For schools in the Penrith and Eden District some PDBKA members can provide:
An assembly/ power point presentation about bees.
A visit by a beekeeper with an observation hive so that children can observe bees at work on the frames in the hive and identify the Queen bee.
Opportunities for the children to: –
Make wax candles and find out how beekeepers obtain the wax from the frames.
-Taste different types of honey and learn about how the bees collect nectar and pollen.
PDBKA can also provide the school with practical teaching resources , a DVD and a project pack (which can be purchased or downloaded) to enable teachers to develop additional learning activities for both Key Stages 1 & 2.
Whole day visits to Acorn Bank where Key Stage 2 classes can explore other parts of Acorn Bank site with sessions led by National Trust Volunteers, as well as learning about bees and visiting the apiary, can also be arranged.
During the last four years PDBKA has worked with the following Primary Schools:
Hunter Hall; Crosby Ravensworth ; Bolton; North Lakes; Great Orton; Stainton; High Hesket; Orton; Shap; Beaconsfield Penrith; Yanwath; Greystoke; Penruddock; Temple Sowerby; Kirkoswald; Tebay; Great Asby.
Cost: Although PDBKA members do not charge a fee, we ask schools to cover the cost of the materials (e.g. candle wax and honey ) and contribute towards our travel costs. (There is an additional cost that the National Trust charge for sessions at Acorn Bank.)
Schools are also be invited to make a donation to the charity ‘Bees Abroad’ which raises money to help communities in developing countries combat poverty through beekeeping (www.beesabroad.org.uk)
For further information and to arrange for a pre-project planning visit contact: –
Margaret Riches Tel: 01768 894404 / E mail:
Download the primary curriculum resource pack: ‘Bringing a BUZZ to the Curriculum’
Here’s what the pupils said: Extracts from ‘Thank you’ letters
Here’s what the Headteachers said:
Skelton Primary School Greystoke Primary School
Kirkoswald CE Primary School Kirkoswald Guides Group Temple Sowerby Primary School