A plant rich curriculum for success in biology SL349 / AB01
Summary
It has never been more important for young people to gain an understanding of plants and their importance. Plants make up around 80% of all biomass on Earth and drive the ecosystems on which all life depends. They will provide the solutions to the biggest challenges the world faces, including biodiversity loss and climate change.
Despite this, plants are often underrepresented in Biology education and many teachers lack the confidence to teach about plants in new and engaging ways.
Join us to explore the world of plants and how to use them to revitalise and enrich your teaching. We will build your confidence and support you to understand some of the key teaching points and plant examples you can use in your teaching-even if you are just starting your career or struggle to enjoy teaching about plants.
This full day course delivered at Wakehurst, Kew’s stunning wild botanic garden and home of the renowned Millennium Seedbank, will provide you with the confidence, knowledge and expertise to teach in ways that increase pupil’s interest in and positivity towards plants.
Join STEM Learning and Wakehurst Learning programme to discover inspiring ways of using plants in your teaching to:
- Highlight general principles in Biology and help students to make crucial cross topic links
- Help your students to develop science capital and link their learning to their lives outside the classroom.
- Inspire awe and wonder for the natural world and an appreciation of the importance of plants for all life on Earth.
- Foster nature connectedness for wellbeing.
Who is it for?
KS3 and 4 science teachers
What topics are covered?
- Ecology and environmental sampling, including tips on making GCSE required practical relevant and engaging
- Genetics and inheritance
- Tricky to teach ideas, such as photosynthesis and respiration, transport in plants, cell division, carbon and nitrogen cycles
How will you learn?
High impact, high quality CPD, delivered by experts - which will transform your teaching practice, and also give you the chance to meet colleagues from across the UK in person.
Guest expert and joint course leader
Hayley Young: Lead Teacher at Wakehurst, RBG Kew
- Hayley currently oversees the team of teachers and volunteers at Wakehurst, delivering inspiring and engaging educational sessions to over 10,000 students a year
- She teaches across all key stages from Early Years and Primary to Secondary, Sixth Forms and Higher Education
- With a background in horticulture and geography, she is passionate about plants and fieldwork techniques.
How long is this course?
1 Day
Who is the course leader?
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Mary Howell
Professional Development Leader, Biology at the National STEM Learning Centre and freelance education consultant. Experienced former Head of...
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Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Investigate ways of teaching tricky topics in biology using plants as a stimulus
- Use plants in the classroom and in your school grounds to encourage pupils to make connections across their science learning
- Develop your confidence in lab and fieldwork techniques
- Discover ways to increase pupils’ nature connectedness for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of the planet
You will also have the opportunity to explore the stunning biodiverse landscapes at Wakehurst and see conservation in action at RBK Kew’s Millennium Seedbank.
Sessions
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A plant rich curriculum for success in biology | 19 March 2026 | 10:15-15:30 | Wakehurst Place |
Actions
Cost
| Fee-paying school or college (independent) | Activity fee£280.00 +VAT |
|---|---|
| State-funded school or college | Activity fee£280.00 +VAT |
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