GCSE trip to Kew Gardens

by sally on 22nd January 2009

Department:

Art and Design

Year Group:

Key Stage 4

Venue Region:

London

Town:

London

Summary:

The students enjoyed their visit, and produced some good primary source drawings for their GCSE project.
The gardens are a beautiful place for students to let off steam and get out of the classroom.
The map of the gardens is very informative. Go to two or three specific areas instead of walking around too much! the students got easily tired.

Venue: Kew Gardens

Easy access to the site for large groups. Each glasshouse/area of interest in the gardens is quite far away from the other; this is specified on the map. Plan to visit two or three areas of the gardens, as it took my year 11 group a long time to walk from place to place! The lunch facilities are set up for younger age groups. There are small chairs and low tables which are built for primary school children. We had booked this lunch room, but the supervisor was reluctant to let 40 year 11 students in. We ended up going to the cafe next door, which was expensive. If you take kS4 students who, in large groups, can be intimidating for parents and children alike, ask them all to bring a packed lunch which they can eat out on the benches.
The students enjoyed their visit, and produced some good primary source drawings for their project.

Benefit:

Students produced a range of drawings based on the theme of 'Barriers', looking at plant life and glasshouses. They also visited the treetop walkway and drew from the autumnal views of the gardens.

Plus points:

Very informative map.
Situated in a peaceful area with not too much traffic.
Easy to get to on public transport.
Spacious - ideal for large groups.
Treetop walkway is free for school parties and exciting to walk on.

Minus points:

Some unfriendly staff. Not accepting of large groups of secondary students.
Expensive cafe with a limited range of food.

Overall: