Buzzing with Knowledge: Bees at Our School.
At OIS, sustainability isn’t just something we talk about in the classroom—it’s something we live and breathe every day. One of the most inspiring examples is our very own school beehives, tucked away in a quiet corner of our green campus and cared for by our dedicated beekeeper. These tiny, tireless insects are teaching our students big lessons about the environment, community, and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Fascinating Facts About Our Honey Bees
Did you know…
- A single bee will only produce 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime?
- Bees beat their wings over 200 times per second, creating that familiar buzzing sound?
- They use a special “waggle dance” to tell their hive mates where to find flowers?
- Honey never spoils—in fact, pots of it have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs still perfectly edible?
Honey bees are incredible creatures, and they play a crucial role in ecosystems around the world. One-third of the food we eat depends on pollination, most of it done by bees. This makes our beekeeping project not only sweet—but essential.
Meet Our Beekeeper
Our school beekeeper visits the hives regularly to ensure the health and happiness of our bee colonies. He carefully monitors their activity, checks for signs of disease or distress, and makes sure they have everything they need to thrive—especially during colder months. Thanks to his expertise, our bees are safe, productive, and part of a thriving little ecosystem right here on campus.
The Sweet Rewards
Having our own beehives means more than just delicious honey (though we do love sharing jars of our golden harvest with the school community!). It also means:
- Boosting local biodiversity
- Supporting natural pollination for our gardens and surrounding nature
- Reducing our carbon footprint by producing food right where we live and learn
Learning Through Sustainability
Students have many opportunities to get involved—from observing the hives in action, to learning about bee biology in science class, to harvesting honey and creating bee-related projects. It’s a powerful, hands-on way to explore sustainability, ecology, and responsible food production.
For our younger students, guided visits to the hives (at a safe distance) help them understand how interconnected life on Earth really is. Older students can participate in sustainability initiatives, help maintain bee-friendly plants on campus, or even create awareness campaigns to support pollinator protection.
💡 A Living Lesson
Our bees remind us that small actions—like planting a flower, protecting a pollinator, or supporting local food—can lead to big changes. By caring for them, we learn to care more deeply for our planet.
Want to get involved?
Check with your homeroom teacher or our sustainability coordinator to see how your class can contribute to supporting the bees. From planting wildflowers to helping jar the honey, there’s always a way to be part of the buzz!