Southend High School For Boys

Attaining BBKA Beacon School status has been surreal. For years, it has been the ultimate aim of our Beekeeping Society, almost like the summit at which we would gaze from the foothills of our journey. It was the pinnacle that gave us an intrinsic determination, yet I believe it important to redefine what the award really means on a more practical and personal level.

In simple terms, it has been the recognition of all the honey we have harvested, all the hives we have managed and the bees we have cared for. For several years now, we have devoted our Wednesday lunchbreaks to these insects, meticulously searching for disease, signs of swarms and indicators of a hive needing help.

However, all the work we put in, one could say, is precisely just for our own benefit – we get honey in return. Therefore, I think it is important to ascertain that this award is also a symbol of our contribution to our wider community. Over the years we have been keeping bees, we have visited schools and care homes, sharing our fascination with these wondrous insects. We partnered with a cancer charity once, so that half of the money we raised from selling honey would help unwell people in our wider society.

Additionally, the impact of keeping bees has had an astounding effect on ourselves. Bees are some of the best mentors I know – they teach us to be resilient when there is difficulty, attentive when there is complacency and calm where there is danger. If we put a step wrong, we know that rest assured, we will face the consequences. The practicalities of beekeeping are unparalleled as well: one session we might be in the Design & Technology building, constructing frames with a pin and hammer tight in hand, another session we might be in the classroom discussing the finances of the club – it is perhaps the most cross-curricular lunchtime club there is!

Also, it fosters between us a connection with nature, a connection so vital yet seemingly consigned to the past. Climate Change won’t be solved by perfunctory reports, but by passionate individuals that have the determination to solve it that can only be obtained through first-hand experiences with nature. Bee society doesn’t just show us on a presentation why we need to save the planet, it demonstrates the insects that we need to protect – this connection and understanding is ultimately what will triumph in our battle to preserve Earth.

Written by Oskar, Year 8 student at Southend High School for Boys
Photos by Aidan Y (student photographer)