High Performers: Secrets of Successful Schools - Tapa blanda

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

Alistair Smith visited 20 of the top performing state schools to ask the question, 'what makes them successful?' He asked the same questions in each school and in High Performers he shares the findings. The book will appeal to school leaders and classroom practitioners. It gives sound evidence based guidance on what some of the best 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 High Performers is a practical 'how to' guide, packed with tips and drawing on original research.