Schools Programme
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> Teacher-led Sessions
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Teacher-led Sessions
Each class making a visit may book one teacher-led session on a topic of your choice (resources permitting). All activities are cross-referenced to the National Curriculum Programmes of Study and QCA Guidelines.
Listed below are examples of some of the most requested themes. These can be adapted to suit a wide range of age and ability unless otherwise stated. Our teacher-led sessions are offered to Reception-aged children upwards. Minimum number of pupils per teaching session 10, maximum 30.
- Tropical rainforests (including a look at genuine rainforest artefacts if required)
- Plants and plant products
- Investigating mapping skills (orienteering)
- Investigating plants and climate
- Senses walk
- Growth
- Flowers (basic botany) and bee game (KS2 only) (Please note that due to the availability of flower specimens on site, this activity is offered during the summer term only)
- Musical instruments from natural materials
- Storytelling
- Tree walk and activities
- Seeds (sorting exercise and game outside)
- Minibeast hunt (Please note that this activity is offered summer term only due to the availability of the minibeasts)
- Art (creating collages outside)
- Victorian plant explorers (KS2 only)
- The Tudor Doctrine of Signatures (KS2 only)
Session times are: 10.15 – 11am, 11.15 – 12 noon and 1.15 – 2pm. We can be flexible with these times but please consult with the Education Officer, Deborah Knott, before completing your booking form should you wish to alter the time(s) of your session(s). We recommend choosing morning sessions so that your pupils get the most from their visit.
A-Level Groups:we can offer a range of talks which are delivered by one of our horticultural team, Simon Gulliver, on a range of topics; please call for details.
You will need to plan the rest of your day other than the time spent in your 45 minute teaching session(s). Please see the Resources section for a list of worksheets and support material that is currently available to download and print off at your school from our website.
Schools Programme (non-B'ham LEA) | The Setting | Facilities | Planning Your Visit | Booking | Teacher-led sessions | Resources