The Fourth Way: The Inspiring Future for Educational Change by Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley.
It was inspiring to hear Andy Hargreaves speak at this year’s national conference of heads’ union the NAHT. If his vision of a fourth way becomes a reality, it will be a significant move forward. This is a very accessible book with a vision of hope, which suggests educators take the agenda, keep what’s good from the past and shape the future. It is a book that suggests it is time to trust the profession so schools make greater progress. Hargreaves suggests that innovation, creativity, risk-taking and enthusiasm for learning will lead to higher standards. I can’t wait.
Kevin Baskill is head of Christchurch Primary School in Ilford, Essex.