What if the most memorable lesson in school wasn’t from a textbook, but from watching life begin right in front of you?
That’s exactly what children across Plymouth are experiencing, as fertilised eggs are brought into classrooms through Egg-Ed, giving pupils a rare opportunity to witness the hatching process from start to finish.
Over the course of a week, the eggs are carefully monitored as they develop, building anticipation until the moment tiny chicks begin to emerge. For many children, it’s the first time they’ve seen anything like it, turning a simple classroom into a live learning environment.
Once hatched, the chicks remain with the group for a short time, giving pupils the chance to observe them up close and take part in their care. It’s an experience that combines education with responsibility, helping children understand life, growth, and the natural world in a way that feels real and immediate.
Behind the scenes, the programme is carefully managed to ensure the wellbeing of the chicks at every stage. Amie Dixon, part of the Egg-Ed team, oversees their care and ensures they are safely collected and looked after once their time in the classroom comes to an end.
For schools, it’s more than just a lesson, it’s a practical, memorable experience that brings learning to life in the most engaging way.
Egg-Ed is delivered as part of BEES UK, supporting their wider work in education and community learning
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post