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Review
I have never read a school improvement book like this. Almost every page has some small vivid, persuasive and compelling example of good practice drawn from the classroom or the department or the senior leadership team itself. Every one is authentic, as it would be with Alistair Smith as author. Generations of teachers and school leaders have known him as an inspirational speaker and work-shop leader. Here he shows an enviable skill as a writer. It is written at a time when money is going to be tight but ideally every teacher should have their own copy. Even in such straightened times a copy for each newly qualified teacher and freshly appointed Heads of department or subject leader would be money well spent by all schools. The beauty of this book is that it brings within your certain grasp what appeared just out of your professional reach. --Sir Tim Brighouse Visiting Professor at Institute of Education
With characteristic wisdom and clarity, Alistair Smith peels back the layers of some of the country's top-performing schools. What he reveals isn't some slick replicable formula, but there are some overpowering messages of what works - relentless sureness of purpose, the ability to say no, intolerance of mediocrity and endless optimism. Smith illuminates the schools he peers into with wit and humanity. This is no exercise in cheap praise or hagiography: he describes what he sees, what he's disappointed in or surprised by as well as what he admires. That's what makes the book such an illuminating, personable read. We look through the eyes of one of education's undoubted masters and find ourselves nourished and enriched by the account of what he sees. As a result, the seemingly impossible becomes tangibly more possible: without league table tricks or curricular sleights of hand, we could all make our schools like these. `High Performers; is a compelling read. It's strongly recommended for current and would-be school leaders, and also for our political masters who would benefit from this sharp-eyed, astringent and endlessly uplifting insight into what great schools do, day in, day out. --Geoff Barton, Headteacher, King Edward VI School
Building success is a personal as well as professional challenge. Alistair Smith manages to get up close and personal in delving into the professional journeys of some successful schools. He goes past the formulaic approaches, the templates for action and sets out a series of challenges for school leaders and their teams to ask themselves. The touchstone is a set of schools which are recognised as successful; most importantly by the pupils within them. Because the book is not formulaic, it is one to dip into as a means of exploring your own school. Every section of the book bristles with the sort of reflection that touches nerves while at the same time offering balm. The balm is the management suggestions that prompt a we could do that outlook. The suggestions promote incisive, swift, modern and demanding but enjoyable approaches to leadership. Alistair Smith leaves the reader professionally aware and personally motivated. Leadership can make a massive difference and young peoples lives benefit when it does. --Mick Waters, Professor of Education at Wolverhampton University, President of the Curriculum Foundation
With characteristic wisdom and clarity, Alistair Smith peels back the layers of some of the country's top-performing schools. What he reveals isn't some slick replicable formula, but there are some overpowering messages of what works - relentless sureness of purpose, the ability to say no, intolerance of mediocrity and endless optimism. Smith illuminates the schools he peers into with wit and humanity. This is no exercise in cheap praise or hagiography: he describes what he sees, what he's disappointed in or surprised by as well as what he admires. That's what makes the book such an illuminating, personable read. We look through the eyes of one of education's undoubted masters and find ourselves nourished and enriched by the account of what he sees. As a result, the seemingly impossible becomes tangibly more possible: without league table tricks or curricular sleights of hand, we could all make our schools like these. `High Performers; is a compelling read. It's strongly recommended for current and would-be school leaders, and also for our political masters who would benefit from this sharp-eyed, astringent and endlessly uplifting insight into what great schools do, day in, day out. --Geoff Barton, Headteacher, King Edward VI School
Building success is a personal as well as professional challenge. Alistair Smith manages to get up close and personal in delving into the professional journeys of some successful schools. He goes past the formulaic approaches, the templates for action and sets out a series of challenges for school leaders and their teams to ask themselves. The touchstone is a set of schools which are recognised as successful; most importantly by the pupils within them. Because the book is not formulaic, it is one to dip into as a means of exploring your own school. Every section of the book bristles with the sort of reflection that touches nerves while at the same time offering balm. The balm is the management suggestions that prompt a we could do that outlook. The suggestions promote incisive, swift, modern and demanding but enjoyable approaches to leadership. Alistair Smith leaves the reader professionally aware and personally motivated. Leadership can make a massive difference and young peoples lives benefit when it does. --Mick Waters, Professor of Education at Wolverhampton University, President of the Curriculum Foundation
Product Description
What makes twenty of the top performing state schools so successful? Alistair Smith visited them to find out. He asked the same questions in each school and in this book he shares his findings with us. High Performers is a practical how to guide, packed with tips and drawing on original research. For school leaders and classroom practitioners, it gives sound evidence-based guidance on what some of the best schools have done to succeed on the learning journey. It focuses on: Core purpose; Student outcomes; Learner engagement; Classroom teaching; Roles and responsibilities; Professional development; Managing data; The school as a community. High Performers is short-listed in the Education Resources Awards 2012 - Secondary non ICT category.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a great book for anybody who works in a school, but especially senior teachers and leaders. It is an easy read, can pick it up and dip into it as well as read from cover to cover.
