A Buzz of Excitement at Selwyn Hall School
Selwyn Hall School was recently ‘buzzing with excitement’ when we welcomed two local beekeepers and bee enthusiasts, Mr and Mrs Gibson, into school for a very special hands-on learning experience.
They brought their bees along with them, giving pupils the fantastic opportunity to get up close to these fascinating insects and learn more about their important role in our environment.
The bees arrived safely nestled inside their hive, which had a special glass viewing panel. This meant that pupils could watch the bees at work without disturbing them or putting themselves at risk. There was plenty of excitement as everyone gathered around to see the busy colony moving around inside the hive.
Mr and Mrs Gibson explained what is involved in looking after a colony of bees and the responsibilities that come with being a beekeeper. Pupils learnt about how beekeepers make sure their bees have everything they need, while also checking that the colony remains healthy and well cared for. They explained that keeping bees requires patience, care and a good understanding of the insects and their behaviour.
The pupils were fascinated to discover how honey is made, from bees collecting nectar from flowers to the incredible process that takes place inside the hive. They also learnt about the different roles within the colony and how each bee has an important job to do. From the worker bees who collect nectar and pollen, to the queen bee at the heart of the colony.
There was also an opportunity to see the delicious fruits of the bees’ labours! Mr and Mrs Gibson brought in pots of honey for the children to look at, helping them to understand how the honey they see in shops is produced. The honey certainly proved popular, with staff members even taking some pots home to enjoy!
One of the highlights of the visit was the chance for pupils and staff to dress up in full beekeeper outfits. The protective suits, veils and hats certainly made everyone look the part! Some pupils found the experience rather amusing and commented that wearing the outfits made them feel more like ‘astronauts’ than beekeepers.
The visit was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to learn outside the classroom and experience something they may not normally get the chance to see. It brought science and nature together in a fun and memorable way, while helping everyone to understand just how important bees are to our world.
A huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Gibson for bringing their bees into our school, sharing their knowledge and answering all of our questions. We certainly learnt a lot – and it is safe to say that Selwyn Hall School has developed a new appreciation for our hardworking, honey-making friends!
