An innovative bee-keeping project at our Arc School Ansley has helped pupils learn about the environment, sustainability and biodiversity and gain skills for future employment.

The project has had a significant impact on knowledge across multiple subjects including science, English, maths, and business and helped them improve team-working, safe-working and being an asset to the local community.

The story began with a visit to the Bee Show, where pupils met with Bees for Schools and shared their ambition to install a beehive. BFS awards grants to schools and were so impressed with the pupils that, from 300 grant applications, awarded the first to Ansley. The grant awarded a third hive and equipment, bringing over 100,000 bees to the local area.

The pupils are undertaking their Junior Beekeeping qualifications and setting up a business to sell the honey. They have chosen the business’ name - ADH-Bees - and designed a logo.

They have designed and built an apiary and working with the bees, have learned they are sensitive how we communicate and act around them. The school’s psychotherapist has been helping the children learn more about being nature-connected and how we can use the bees to look at our own self-regulation. The children understand that they can’t go to tend to the bees if they are heightened or loud, which has had a direct positive impact on their self-control.

There has also been a direct impact on the children’s abilities to work as a team. With hive inspections, they work together to stay safe. They stick to their job and are observant. They help each other into suits, a big responsibility. They light smokers and do things in order which has had a significant impact on their ability to plan, forethink and sequence. They communicate constantly about their next step. All of this has greatly contributed to building friendships and working relationships.

It has also had significant impact on confidence and social skills. Children attend Bee Club and as part of their application for the national Friends of the Honeybee accreditation, have prepared a presentation explaining what they have learned so far. Some children also presented at a recent assembly.

Not everyone wants to work directly with the bees, but some children have become involved after encouragement from other pupils. The outstanding impact on the children’s confidence and overcoming of anxiety, has been immense.

The children are also learning about sustainability and business. The honey will be jarred and sold. The beeswax will be made into candles, which will also be sold. So, there is no waste, while gaining business skills. The children are arranging pricing and setting their business model.

Across the school, the outstanding impact of the bee project is clear to see. It is positively affected learning, skills and relationship building, confidence and the environment.

Arc School Ansley - Autism School in Warwickshire