Abbeyfield Community – HIVE

Our school community based Hub, led by the students for the students.

Returning to the ‘new normal’ following lockdown was not without its own challenges. Our students experienced a varied sense of disconnection not only from friends and family but also from school and learning and their communities. They had navigated their way through lockdown, often feeling isolated from the world around them but also disorientated by the ever changing health and government guidance.

As a school we felt their voices needed to validated and given a platform to direct us as to the support they felt was necessary. We listened carefully and the HIVE Hub was created by the students with the support of our Head Teacher Mr Norgrove providing a valued space and a financial budget for the students to manage independently.

The HIVE is of course Bee themed to reflect the efforts of a working community, working together for the benefit of a whole and never leaving anyone to fend for themselves. Our HIVE worker Bees volunteer their social times to support and guide other students throughout the challenges of teenage years with the aim of paying it forward and encouraging others to be part of that community.