Beekeeper pupils are absolutely buzzing
Sixth-year students are a hive of activity as they revel in new environmental role
SCHOOLKIDS are buzzing with excitement over their new environmental role as beekeepers.
The pupils at St Ninian’s High School in East Renfrewshire have been studying beekeeping after a teacher gave them the chance to study a National Progression Award in the subject.
Now Angela Yekken has been nominated in the Learning for Sustainability Awards, run by the Record and Education Scotland.
Deputy head teacher Catherine McCrea said: “Angela has given our learners the opportunity to achieve a National Progression in Beekeeping. She has used outdoor learning to inspire them to consider the importance of bees to the environment.”
Biology teacher Angela approached nearby Rouken Glen Park, which has beehives and a visiting beekeeper, to ask if pupils could learn beekeeping.
“Mark Armstrong of Young Enterprise, who is based at the park, was really helpful and even leant us beekeeping suits,” said Angela, who started the course last August when schools were locked down.
“It was an ideal opportunity to learn safely outdoors during lockdown, and the students were so keen they kept looking after the bees during this year’s summer holiday.”
The Advanced Higher pupils as well as some younger pupils with additional support needs took part in beekeeping for two periods a week. The course was so successful that the school was able to buy 10 suits and the pupils helped build two hives of their own, as well as insect hotels, and the course continues this academic year.
“Through the project, the children have been able to meet scientists from the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre at Edinburgh University, and we have applied for a partnership grant from the Royal Society of London to fund a research project on bee health.
It’s been such an amazing experience, and one that will continue this year.
“The pupils are super-excited about it and have been looking after 50,000 bees over the summer. They’ve become aware of where the bees travel to gather pollen and nectar, and the medicinal value of honey.
“We now have a local allotment where students can introduce plants to try to encourage bees, as well as learning about the importance of looking after our local area and school grounds. I’m so proud of them and delighted to be nominated for this award as it reflects all their hard work and enthusiasm.”
The pupils were presented with a John Muir Discovery Award on completion of their beekeeping course.
Catherine McCrea added: “Angela was determined to involve learners in this group of 12 pupils in an equitable way. Senior phase pupils who chose to enhance their suite of qualifications through this NPA award were given the leadership opportunity of supporting the additional support needs younger pupils throughout the course.
“She has inspired colleagues to explore further outdoor learning opportunities and planning is under way to use the local outdoor classroom and to undertake Forest School training.”
Angela has been nominated for the Practitioner category in the new awards, which highlight the work being undertaken in schools and celebrate Scottish education and the commitment of teachers, pupils, and volunteers to environmental and social justice issues.
Nominations will close on September 12, 2021. Winners will be announced in the Record, online and in the paper, on October 27, 2021.
Submit your nomination via www. learningforsustainabilityawards.co.uk
It was an ideal opportunity to learn outdoors during lockdown TEACHER ANGELA YEKKEN WHO’S BEEN NOMINATED FOR AWARD