From Hive to Honeycomb: Celebrating the Bee-Themed Curriculum

September 25th, 2025

On Tuesday 23rd September, Ponteland High School proudly hosted the annual Bee Showcase—a vibrant celebration of the unique bee-themed curriculum that begins in Year 6 and continues into Year 7. The event welcomed more than one hundred families, alongside colleagues from Pele Trust primary schools, who gathered to witness how Year 7 students are building upon the rich foundation of their Year 6 learning.

Visitors explored a diverse range of learning across Science, Geography, Art, Technology, and Mathematics, where Year 7 students confidently explained how prior knowledge had been extended into new contexts. Highlights included discussions on the Fibonacci sequence in nature, the ecological threat posed by Asian hornets, and even the fascinating viscosity of honey.

The showcase also featured a culinary element, as guests sampled harissa meatballs and the aptly named Pollinator Cake—both crafted by Junior Masterchef finalists during the Year 6 ‘Bee Week’ held in June.

All of this took place within a striking installation of collage hexagons, symbolising how feeder primary schools combine to form one unified honeycomb community.

The event drew glowing praise. One parent remarked: “This is amazing. I’m so impressed with what my daughter has been learning—she knows so much about bees!” Meanwhile, a Year 6 teacher reflected: “I always look forward to the Bee Showcase. It’s wonderful to reconnect with former pupils and see how their Year 6 knowledge has flourished in Year 7.”