Since the powers that be have announced yet another delay to the new Curriculum, we are faced with another wait, and the frustration is palpable. But it is at times such as this that we are reminded of the importance of strong leadership and shared vision in our schools, to keep things afloat when the seas are rough and the skies are looking foggy. I for one hope that our Education Secretary will be reading Debra Massey’s book Leading the Sustainable School over his morning coffee in Whitehall. The story of Howe Dell’s journey from failing to fantastic does make you wonder how it could ever be in any doubt that real change comes from those working in the schools themselves. Howe Dell’s relevance comes not only from its Education for Sustainable Development curriculum as the government pledges to make this the ‘greenest government ever’, but also because it serves as an example of a flourishing modern school whose success has grown from a shared vision and belief in multi-agency working, where Heads facilitate the skills and talents of their staff, and leaders can be found at every level.
Complete with companion website, Leading the Sustainable School is both a source of inspiration and practical guidance for sowing the seeds of change and growing leadership from within, and its lessons will be enduring whatever the future might bring…
Rosie Pattinson
Editorial Assistant
