Bee-ing Sustainable: Celebrating International Bee Day

Quoted by Ellah Pabito
Reception Teacher
Global Citizenship Lead,

Monday, 20 May 2024 marks International Bee Day, a global celebration to raise awareness about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystems. At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we are proud to be at the forefront of bee conservation efforts, thanks to our unique partnership with Elevated Honey Co.

Elevated Honey Co. is a social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional Asian beekeeping methods and producing the world's purest honey. Through this collaboration, our school community is not only learning about the importance of bees, but also taking concrete steps to protect these vital pollinators and support local beekeeping communities.

The Wonder of Bees

Bees are extraordinary creatures that come in over 20,000 different species worldwide, with hundreds found in China alone. These industrious insects play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems. By pollinating flowers, bees help ensure the reproduction of countless plant species, which in turn provide food and shelter for countless other forms of life.

Unfortunately, bee populations around the globe are under threat due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. In China, the native Asian bee species face additional challenges, as commercially produced honey often comes from foreign bee strains feeding on cultivated crops. This has led to a decline in the populations of wild Asian bees, which are crucial pollinators for the region's native flora and fauna.

A Multifaceted Partnership

That's where our partnership with Elevated Honey Co. comes in. This unique collaboration allows our school to not only learn about the importance of bee conservation, but also take concrete steps to support it.

In October 2022, Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi proudly partnered with Elevated Honey Co., a company that is dedicated to preserving traditional Asian beekeeping methods and producing the world's purest honey. Through this partnership, our school has purchased 10 beehives, which are now maintained by our Year 6 and 7 students as part of a service-learning project.

These students take on the responsibility of caring for the beehives, harvesting the honey, and selling it to our school community and local businesses. Not only does this give them hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, but it also generates funds that are used to support Elevated Honey Co.'s conservation efforts and the local beekeeping communities.

Furthermore, our partnership extends beyond the school walls. We've engaged our wider stakeholders, including staff, parents, and local businesses, to promote Elevated Honey Co.'s mission and products. This has allowed us to amplify the impact of our efforts and inspire the broader community to become active participants in bee conservation.

Learning in Action

Our commitment to bee conservation is woven throughout the curriculum, with students from all grade levels engaging in various learning activities and projects.

In the Nursery, children have been fascinated by the world of bees, learning about the differences between bumblebees and honeybees. They've had the opportunity to explore the hexagonal shapes of beehives and create art inspired by these amazing creatures. They even had the chance to meet Mr. Ingram, who shared his experiences visiting the Elevated Honey Co. based in Yunnan.

The Reception students have been exploring the intricate anatomy of bees through hands-on activities and art projects using recycled materials. They've also embarked on a spring scavenger hunt, scouring the school grounds for living things, including insects and, of course, bees.

In the primary grades, the curriculum delves deeper into the importance of bees, their role in the ecosystem, and the threats they face. Students have read engaging stories like "The Giant Jam Sandwich" by John Vernon Lord and made their own jam and scones using the honey produced by our school's beehives.

The Year 6 and 7 students take on a leadership role in this initiative, actively managing the beehives and selling the honey to the school community and local businesses. This hands-on experience not only teaches them about sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship but also enables them to educate their peers and the wider community about the importance of bee conservation.

World Changers in the Making

Through this multifaceted partnership with Elevated Honey Co., our students are developing a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between pollinators, mountain ecology, and rural communities in China. They are realising the role they can play in species protection and are being empowered to become true "World Changers."

As we celebrate International Bee Day 2024, Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi stands as a shining example of how schools can take a proactive role in bee conservation and environmental sustainability. Through our partnership with Elevated Honey Co., our students are not only learning about the importance of bees but also taking tangible steps to protect these vital pollinators and support local communities.

By empowering our students to become entrepreneurs, educators, and responsible consumers, we are nurturing a new generation of world changers who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. This International Bee Day and beyond, we invite our community to join us in our mission to love our bees and protect the delicate balance of our ecosystems.