A Head Full of Ethos

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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This is an important book! It is challenging and reassuring at the same time, and combines principles and practice to telling effect. Di-Finizio provides a compelling narrative that is rooted in successful leadership practice and in deep reflection. His focus on ethos is particularly valuable in supporting, as it does very well, a holistic approach that integrates strategies and principles and informs the day-to-day routines and the most important strategic challenges. The book is therefore a powerful model of leadership learning and development and will inform and influence learning across the school.A Head Full of Ethos will be a powerful resource for those entering school leadership and those in need of renewal and review.
John West-Burnham
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This excellent book offers something unique in the field: a guide to making a real difference as a school leader, by someone who has recent, lived experience of turning around and leading some of the most challenged schools in the country. Armando's writing is a real breath of fresh air to read: concise, honest, engaging, and skilfully combining ethos and driving values with practical advice from someone who really knows what they are talking about! This is one of the most powerful and readable leadership books I've seen in a long time. It should be on every NPQH reading list in the country, and is a must-read for all new and aspiring head teachers.
Pippa Whittaker
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Schools have always been complex organisations with a wide array of demands and needs. But our knowledge and understanding of educational and organisational processes means that there is a growing economy of 'solutions' and 'products' to help school leaders better meet those needs. However, in this honest and insightful account of school leadership over three decades working in challenging schools, Armando Di-Finizio demonstrates the importance of school ethos - the character and spirit of a school - to inform the decisions required to lead a successful school. A Head Full of Ethos will become essential reading for any established or aspiring head teacher. It complements the many 'toolkits' of school leadership that already exist by encouraging the