"[Farr] has certainly shown her talent here as the teller of a good story … part memoir, part love letter to the mad, wonderful world of schools and school leadership, Farr brings to life her own experiences and interweaves them with wider reflections upon education in the UK today… a warm and witty book." —Times Educational Supplement
"In this topical and moving book Clarissa Farr bridges the gap between a traditional education and the 21st century internet revolution...Clarissa looks at the importance of school, community and education … And somehow manages to guide us towards thinking about helping our girls find an existential resilience. With the onslaught of increased mental illness and a rapidly changing and challenged world they are going to need it" —Julie Lynn-Evans, author of What About the Children
"This is a crucial book of the moment: the best informed education insider laying out how schools should work." —David Bodanis, author of E=mc2
What is school for and why does it matter?
What contributes to the success of women? How can we inspire
confidence, and nurture excellence in children – girls especially – that
will equip them for adult life?
Drawing on her time as high mistress of St Paul’s Girls’ School, one
of the most successful schools of the country, Clarissa reflects on her
experience of working as a key figure in the UK’s education system. From
the pressures of the staff room and results day, to the isolation of
leading as a headmistress, The Making of Her helps us understand the real challenges facing children and educators in the UK, but also points to what needs to change.
Making the case for agile, flexible leadership, Clarissa highlights
the importance of giving others space to take the limelight and grow in
confidence. Finding the balance between structure and spontaneity
enables children and teachers alike to grow and flourish in their own
way. Most importantly, all children need the expertise of teachers to
mentor, coach, guide and encourage them, regardless of their background.