Honeyland Schools has long stood as the epitome of excellence in education, fostering a nurturing environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally. With a commitment to holistic learning and innovation, Honeyland Schools has continued to make significant strides, setting benchmarks in both teaching quality and student outcomes.
Today, we have the privilege of speaking with the School Administrator, Mr Akinleye Akingbemi, a visionary leader dedicated to shaping the next generation and upholding the values of Honeyland Schools. Through this conversation, we hope to uncover the heart of Honeyland’s success, explore the impactful programmes that set the school apart, and gain insight into the goals driving its future.
Let’s dive into this journey of educational excellence with the school administrator, as we uncover what makes Honeyland Schools an exceptional learning institution.
Could you tell us about Honeyland Schools’ journey so far and some of the key milestones the institution has achieved?
Honeyland Schools as an educational institution was established in 2003 although not with the name Honeyland. However, in 2006, when the secondary school was established, the current name was formed. The journey that started with a step has transcended into a household name. From inception till date, Honeyland Schools have undergone a tremendous transformation. We have achieved several significant milestones over the years. As at today, we have six branches in Lagos State; three primary schools and three secondary schools. We have campus in Ipaja, Command, Magodo, Agidingbi, as well as in Lekki. The institution offers both day and boarding facilities, providing a home away from home for students. Over the years, we have consistently graduated students with outstanding results in external examinations, excelling in both the Nigerian curriculum (WAEC & NECO) and the British curriculum (IGCSE). The transition from paper-based exams to Computer-Based Tests (CBT) has further prepared students for excellence in external examinations like JAMB, where some students have scored above 300 in recent years.
Honeyland students have also excelled in various competitions, such as the InterswitchSPAK competition, the Nigerian STEM Championship, Vocabulary Quiz competition organized by Ose Brain Quest Foundation, Ecobank National School Team Chess Competition Championship 2024, Nigeria Spelling Bee Competition, American Mathematics Competition, Les Enfants Music Awards and Competitions, National Inter-School Music and Academic Award just to mention but a few.
Honeyland School is known for its discipline and high moral standards, actively working to eliminate any form of bullying or indiscipline. The school takes pride in its fantastic alumni body, consisting of brilliant students who have excelled in higher institutions and beyond, with some graduating with first-class honors from prestigious universities both in Nigeria and abroad.
What distinguishes Honeyland Schools from other institutions in terms of academic excellence and overall student development?
The high moral values and discipline instilled in our students are what set Honeyland Schools apart from other institutions. We also ensure that our students are actively engaged in vocational training classes. These classes enhance their skills and teach them practical abilities, such as Ankara craft, perfumery, electrical work, animation, visual design, leatherwork, make-up, and gele tying. Furthermore, our students consistently and actively participate in community development projects.
Honeyland Schools is known for promoting holistic learning. Could you explain some of the unique programs or extracurricular activities that support this approach?
Honeyland Schools are renowned for extensive extracurricular activities, which play a crucial role in the holistic development of our students. Our students actively participate in various indoor games such as chess, scrabble, and monopoly, as well as outdoor sports including football, basketball, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, and dance.
Additionally, our school orchestra is highly acclaimed for its outstanding performances at events. It is rare for a student to pass through our school without engaging in these activities, which significantly contribute to their overall development.
How does Honeyland ensure that its curriculum remains competitive and aligned with global educational standards?
Honeyland Schools periodically reviews and updates its curriculum to incorporate the latest educational research, teaching methodologies, and technological advancements. In our school, we utilize the WOWBII Board, an electronic board that provides teachers with access to extensive teaching materials and methodologies. Additionally, we have integrated the use of E-notes for our students, allowing them to access their notes from anywhere, study ahead, and assimilate what they have been taught. This also provides ample time for class exercises, practical, and projects to engage the students.
We provide our staff members with ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure they stay current with best practices and innovative teaching techniques. The school is accredited by the Lagos State Government for the Nigerian curriculum and by the Cambridge International Examinations for the British curriculum we offer. Additionally, we implement a system of continuous assessment and improvement to monitor the effectiveness of the curriculum and make necessary adjustments as needed.
What are some of the innovations Honeyland has implemented in recent years to enhance the learning experience, especially with the rise of technology in education?
As previously mentioned, our students have access to the electronic interactive board in all their classrooms, providing both students and staff with extensive learning materials. Additionally, Honeyland Schools partner with IT companies that are internationally recognized to teach our learners on ICT. This partnership ensures that our students are equipped with the essential soft skills needed for the technology-driven world.
Could you share some success stories or notable achievements of your students that reflect Honeyland commitment to excellence?
