It's reflection time; what have I learned and do staff and students really believe in Bloomsbury's purpose?
Monday: The day started with the DCEO explaining that his main concern was ensuring that I loved coming to work every day! Followed by a hilarious half-hour chat with Cal and Barra, whilst discovering the delights of Bloomsbury Radio: a community station packed full of programs that are student and community focused and led. The pair interviewed The Mayor of London in Trafalgar Square on Sunday as they broadcast live for St Patrick’s Day.
Cal, Henry and Lydia took me out for lunch at Istanbul where we discussed brand development over the most amazing Baklava I have ever tasted. I then spent the afternoon getting to know my warm and welcoming team, including Andrea (as pictured) who is working part-time with us whilst she completes her law degree. Andrea is also a weekly host of Bloomsbury Breakfast, an active member of the Student Guild, and a grandmother – I can't figure out how she fits it all in.
Tuesday: With a head jam-packed full of ‘stuff', today I learned all about Bloomsbury’s many employability projects, including The Law Clinic, a legal advisory service provided to the public for free, allowing students to learn practical, real-life skills under the watchful eye of a registered legal practitioner. The Clinic is truly central to the curriculum and contributes significantly to the well-rounded, legal professionals Bloomsbury produces.
Wednesday: As the festivities of International Women’s Day commenced, this offered a perfect time to meet students and staff celebrating together in the Student Guild. A presentation from the Finance Director, Shabnan, who grew up in apartheid South Africa, was received so warmly – who knew a Finance Director could be so popular? I also found out that 50% of both the Bloomsbury board and the SLT are women. Go Bloomsbury!
Meeting Sarah, the Director of SEWS (all things student support) was a delight, a pure ball of passion, energy and information. The Success Champions keep students on track, monitoring attendance and intervening where necessary, holding their hands every step of the way. Sarah is a passionate advocate of coaching and mentoring (and incredibly qualified!) – introducing Peer Assisted Learning and Peer Mentoring to the organisation.
Thursday: I attended a Law lecture on Housing Law with Ian, where I learned about Section 21: Terminating a Tenancy. The students welcomed me kindly, telling me why they chose Bloomsbury and the support they have received, a special mention for Mahrukh who was particularly impressed with the unique assessment tool that assesses your potential rather than your previous qualifications, allowing her access to her dream course which would otherwise have been denied.
Friday: Taking a delightful walk-through Bloomsbury, which absolutely is the education quarter of London, I had lunch at Birkbeck with Cal, sharing ideas and partnerships both present and future. I also discovered many of the student success stories at Bloomsbury, including stories of vulnerable young people engaged in some of the institute's civic engagement projects who have been awarded scholarships to study here. I think they call that ….’putting your money where your mouth is!’
I have found a diverse bunch of staff and students who are kind-hearted, pioneering, welcoming, and progressive, celebrating differences whilst encouraging and coaching each other to be better versions of themselves. Bloomsbury actively targets students and staff who believe in contributing to the public good, and people who want to make a positive change to themselves and the world around them.
So far, their purpose is loud and clear…….. #BreakingDownBarriersTogether.
Here’s to another week of discovery!
