Secondary school visits

Bring your curriculum to life with immersive learning experiences at the Oxford Botanic Garden or Harcourt Arboretum. Our secondary and post-16 sessions invite students to explore evolution, biodiversity and conservation through hands-on investigation and discussion in world-class plant collections.

From the oldest redwoods in the country to cutting-edge examples of plant genomics, each visit encourages critical thinking about the natural world and humanity’s place within it. Trace plant evolution from spores to seeds, study adaptations across ecosystems, explore human impact on biodiversity, or conduct practical sampling in our 63-acre wildflower meadow.

Adaptation & Biodiversity

Year round (available Tues - Thurs)

Discover a range of adaptations that plants have evolved under different environmental conditions, and the importance of biodiversity, while exploring unusual species such as carnivorous, aquatic and parasitic plants. During the spring and summer, explore the structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations of Mediterranean species within the Rock Garden.

Garden | KS3, KS4, KS5

Adaptations at the Arboretum

March - October (available Tues - Thurs)

This session will explore the Arboretum's diverse plant collection to examine the adaptations of trees and woodland plants from around the world. Students will learn how different species are adapted to different environments and learn about the impact of human activity and climate change on species survival.

Arboretum | KS3 or KS4

Spores to Seeds: Plant Evolution and Seed Dispersal

Year round (available Tues - Thursday)

During this session we will learn about the evolution of plants and their impact on the environment. Students will explore the differences between seed and non-seed plants, followed by an in-depth look at seed diversity and dispersal mechanisms using living plants and our seed handling collection.

Garden | KS3

Evolution and Classification

April - October (available Tues - Thurs)

This session will cover the evolution of plants and their taxonomic relationships. Students will learn how plants evolved from primitive single-celled photosynthetic organisms to one of the most diverse kingdoms on the planet. Students will be introduced to the binomial naming system, and the principles of classification using our Taxonomic beds.

Garden | KS4 or KS5

Evolution and Classification

April - October (available Tues - Thurs)

Plants evolved from primitive single-celled photosynthetic organisms to one of the most diverse kingdoms on Earth. Explore plant evolution and taxonomy using the 'living fossils' in our collection. Learn about the binomial classification system, how evolutionary trees were constructed using morphology, advances in genomics have changed this.

Arboretum | KS4 or KS5

Human Impact on the Environment

April - October (available Tues - Thurs)

Explore plant biodiversity and the risk factors of extinction, including genetic diversity, gene pools, and genetic erosion in species. Discuss agricultural systems and the impact of monocultures using commercial crops. Use Garden collections to discuss social, economic and physical factors of different conservation strategies, including nature-based solutions.

Garden | KS4 or KS5

Biodiversity and Conservation

Year round (available Tues - Thurs)

This session will explore an incredible collection of endangered trees, including some of the oldest redwoods in the country, and will introduce the principles of in situ and ex situ conservation. Students will learn about biodiversity in our native woodlands and managed collections, and the impact of climate change on the natural world.

Arboretum | KS3, KS4 or KS5

Hunt the Cure: the Role of Plants in Medicine

April - October (available Tues - Thurs)

Using the medicinal beds, this session will explore plants within both traditional and modern medicine. Discuss the chemical compounds that different plants contain, explore why species preservation is important for global health, and learn about current University of Oxford research.

Garden | KS3

Wildflower meadow sampling practical

Late May - Late June (available to book Tues - Thurs)

This session will introduce your students to 63 acres of native wildflower meadow. This rare habitat will enable them to practise their observation skills and will serve as an introduction to plant identification. These skills can be used to complete the required GCSE or A Level sampling practical.

Quadrats, ID guides and a workshop booklet are provided.

Arboretum | KS4 or KS5

Self-guided visits

KS3, KS4 or KS5

Self-guided sessions are available for a wide range of subjects. Supporting material on plant adaptations or evolution is available to compliment biology bookings. Self-guided visits from art, photography or other subjects are very welcome.

Garden & Arboretum

More information

Designed for Key Stage 3, 4, 5 and further education, all sessions link directly to national curriculum and exam board specifications in biology, geography and environmental science. Workshops are led by expert educators and promote both scientific understanding and environmental awareness.

Please note that sessions are chargeable and do not include a general tour. If you wish to explore the Garden or Arboretum independently afterwards, please allow extra time in your booking.

Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours. Group size: Up to 35 students

Secondary school half-day session facilitated by Education Officer	£125
Secondary school full-day session facilitated by Education Officer	£250
Bespoke school programmes (full day, selection of workshops)	Contact us
Self-guided secondary education visits (pre-booking essential)	£3 per student