Bertie Bee wasn’t always Katie Stakim and Tilly Gates’ plan for their final year project at Bournemouth University. Originally, they had planned to make a documentary about beekeeping, but as discussions evolved, they realised a children’s programme centred around a small but mighty friend was the way to go.
Posted on 8th December 2025
Education Partnership Spotlight: Education Partnership Spotlight: Bertie Bee Creates a Buzz Around Sustainability
“We decided that creating a programme which educated our audience about sustainability in a fun and engaging way was a key priority and objective, as we didn’t have access to many shows that did this when we were younger”. This insight shaped the entire direction of the project, ensuring that the programme would combine fun with meaningful education.
The team behind Bertie the Bee felt it was important to inform and teach children about the current climate crises and inspire them to help through a format as engaging as film due to its influence and accessibility. By introducing these concepts early, they hoped to normalise eco-friendly behaviours in everyday life.
When asked about the hands-on approach to the project, they explained “We believe there is a difference between seeing something on the screen and physically experiencing something. It is one thing for us to demonstrate tutorials and tell facts, but it is another for the audience to participate and create a tangible object in their hands which holds purpose and educational value”. This philosophy inspired interactive segments like building bee homes and decorating plant pots. These activities reinforce the lessons taught in the programme and provide a tangible connection to the natural world.
The team carefully considered accessibility when designing these activities. Materials were chosen for their availability and affordability, often sourced second-hand or from gardens. This not only made the crafts realistic for families but also challenges the idea that the sustainable choice is often the more difficult or expensive one.
The project wasn’t just focused on sustainability in front of the camera – behind the scenes, they implemented sustainable practices throughout the production process, including a no-paper policy, carpooling, and the use of reusable water bottles, leading by example and reducing their carbon footprint in the process.
For Katie and Tilly, the most rewarding part of the project was its reflective nature. It allowed them to revisit their own childhood experiences and address gaps they had noticed in educational programming. They wanted to create something they wished they had growing up – a resource that made sustainability approachable and fun.
Beyond the narrative advice offered to aspiring filmmakers of keeping their projects focused and understanding their target audience, the albert graduates also recommended embedding sustainable practices into the production process from the very beginning. Simple steps like avoiding unnecessary travel and sourcing eco-friendly materials can significantly lower a production’s environmental impact.
“We hope that viewers take away that thinking and acting sustainably is fun, accessible and that small changes really make a large difference”.
Ultimately, Bertie Bee is more than a final year project. it’s a call to action wrapped in creativity. It demonstrates how education and entertainment can work hand in hand to shape a better future. For Katie and Tilly, this project marks the beginning of a journey toward using media as a force for good.