Whilst the Lower School went on a cross-curricular trip to Kew at Wakehurst to look at botany for the day, the Upper School continued lessons as normal and science was taught by candle light. The Lower School thoroughly enjoyed their trip and took part in a number of activities which included making detailed botanical drawings at different levels of scale: using the naked eye, using a hand lens and using a variety of good quality microscopes. Participants were encouraged to make careful observations and to focus on increasing levels of detail. Next pupils embarked on a photographic trail which required orienteering skills as well as careful camera work. We enjoyed the grounds and good weather as we ate our picnics during the lunchtime break. Further activities followed in the afternoon. There was the “save or not to save” activity which looked at the ethics of limited plant preservation. Pupils were asked to visit 6 beneficial plants found in the grounds and to read the associated fact sheets. Pupils then returned to the classroom and had to discuss the relative merits of each plant followed by a vote to decide which to save. The morning group selected the tea plant, (a good choice!) and the afternoon group selected the ginkgo tree which can be used to make medications which improve blood circulation. Our final activity looked at the work of the Millennium Seed Bank which aims to preserve the seeds from important and endangered plants for up to 200 years. They use complex drying and cold storage techniques to achieve this longevity. All in all it was a full and interesting trip. The grounds are beautiful and we would recommend that anyone takes the time to visit them.
