A Head Full of Ethos (A holistic guide to developing and sustaining a positive school culture)

Written by Armando Di-Finizio, A Head Full of Ethos: A holistic guide to developing and sustaining a positive school culture is a head teacher's insightful account of how to go about developing a shared vision and blending it into a school's culture and day-to-day running.When one or more aspects of a school's running or curriculum breaks down, all too often the leadership team will jump from one idea to another in a bid to remedy the problem. This, however, can lead to blurred vision and possible confusion. Leaders may then wonder why the remedies aren't working and are likely to scramble for more, hopefully better, ideas.Armando Di-Finizio, however, believes that the key to success lies in the school's ethos and in the daily manifestation of its underpinning principles.In A Head Full of Ethos, Armando weaves his experiences and the lessons he's learned from three decades of successful school leadership into an engaging illustration of the principles which have supported him in his varied settings. In so doing, he explores the key elements that contribute to nurturing a positive school ethos and cultivating a healthy teaching and learning environment.The book examines the many interconnected cogs of a sustainable ethos - an ethos which will become the driving force in inspiring the school's students to flourish and its staff to grow professionally. In turn, it empowers school leaders at all levels with the means to take more ownership of what they do, and imbues them with more courage in relation to their convictions and decision-making.Suitable for middle and senior leaders in all school settings.;

A head teacher's insightful account of how to go about developing a shared vision and blending it into a school's culture and day-to-day running.

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I first worked with Armando more than 30 years ago in a tough London school. It was obvious even back then that he had the ability to create an ordered, purposeful, caring classroom environment, while also looking out for colleagues down the corridor: just the kind of teacher everyone wants nearby.Armando has always believed that the best solutions are the simple ones, and this outlook is evident throughout the book. A Head Full of Ethos is not just for senior leaders but also for those heading up their first team or even those considering a career in teaching.Current educational challenges are complex and demanding, but this book illustrates that success can be achieved when there is a clear vision and leaders take time to build relationships and listen. This is a book that we should keep coming back to. I know I will.

Jacky Kennedy

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In Armando's sinuous reflection on his three decades of experience in leadership, he re-examines his approaches that help shape a school's ethos. Each chapter is packed with insightful and entertaining anecdotes and reflective questions which give the SLT member, head of department and emerging leader ample opportunity to reflect. A Head Full of Ethos discerns the individuality of every school and its vision and is punctuated by supporting literature and influential sources yet acknowledges the limitations of following research blindly without considering one's context. Ultimately, it is an energetic and valuable perspective that sheds light on leadership, fostering ethos and direction in a team, maintaining positive relationships and creating a sense of belonging in the community.

Georgina Saunders

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A Head Full of Ethos is different to other education publications. It is highly accessible, hugely relevant, an easy read and a compelling experience for any teacher, subject leader, pastoral leader, senior leader or head teacher, all of whom would find it a useful guidebook to explore the many experiences which can happen at any time in any school. As well as addressing the routine activities which impact on the lives of school leaders, most critically it focuses on the lives of those they lead. Written with a focus on the