Handsworth Revolution

View other editions of Handsworth Revolution.
View books by Sir David Winkley.

Handsworth Revolution - Rated
I have just finished reading a quite remarkable book. It tells the story of children living, growing and learning in a challenged area of Birmingham. The author is Sir David Winkley, former Head Teacher of Grove Primary School, once described in the media as ‘the best school in Britain’, following public approbation by Tony Blair.

The story is told as an epic adventure. Children leap from the page, brandishing their individual problems, talents, needs and drives! Teachers roam backwards and forwards across the text in their restless search for the holy grail of achievement, with varying degrees of charisma, endurance, resilience and creativity.

Past, present and future observations enliven the action and you will find yourself laughing, crying and haemorrhaging internally as you reel from experiences with teachers and learners at the cutting edge of innovation and endeavour.

Shadows of the large national and local bureaucracies loom over the lives of the actors, as prevailing winds of change turn into periodic tornados during a period of accelerating educational change.

You are reminded that no amount of top-down imposition of targets and deadlines can substitute for the sheer alchemy of transformational learning. Nor can schools compensate entirely for severe social and educational disadvantage.

Balancing vivid tales of mischief and magic, villainy and triumph are conversations between the Head and a stream of HMIs, psychologists, advisers, inspectors, students past and present, local and national government officials and parents trying to raise their children in a crazy world!

You are left with a dramatic sensation that the two decades of transformation described have provided a breathless learning experience for the author, whose thoughtful reflections are a rich source of wisdom on how the children’s lives are affected by school, neighbourhood, context and forces at large in the wider society.

This is a tale well told, a truly extraordinary odyssey which will energise, enlighten and touch the heart.

Great fun and very impressive - Rated
As a teacher myself I was hugely impressed by David Winkley's book. The story of his time as a head of an inner-city primary school is by turns moving, comic and tragic. Almost entirely anecdotal and written in a light, engaging style, this book is an essential read for anyone who has been involved in education and will even appeal to those who have not. Highly recommended.