Bees in and out of the Curriculum

This initiative supported by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) works through beekeepers passing on an appreciation of bees and beekeeping to
the next generation.

Beekeeper lecturing children
How does it work locally?

In High Wycombe, association members have visited local schools for many years to talk to the children. The talks are illustrated with pictures and models: the children get the opportunity to handle beeswax, taste honey and look at the beekeepers equipment.



Children holding bee frames
Also the association supports two observation hives so that children can see real bees at work. One is portable and is taken to schools and shows etc .
The other is a fixture in the Environment Centre situated on the Car park on the Rye, where it is the focus of a small display about the different sorts of bees that are seen in our gardens and the countryside.


Showing children Observation Hive
Until recently our involvement has been mainly with First and Middle schools but we are keen to have input at Secondary level both to enhance the existing academic curriculum and in extra curricular activities. Two schools in Buckinghamshire are hoping to start up beekeeping groups in 2007.

Beekeeper with Children at Hive

Do you want to know more ?

Visit the Bees4kids website which was written to support the Bees in the Curriculum (BitC) schools pack. http://www.bbka.org.uk/bees4kids/index.html


Bees in the curriculum folder
The BBKA schools pack ‘Bees in the Curriculum’ was compiled by one of our members and has been used in schools throughout the country. It is a comprehensive resource pack prepared for teachers to help them use bee related topics within the framework of the National Curriculum. Whilst it was initially made to tie in with the Key Stage 1 and 2 requirements the basic information and even many work sheets are suitable for KS3 and even KS4.


Beekeeper with Children
• If your school would like to know more about a visit from a beekeeper or starting a beekeeping group please email the School Visiting Team coordinator. sylvia.chamberlin@hwbka.co.uk

• Would you like to see a copy of Bees in the Curriculum? Visit the High Wycombe Environment Centre where there is one on display near the observation hive on the first floor.

• If you want to buy a copy of BitC then please email sylvia.chamberlin@hwbka.co.uk. The cost is £15 (including p&p) and £10 if collected from the High Wycombe Environment centre.