We take immense pride in the remarkable achievements of our students, many of whom continue to be celebrated for their excellence across various fields. For instance, Shobande Fikunayomi distinguished himself by achieving an outstanding result of 9 A’s in the WAEC examinations, earning a prestigious scholarship to study abroad. Similarly, Oyeladun Erinayo excelled in her WAEC, securing a scholarship to pursue higher education in Canada. She is currently excelling academically, maintaining a First Class degree at her university. Her exceptional performance has been so remarkable that she has been granted the rare privilege of advancing directly to a doctoral program after her undergraduate studies, bypassing the master’s degree.
Additionally, several of our students have demonstrated exceptional creativity in the arts, producing innovative and outstanding designs. These works have been preserved and proudly displayed within the school premises as a testament to their talent and ingenuity. These achievements reflect the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students, underscoring the culture of excellence we nurture at our school.
In terms of teacher development, what steps does Honeyland take to ensure its staff remains motivated, well-trained, and inspired?
To foster continuous teacher’s development, we prioritize maintaining high levels of staff motivation through various initiatives. One such measure is the periodic review and adjustment of the salary structure to ensure competitive compensation. Additionally, at the end of each year, we host an annual awards ceremony and a get-together event. During this occasion, staff members who have demonstrated exceptional performance are recognized and rewarded with cash prizes and remarkable gifts.
Outstanding employees may also qualify for participation in the prestigious Director’s Initiative, a program offering substantial financial awards. Under this initiative, some staff members have received prizes ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of naira, with the awards structured to grow progressively over a five-year period. For staff members who have faithfully served the institution and are retiring or moving on for other purposes, we organize a heartfelt send-forth event and present them with special tokens of appreciation. Furthermore, a comprehensive pension program is in place to support staff as they approach retirement, ensuring their long-term security and motivation.
In terms of professional development, we actively register our teachers and managers for renowned training programs such as the Total School Support Seminar and Exhibition (TOSSE). TOSSE is an annual event in Nigeria that provides a dynamic platform for educators, school administrators, policymakers, and service providers to connect, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions aimed at enhancing educational quality. These programs are designed to groom teachers and managers to excel in their respective fields, distinguish themselves professionally, and stay informed about advancements and trends in the education sector. The insights gained from such trainings are expected to translate into improved teaching methodologies and enhanced approaches to managing and supporting learners effectively.
What role does Honeyland play in the larger community, and are there any outreach or partnership programmes you’d like to highlight?
Honeyland actively contributes to the broader community through various outreach initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to supporting and uplifting the less privileged. During our annual Christmas carols, we celebrate and extend goodwill by donating essential items such as food and clothing to those in need. Similarly, as part of their graduation activities, our Year 12 students, under the school’s guidance, engage in meaningful community outreach. They visit underserved communities to present various gifts, fostering a spirit of generosity, encouragement, and compassion.
Additionally, our boarding house students participate in community-oriented programs, such as the Paint Splash event organized by the Kayode Taiwo Zone in Magodo Phase II. These activities not only benefit the community but also instill in our students a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
How has Honeyland Schools adapted to challenges and what were the key lessons learnt?
Honeyland Schools fosters strong leadership that is flexible, innovative, and decisive in addressing challenges. We have consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt to obstacles by confronting them directly and proactively seeking effective solutions. To ensure a systematic approach, we have established a crisis management team tasked with assessing risks, developing actionable plans, and overseeing the implementation of proposed solutions.
We actively involve parents, students, teachers, and the wider community in decision-making processes to incorporate diverse perspectives and foster collective ownership. By maintaining open and transparent communication channels, we provide regular updates, solicit feedback, and build trust within our closely-knit community.
One key lesson we have embraced is that challenges are inevitable on the journey to excellence. However, they must not deter progress or weaken resolve. Instead, the focus must remain on overcoming these challenges to sustain and achieve continued success.
Looking forward, what are major goals or projects for the coming years to ensure Honeyland continues to grow and make an impact in education?
Honeyland Schools is on a journey of continuous growth and development, much like a child unfolding their potential, with a promising future that will be realized in due course. As part of our commitment to innovation, we plan to develop programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, entrepreneurship, and environmental science.
To ensure our educators remain at the forefront of modern pedagogy, we will organize regular workshops, seminars, and certification programs to equip them with advanced skills. Additionally, we aim to introduce programs that focus on leadership, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and teamwork, preparing our students to face future challenges with confidence and competence.
As the school continues to expand, we will invest in infrastructure development, including the construction of additional buildings, to accommodate more students and provide a conducive learning environment. Alongside academic excellence, we remain steadfast in our commitment to instilling strong morals and discipline in our students, ensuring we fulfill our vision of “attracting children from nations and returning them as leaders back to nations.”
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