Bee1 Delivers Bee-friendly Workshops at Gnoll Primary School

Here at Bee1, we are thrilled to see Welsh pupils back in school playing and learning, with the past 12 months having been hard on all of us – particularly our little ones! Last week, our Founder, Mark Douglas, was excited to be back visiting the pupils at our partner schools, spending some time at Gnoll Primary School in Neath. Whilst there, Mark delivered wonderfully-unique workshops on bees and their importance to our environment, allowing the children to understand the vitality of bees in their community and the wider world. The workshops also included a practical element where the children were asked to make ‘bee bombs’ designed to attract these endangered insects. Mark Douglas conducted a number of workshops for various age groups and classes; all of which included fun activities all about bees! Here is what the teachers had to say!  

Mr Harris, the Head Teacher at Gnoll Primary School, discussed the impact of these sessions:

“The year 3 pupils gained a greater understanding in the importance of how they can contribute to the motion of encouraging wildlife into our home and school environment. Mr M Douglas kindly provided our pupils with a hands-on and practical experience, where the pupils were able to become more conscious of their actions and the impact they can achieve.”

Amy Newbury, a Teacher at Gnoll Primary School, echoed Mr Harris’ gratitude, believing the workshop to have hugely enhanced the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of bees.  

“The pupils were able to consider questions prior to the session and were enthusiastic to discuss bees with Mr M Douglas. Mr M Douglas was able to provide the pupils with an opportunity where they were able to engage in a contemporary issue and develop their oracy skills. Following the session, the pupils have gained a further understanding of how their actions can impact wildlife in the local area. The Year 4/5 pupils thoroughly enjoyed engaging in the workshop and are looking forward to playing a role in trying to encourage wildlife into Gnoll Primary School and the local area. The children are looking forward to showing their commitment in helping to sustain the planet and raising an awareness to protect the bees.” 

Johnathan Thomas, the school’s Year 4 Teacher, shared his thoughts on the session his pupils received:  

“Mr M Douglas provided the Year 4 pupils with an engaging workshop where the pupils learnt all about how to encourage wildlife into our school premises. The pupils had plenty of opportunities to share their prior knowledge with Mr Douglas and to ask questions to develop their understanding. Mr Douglas also demonstrated to the students how to create ‘bee bombs’ which we are going to incorporate into our learning journey for the Summer Term. With thanks to Mr Douglas, our children will now have a consistent relationship with a member of our community to see the outcome of their wishes and plans for our school.” 

Mark Douglas, our Founder and resident Beekeeper here at Bee1, said:  

“It was so nice to get back out into our schools again. The children simply can’t get enough of anything to do with Bees! Huge thanks to Mr Harris and the team. Watch this space for a grand finale to our flower power project at the Gnoll!”

Here are some posters created by the pupils following our visit; aren’t they great!