Bees & Chickens

When a swarm of bees descended on our school, some of the teachers’ first reactions was concern. Some were afraid that we would need to close the school. One thing stood out for us – how calm the pupils were – and also how fascinated. A Beekeeper was called in to collect our uninvited swarm. We were sufficiently intrigued by the children's calm reaction to arrange for a group of staff to join up for a beekeeping course. A year later, the school got its own Beehive. In April 2009, the school got its very own beehive, which was officially opened by Nick Raynsford MP. Links to Beekeeping have been incorporated into Charlton Manor's curriculum and behaviour support programmes.

One unexpected benefit has been the effect the bees have had on pupil behaviour. The presence of bees has had a positive impact on harder to reach pupils. Pupils who were regular visitors to the school's behavioural support area have discovered that they excel at the practical side of beekeeping: caring for the bees at the weekly club, making the wooden frames that go into the hive, and dismantling the hive to access the honey. They feel motivated to attend and look forward to working with the bees. So many pupils are interested in beekeeping and it has been useful to have a wide range of pupils from different backgrounds taking part each term. Some people worry about the effects of stings. People can get over-excited about bee stings, which are rare. It is always important to a clear procedure and risk assessment in place. We are supported and insured as members of the British beekeeping association.

Mr. Turner-Wing, who runs the weekly Bee Club said: “We have recently moved our three beehives, it was important to consult an expert about where to put the beehives. Bees follow flight paths, and we wanted to avoid establishing them where they might regularly cross the school playground. I have had so many children wanting to take part in Bee Club each term that we had to arrange a bigger space to allow more of them into the club! Surprisingly, having beehives on site doesn't mean that there will be more bees around. Bees forage 2-3 km from their hive – and not usually within 100m of it.”