FARNHAM BEEKEEPERS

Everyone knows that bees are amazing and vital creatures, however, did you know:

• The male bee (drone) has no sting.

• Up to 20,000 honeybees can live in a single hive.

• Bees particularly like the colour purple.

• Bees perform a dance to communicate the location of new nectar sources.

Forms 3 to 6 learnt these facts and more when Elizabeth Knight from the ‘Farnham Beekeepers Association’ visited St Ed’s. After a fascinating lecture the pupils asked such thoughtful questions that Elizabeth told me afterwards that they were one of the best school audiences that she had ever spoken to!

However, the fun was only just starting. Each year group got the chance to return to the Farley Hall where they all took part in the following practical activities:

• Trying on beekeeping equipment.

• Tasting honey fresh from the comb.

• Observing a closed hive and identifying the queen bee.

• Learning about the kit of a beekeeper.

On the following day all the St Ed’s children were able to show their support for the bees during a fun black and yellow mufti-day. The school raised over £400 which all went to support the work of the Farnham Beekeepers. Un..bee..lievable!

Form 4 Rhs Wisley

On one of the hottest days of the year, as part of their Science studies on Plants, Form 4 visited RHS Wisley.

The children searched for a variety of pinecones in the Pinetum before heading to the apiary and bird watching hide. A visit to the Glasshouse showed them the delights of tropical plants as well as those found in desert regions. After lunch it was time to visit the orchard and vegetable gardens before entering the cool of RHS Hilltop – the Home of Gardening Science, where the children could explore the uses, plants from all over the world, can be put to. A fabulous day in beautiful surroundings. Several members of the public commented on how well behaved and polite the children were.

Steel Pan Workshops

Whoever said “I don’t like Mondays” should have been in the Farley Hall on 15 May. The Steel Pan Agency treated Reception to Form 8 to an uplifting and interactive performance Assembly, which included learning about the history of Steel Pans from the Caribbean. Forms 1 to 6 then took part in workshops throughout the day, where each child learnt a rhythmic tune on their own steel pan, ending the workshop by putting all the different parts together to perform a piece of music. Every child (and teacher!) left with a smile on their face.

Form 2 Queen Elizbeth Park

Form 2 were lucky enough to visit Queen Elizbeth Park on 29 June and had a wonderful time exploring the woods and making dens.

Form 4 Victorian Schoolroom

As part of their history topic about the Victorians, Form 4 all dressed up as Victorian school children and visited the Victorian Schoolroom at the Guildford Museum on the 3 May. The children had a fun filled day experiencing what life was like for a child in Victorian times.

During the visit the children imagined that they were in a small village school near Guildford. They experienced a proper school day in Victorian times sitting in rows at their wooden desks, writing on their slates and learning by rote.

Some of the activities involved were religious instruction, reading, writing, arithmetic and an object lesson. They did these activities all together as a class. After their break they split up into two groups. The girls went downstairs to do needlework while the boys worked on their technical drawings. After enjoying their packed lunches in the Castle grounds, the children had the opportunity to play with the Victorian outdoor toys. The skittles were very popular with the boys. It was a lovely day and the children had a lot of fun.

During the Summer term our Prep School pupils embarked on an exciting journey of learning, exploration, and growth. We have enjoyed the sunshine and longer days giving plenty of opportunity for outdoor learning.

Our pupils have enjoyed a multitude of school outings to museums, Harry Potter World for the Form 6s and historical sites to enhance pupils` understanding of the world around them. Additionally, the Form 8 pupils have had the opportunity to participate in the PSB for the first time and this in turn has

Form 5 Upcycling

Well done to our Form 5s who designed and produced some fantastic ‘upcycling’ projects over the Easter holidays. There was an incredible array of masterpieces ranging from a car made from an old pram found at a tip to plant pots made from old juice cartons.

Form 5 Hampton Court Palace

Our Form 5s had a magnificent day at Hampton Court Palace. They thoroughly enjoyed the kitchen workshop and learning about Tudor cooking and food. They visited the Great Hall and were enthralled to hear about the Haunted Gallery where reports of the ghost of one of Henry VIII’s wives had been seen. The tulips were stunning and the children enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by them.

enabled them to be examined across a much wider range of subjects that had hitherto not been possible with the Common Entrance papers. The Summer term is a time of growth, excitement, and creating lasting memories as students continue their educational journey with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Form 6 Arundel Castle

The sun shone for our Form 6 trip to Arundel Castle. Exploring the castle’s majestic halls and learning about its captivating history was a true privilege. The knowledgeable guides shared fascinating stories and anecdotes, making the past come alive before our eyes. We were particularly impressed by the educational programs offered by Arundel Castle, tailored to engage and inspire young minds. It was heartening to see our students so captivated by the interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences.