THE SECRET LIFE OF HONEYBEES

HANDS-ON SCHOOL VISITS FROM A CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, EXPERIENCED SPEAKER AND BEEKEEPER

school visits

A visit that brings the hidden world of honeybees to life – sparking curiosity, awe and respect for nature.

A memorable experience pupils will talk about for weeks.

LIFE INSIDE A HONEYBEE HIVE - KS2 AND ABOVE

I am a beekeeper, children’s author and speaker based in Buckinghamshire. I visit schools to share the remarkable story of the honeybee — from the very beginning of life to the end — and what really happens inside and outside of a working hive.

Everything I share comes from my own experience of caring for bees. My sessions are practical, visual and engaging, giving pupils a genuine insight into how a colony survives, communicates and works together.

WHAT PUPILS EXPERIENCE

During the visit, children will:

• Explore a virtual hive, with real weighted frames (they’re suprisingly heavy!) showing what it would look like if you could step inside a real colony.

• Handle different types of beeswax, learning why bees produce them.

• See preserved bees up close - most children are amazed at how tine they are.

•. Learn about pollen and propolis (bee glue) - sticky stuff that’s stronger than cement!

• Discover how a hive is organised and how bees communicate.

• Understand the full life cycle of the honeybee.

• Take part in an extended question-and-answer session.

• Have the opportunity to try on real beekeeping suits

• A supervised honey taster session can be included, subject to parental permission and allergy awareness.

• The sessions are interactive, informative and age-appropriate, encouraging curiosity and respect for the natural world.

KEY STAGE SUITABILITY

Suitable for:

KS2 (Years 3–6)
KS3 and above (adapted appropriately)

Sessions can be tailored depending on age and group size.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Assemblies, single year groups or full-day visits available.

• Based in Buckinghamshire and happy to travel.

• All equipment provided.

• Risk-aware and experienced working with children.

• Flexible pricing for work with school budgets - get in touch to discuss what works for you.

FAQ

How long is a session? (45 - 60 minutes)

How many pupils can attend? (Single class to full year group)

Do you bring live bees? (No)

What if a child is allergic to bees? (No live bees, honey tasting is optional)

BOOKS

At the end of the visit, there is an optional opportunity for pupils to purchase signed copies of my honeybee-themed books.

BOOKING ENQUIRIES

Ready to book? Contact me to discuss availability and how we can work within your budget - use the link: Contact

I would be delighted to hear from you.

TESTIMONIALS

CHALFONT ST PETER CofE PRIMARY ACADEMY

Visit to Year 3 by Meriet Duncan.

The Year 3 classes enjoyed some brilliant workshops on Monday with Meriet Duncan, who has visited us several times before. The children were totally engaged during her talk and loved seeing all the bee related items she brought along such as a deconstructed hive (no live bees!), pictures of the different types of bees and pots of honey. We were all mesmerised by the incredible facts about bees such as a single bee only makes one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime and bees' wings flutter at 180 times per second! Also hearing about the different jobs the types of bees do, such as the workers, drones and queen - what an amazing community each hive is! After the talk the children loved dressing up in the bee keeper outfits as you can see in the photos. Many children purchased Meriet's lovely books which she kindly signed and wrote "Keep buzzing!" alongside their names. Meriet said the children were brilliant and that she loved visiting us again - many thanks and hopefully she'll be back in the future. Ms Meek (Year 3 Leader)

EARDESLY CofE PRIMARY ACADEMY

Dear Meriet,

What a sensational visit yesterday! I will write properly soon but just to say, please could you bring another book as we’ve had a request - so that would be 3 more - might be worth bringing half a dozen!

Brdget - HEAD TEACHER

KINGSLAND CofE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Hi Meriet,

Thank you for a lovely infomative day which the children and staff loved. I think I even heard a few children buzzing around the playground. Also A huge thank you for the gift book for the school.

CAROLINE SMITH

KINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Hi Meriet

Thank you for coming to us! You were amazing and I have some lovely feedback from the staff and children. The children were talking about bees all week.

Bev Hedley - HEAD TEACHER

EARDESLEY CofE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Meriet

Thank you for your wonderful work with us yesterday! I had wanted to be in for more of it, but I wasn’t able to in the end. I know the children had such a good time, and they LOVED their bee stickers!

We hope to see you again in the future!

Bridget Knight - HEAD TEACHER

BOVINGDON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Meriet

Thank you so much for visiting our school. The pupils and teacher from every year group have told me how much they enjoyed your talk and how informative the found it. The children that bought books are incredibly pleased with them - the illustrations are beautiful and it lovely to have it personally signed.

Anna Williams - YEAR 6 TEACHER