At Belsay Primary School, beekeeping is a year-round experience that brings nature, science, and sustainability to life for our students.

With two active hives on-site and plans to expand, the school is home to a thriving bee community, carefully looked after by the in-house bee expert, Mr Atkinson. From wearing beekeeping suits to examining hives up close, students across all year groups have the opportunity to engage directly with the world of bees as part of their learning journey.

Throughout the year, classes take turns visiting the hives, exploring the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. From understanding pollination and plant life cycles to learning about different types of bees and their behaviours, pupils are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions and reflect on the natural world around them. Students develop an appreciation not only for bees themselves, but also for the skills and knowledge involved in responsible beekeeping.

This immersive and hands-on experience connects different parts of our curriculum, including art, geography, science and design technology. Last term, children got to taste Belsay’s very own honey, create artwork inspired by their experiences, and hear from guest beekeepers such as Jilly and Rich from Tresco, who shared how beekeeping works on their island.

As one of the final steps for Year 6, the students take part in a Beekeepers Workshop. It is a moment for reflection, collaboration and celebration for the work that has gone into the beekeeping over the student’s time at Belsay. 

Beekeeping at Belsay is an experience that grows with our pupils, year after year. With the support of our dedicated staff and the generous donations from the PTA and parents, we are proud to be able to offer such unique and valuable learning opportunities to our students.