Bee Keeping & Conservation
At Sir John Moore C.E. Primary School, we are passionate about protecting the environment and teaching our pupils the value of sustainability. Our Bee Keeping and Conservation Programme, delivered by Dave the Bee Farmer is a cornerstone of this commitment, combining hands-on learning, enterprise, and community engagement to foster knowledge, responsibility, and a love for nature.
The SJM Bee Programme: Learning and Growing Together
Our Bee Programme offers a unique and integrated approach to learning. Pupils in KS2 engage in a variety of activities that connect science, geography, enterprise, and core subjects. Here’s what the programme involves:
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Discovering the World of Bees
- Pupils begin by studying insects, ecosystems, and the life cycle of honeybees.
- They explore the crucial role of bees in pollination and maintaining biodiversity, aligning with our geography and science curriculum.
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Building Bee Hives
- Using STEM skills, pupils construct bee hives from kits, learning practical skills such as measuring, desihning, building and painting.
- Each year group designs and decorates their hive, fostering creativity and teamwork.
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The Business of Bees
- Pupils develop enterprise skills by designing labels, setting prices, and selling the honey produced by our bees.
- This project teaches pupils about marketing, budgeting, and entrepreneurship, while also integrating literacy and numeracy skills.
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Writing About Bees
- As part of their writing unit, pupils create persuasive advertisements, descriptive texts, and stories centered around bees.
- This literacy work not only develops their writing skills but also deepens their understanding of conservation and sustainability.
- This writing unit is linked to a Geography unit about Bees and Conservation
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Sustainability and Conservation
- Through their work, pupils learn about the importance of conservation and how their actions can make a difference.
- They take pride in contributing to our school’s mission to care for the environment.
How It Fits Into the Curriculum
The Bee Programme seamlessly integrates into multiple areas of the curriculum, including:
- STEM: Building hives and learning about bee biology supports science, technology, and engineering skills.
- Geography: Pupils study ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability.
- Literacy: Writing about bees enhances creative, persuasive, and descriptive writing skills.
- Enterprise: Selling honey provides real-world experience in marketing and finance.
- Art and Design: Painting hives and creating labels promote creativity.
Impact and Achievements
- Community Engagement: Pupils share their learning and honey products with parents and the wider community during school events.
- Skill Development: The programme nurtures teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Environmental Awareness: Pupils gain a lifelong appreciation for nature and the importance of sustainability.
Join Us on the Journey
Our Bee Keeping and Conservation Programme is a part of the SJM Cultural Backpack, ensuring every child experiences meaningful and enriching opportunities during their time at our school.
We invite parents, carers, and the community to support this initiative by attending events, purchasing honey, and learning about the vital role bees play in our world.
Together, we are Climbing to New Heights by protecting our environment, fostering sustainability, and empowering the next generation of eco-leaders.
Click here for an overview off the sessions
Click here to learn more about Dave the Bee Farmer