Location – 17 BOSKEL ROAD, Umurolu, Elelenwa 500102, Rivers, Nigeria
Website – www.bloombreedschools.org
Contact – +234 703 904 7680
Introduction:
In my professional journey, I have learnt essential lessons and developed new interests that have formed the basis for my career growth. My path into school leadership began as an unconventional one, shaped by my pursuit of passion and the desire to make a meaningful impact. From aspirations of becoming a doctor in university which I quickly discovered wasn’t my path , to navigating the fields of economics and corporate banking which I wasn’t fully convinced was my calling, my journey ultimately led me to several roles in Human Resources. While pursuing a career in Human resources, my commitment to building relationships, strategic planning, and creating positive transformations guided me through diverse sectors, including renowned organizations like McKinsey & Company, Oando PLC, Deloitte, and Heirs Holding Oil & Gas. Looking back on my decisions and experiences, it’s rewarding to see how they’ve come together, preparing and guiding me for the exciting journey into educational leadership.
Embracing the Opportunity in Education Leadership:
Transitioning into education leadership has been a rewarding experience, offering me an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute positively to the school environment. Bloombreed Schools, situated in the heart of Port Harcourt, has become a beacon of academic excellence, providing a comprehensive educational journey from the early years to high school for more than 25 years.
About Bloombreed Schools:
Bloombreed Schools is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. We offer a comprehensive educational journey from creche to high school to a diverse student population of 800+ in an inclusive learning environment. From the early formative years in our creche and preparatory stages to the primary stages, and ultimately the high school curriculum, Bloombreed Schools is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are academically proficient, socially adept, and globally aware.
For us at Bloombreed, we pride ourselves on our unique blend of British and Nigerian curricula. This synthesis ensures that our students receive a holistic education that combines the best of both worlds, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of their cultural heritage. Our dedicated educators are not only experts in their fields but also passionate mentors who guide students through this educational journey, instilling a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
The Bloombreed experience extends beyond the classroom, with both boarding and day campuses designed to cater to the diverse needs of our students. Our boarding facilities provide a secure and supportive environment, fostering camaraderie and a sense of community among students. In addition to academic pursuits, our emphasis on extra-curricular activities encourages students to explore their talents and passions. From sports and arts to leadership programs, our students have the opportunity to develop a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond academic achievements.
Participation in key competitions and extracurricular activities is a testament to Bloombreed’s commitment to excellence. Our students consistently excel in various national and global competitions such as ConradChallenge, Accelium Mind competition, IT WhizKid, Mathematics Olympiad, MangaHigh World Mathematics competition. They also participate in several sports competitions, educational foreign excursions, Duke of Edinburgh award, work experience in top companies, community service and many more. These are some of the activities showcasing their talents and the effectiveness of our holistic approach to education. These accomplishments underscore Bloombreed Schools’ dedication to providing a world-class education that prepares students not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities of the globalized world.
Tech-Driven Education at Bloombreed Schools:
At Bloombreed Schools, our commitment to revolutionary education is reflected in our tech-driven approach. In every classroom, we leverage Wowbii interactive boards, smartboards, and projectors to create a dynamic learning environment. The 1:1 student-chromebook ratio ensures that each student has access to personalized learning experiences, preparing them for a tech-driven future. As the only Google Reference school in Nigeria, we have ushered in a transformative era by extensively using Chromebooks, providing seamless access to Google’s suite of tools and resources.
The integration of technology into our curriculum goes beyond hardware. We focus on teaching in-demand tech skills such as coding and robotics, turning students from mere consumers into creators of knowledge. The Wowbii boards empower teachers to deliver visually stimulating lessons, while smartboards and projectors enhance the overall audio-visual experience, making complex concepts more accessible and stimulating curiosity.
The Role of Tech Coaches:
Our commitment to technology is further solidified by an elite team of Tech Coaches—a group of highly-trained educators dedicated to researching innovative trends in educational technology. Their discoveries and recommendations serve as a crucial component of our tech-driven curriculum delivery. This elite team is just a small unit of a larger body of highly-trained techy educators. Currently, all our educators are Google-certified, and we boast a 90% score rate of Microsoft-certified educators, ensuring that both students and teachers stay at the forefront of digital education.
In essence, our tech-driven approach transforms the classroom into a dynamic hub of exploration, where students are not just consumers but creators of knowledge. We believe that by embracing technology in education, we are equipping our students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Contributions to Institutional Development:
One of my greatest contributions to Bloombreed Schools has been the installation of structure, creativity, and data analysis into all our operations. By fostering innovation and embracing diverse perspectives, we have overhauled and automated processes, defined clear value propositions for sports and extracurricular activities, enhanced staff welfare programs, and implemented new guides for all programs. The positive shift in the overall school culture and the alignment of the school’s vision are testaments to the impact of these changes, made possible with the steadfast support of the leadership team.
Challenges and Resolution Strategies:
In the evolving landscape of education, challenges often revolve around resistance to structure and change. However, by maintaining composure, documenting overall goals, seeking expert advice, and involving key leaders in decision-making processes, these challenges become opportunities for growth for staff and the school. In developing strategic solutions to change, it’s also important to prioritize adaptability and flexibility because this ensures a proactive and quick response to other evolving circumstances that can drive continuous improvement.
Motivation and Professional Goals:
My motivation lies in problem-solving—the construction of blueprints and successful resolution of challenges. Every problem, as a past CEO insightfully mentioned, has an expiry date, and this perspective empowers me to believe in finding solutions. Looking ahead, my professional goals for the next 5 to 10 years include assuming a central role in driving educational reforms in Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on implications for public institutions. Expanding Bloombreed’s influence and actively contributing to education reforms are integral to my aspirations.
Influence and Legacy:
The commitment to education is deeply rooted in memories of my late mother- Olufunke Sunmonu who founded Bloombreed Schools. She entrusted me with the responsibility to continue her legacy in the expansion of Bloombreed Schools and addressing challenges within schools. Additionally, serving on the Board for Teach for Nigeria has significantly influenced my journey toward becoming an educator, allowing me to contribute to education reforms within the public sector.
A Message to Students Universally:
As students face diverse circumstances that can either propel or hinder their education, the evolving landscape of technology presents an opportunity to establish an equitable educational platform. We can guide students toward unlocking their maximum capabilities by rejecting labels and working together to provide suitable resources. Every child, irrespective of their economic background, has the potential to thrive and it’s crucial to ensure they continue believing in their capabilities to fulfill their dreams.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of transformative leadership in education, the journey at Bloombreed Schools reflects a commitment to innovation, technology, and positive impact. By embracing a tech-driven approach, fostering institutional development, and staying motivated in the face of challenges, we aim to prepare students not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world. As we look ahead, the next chapter holds the promise of driving educational reforms and being a catalyst for positive change on both national and global scales.