My only criticism is that it is aimed at secondary schools, which I didnt pick up from the blurb or the info on Amazon. As a leader in a primary school, there are many aspects that are relevant, but there is also a focus on examinations which doesnt apply.
It would be really good to have the same book where the research is conducted in primary.
My only criticism is that it is aimed at secondary schools, which I didnt pick up from the blurb or the info on Amazon. As a leader in a primary school, there are many aspects that are relevant, but there is also a focus on examinations which doesnt apply.
It would be really good to have the same book where the research is conducted in primary.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Just returned from a seminar at the TES resources show north, and am pleased to report that Sue Marks, Head of Withington Girls' School in Manchester, recommended this book that I myself had read and rated highly.
Perhaps it's because Smith is reinforcing my own beliefs i.e. it takes five to seven years to really turn a school around, so quick fixes can take attention from what really matters; the best leaders say no to bandwagons and new ideas; the best leaders focus on behaviour for quick fixes and slow and steady for putting in place what will really benefit the children (not always the magic 5 A*-C grades; the best leaders use robust data tracking systems, but make them simple and effective to use to improve outcomes; the best leaders build a safe environment with strong school values.
It's an easy read, and offers plenty of examples of good leadership, good management and good teaching - and I was really pleased to have my opinion of the book endorsed by Ms Marks, Head of a spectacularly successful independent school.
If you are a Level 5 leader, whose strengths are humility and a relentless focus on (and optimism about) your core educational values, this is a good book for you.
Perhaps it's because Smith is reinforcing my own beliefs i.e. it takes five to seven years to really turn a school around, so quick fixes can take attention from what really matters; the best leaders say no to bandwagons and new ideas; the best leaders focus on behaviour for quick fixes and slow and steady for putting in place what will really benefit the children (not always the magic 5 A*-C grades; the best leaders use robust data tracking systems, but make them simple and effective to use to improve outcomes; the best leaders build a safe environment with strong school values.
It's an easy read, and offers plenty of examples of good leadership, good management and good teaching - and I was really pleased to have my opinion of the book endorsed by Ms Marks, Head of a spectacularly successful independent school.
If you are a Level 5 leader, whose strengths are humility and a relentless focus on (and optimism about) your core educational values, this is a good book for you.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a useful summary of the basic characteristics of the successful school.There is a realistic portrayal of many different types of schools and contains the clear message that there are are different routes to success, while maintaining the need for core values. It is valuable not only for the aspiring headteacher,but also for middle management personnel and teachers who want to analyse elements of their school/organisation.
While it refers to 'secrets', the advice given can sometimes be obvious, but this is a plus insofar as the obvious is often overlooked.
As a thoroughly practical guide I enjoyed seeing what I thought I had done successfully(but not always!)over 40 years!
While it refers to 'secrets', the advice given can sometimes be obvious, but this is a plus insofar as the obvious is often overlooked.
As a thoroughly practical guide I enjoyed seeing what I thought I had done successfully(but not always!)over 40 years!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Lots of goods stuff out there
This book is a must to read for anyone in education. It is full of so many good things that are happening in schools across the cournty. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Busy reader
Not rocket science, but all the better for it!
This book came as a recommended read, and it was refreshing, having taken up that recommendation, to find real, practical insightful advice about improving a school. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Lizzie G
An inspirational handbook for school leadership
This is essential reading for anyone in secondary school leadership (probably pretty good for primary as well but it's secondary based). Read more
Published 9 months ago by benthecat
Educational leadership
One of the best books on educational leadership that I have read. Full of useful tips and suggestions from case studies of some of the best schools in the UK. Highly recommended.
Published 9 months ago by Oldmead
Everyone in education should read this!
Alistair Smith has produced a book which simply tells of what it is to be an outstanding school. Helpful tips and practiced methods for all in school, not just those in Senior... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Byrnzie
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