Schools Education

In-service Training for Teachers (INSET) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

INSET courses offer unique, informative and personalised training programmes which enable teachers to explore the potential of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew using "Plants Across the Curriculum". After attending the INSET training, teachers will be well-equipped to create an innovative educational experience with their pupils in the gardens

Inside palm house
Desert section of the Princess of Wales Conservatory

Topics

One regular topic that is offered as an INSET course is "Living Things in Their Environment: Plant Adaptations" for teachers of Key Stages 2 and 3. This contrasts spectacular plants of the wet tropical rainforest habitat with desert plants of the arid tropics, on an explorer's journey through the Princess of Wales Conservatory and Palm House. Teachers learn how to construct a study trail to compare these habitats. Background information and teachers' resources including suggestions on suitable plants for classroom use are supplied.

One of our most popular topics is "Rainforest Explorers" for teachers of Key Stages 2 and 3. This journey takes you through the tropical rainforest habitat of the Palm House to look at rainforest structure, how plants are adapted to thrive and survive in this environment and to make connections between rainforest plants and our daily lives. Teachers will be provided with background information and resources and learn how to construct a structured study trail through the Palm House.

Other topics offered include:

  • Whole-school INSET

  • Plants Across the Curriculum

Look out for specific INSET courses advertised through education authorities, teacher placement services, curriculum centres and the education press.

Further information on all of the INSET opportunites may be obtained from:

Education Officer
Education Section
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond
Surrey TW9 3AB
UK