Inspire your Key Stage 3, 4, and 5 students with hands-on, thought provoking sessions at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Tailored to support curriculum objectives while igniting curiosity, our expert-led experiences offer unique opportunities for in-depth learning across science, geography, history, and art. From investigating photosynthesis to uncovering rainforest secrets, our sessions empower students to think critically about their role in the natural world. Browse our Key Stage 3/4/5 Sessions below.

For more information, or to book an exciting group visit, please contact us

What is photosynthesis and why should you care? Have your students learn all about photosynthesis, experience our Glasshouses to investigate how plants are especially adapted, and understand the important role we all play in the global process, in this fun and interactive session. Indoor & Glasshouse session.

This session links to: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Citizenship, P.E. (see links at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment and Health & Wellbeing.

Indoor session — Take a look at our exciting and unique animal collection! You will have the opportunity to `get up close` with a range of exotic animals chosen from the following selection: Corn Snake, Bearded Dragon, Peter’s Banded Skink, Leopard Gecko, Fire Salamander, Giant African Land Snail, Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, and Sunny Stick Insect! Learn about the special adaptations that these creatures have developed and what habitat they live in, through close observation, together with the chance to handle them too! (We cannot guarantee the availability of any animal.)

This session links to: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History (see link at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment.

Outdoor session — Explore all four corners of the Earth, without leaving Birmingham. Experience tranquility in our Japanese Garden, admire the tallest tree species in the world in our Pinetum and wonder at the otherworldly plants found on the tundra. You can also marvel at our birds of the world collection in the beautiful Lawn Aviary and maybe bump into our free-roaming peacocks. The history and heritage of the Gardens will be prominent themes of the tour, though we can tailor your tour to any topic/theme. This tour will cover the outside Gardens but will not include our Glasshouses.

This session links to: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History (see link at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment and Health & Wellbeing.

Glasshouse session — Take a trip through our four stunning Glasshouses, from the arid extreme to the vibrant tropical rainforest. Explore ways that our plants have adapted to survive and thrive in different climates and learn exciting facts from our expert guides! (We can tailor your tour to any topic/theme.) (Glasshouse Tours are conducted for 15 to 20 pupils at a time because of restricted space.)

This session links to: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History (see link at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment and Health & Wellbeing.

Indoor & Glasshouse session — In small teams (maximum 6 groups per class), your pupils will have fun acting as rainforest detectives to follow the cryptic clues to discover our secret rainforest plants. Using the clues hidden in their backpacks to help them, your pupils will find out the names and information about some of our key rainforest plants. Can your pupils work out the secret codeword? A plenary then ends the session where your pupils will have the opportunity to investigate various rainforest seeds and products from the plants that they have discovered. (We recommend bringing plenty of drinking water for this session, particularly in the summer months. We also recommend not spending too much self-guided time in the Tropical and Subtropical Glasshouses before this session, as this may spoil the activity.)

This session links to: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Art & Design, P.E. (see link at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment and Health & Wellbeing.

Outdoor session — We will encourage your pupils to create natural pieces of artwork in the style of Andy Goldsworthy. We will give you plenty of ideas before venturing out to create your own natural masterpieces in our outdoor ‘gallery’, so don’t forget your camera! Finish the session by making a natural postcard to take home as a memento of your visit to the beautiful Gardens.

This session links to: English, Science, Art & Design, P.E. (see link at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment and Health & Wellbeing.

Outdoor session — Learn all about the tradition and history behind the Japanese garden culture in this fun and practical session. Have your pupils hunt for challenge answers whilst exploring our ornate and tranquil Japanese Garden and National Bonsai Collection. 知識は力である！

This session links to: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Art & Design, P.E. (see link at bottom of page for further details). This session also links to the Environment and Health & Wellbeing.

For more information or to book an exciting educational visit, please contact us by telephone 0121 450 5093 or complete our booking form.

For more information, or to book an exciting educational visit, please contact us by telephone (0121 450 5093). Complete the form below and we will be in touch with more details about your visit.