that there are untapped resources within schools and the communities they serve that can be mobilized in order to transform schools from places that do well for some children so that they can do well for many more. Towards Self-improving School Systems presents a strategic framework that can help to foster new, more fruitful working relationships: between national and local government; within and between schools; and between schools and their local communities. What is distinctive in the approach is that this is mainly led from within schools, with senior staff having a central role as system leaders. The book will be relevant to a wide range of readers throughout the world who are concerned with the strengthening of their national educational systems, including teachers, school leaders, policy makers and researchers. The argument it presents is particularly important for the growing number of countries where increased emphasis on school autonomy, competition and choice is leading to fragmentation within education provision. Foreword by Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education, Boston College, USA

Are you ready to take your life and work to a new level of greatness? Do you need practical, step by step keys to help you tap into your personal greatness? Do you want keys to take your leadership and your organisation to greatness? Buhle Dlamini's proven keys to unleashing your greatness will guide you in how to: Stand out and Be Who You Be Live Your Values Courageously Pursue Excellence Unleash A Winning Attitude and Create Your Own Future This book is your guide to greatness!