Key Stage 4 programme at Wakehurst

Secondary visits to Wakehurst are taught by experienced and enthusiastic Kew Teachers. The Key Stage 4 programme is aligned closely with the National Curriculum and work schemes.

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The Millennium Seed Bank and Loder Valley Reserve offer wonderful settings for learning at Wakehurst.

A typical day at Wakehurst is made up of either two sessions of approximately 1.5 - 2 hours each, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, or three sessions of approximately 1 hour each, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. The emphasis of the visit is on outdoor work.

The visit is tailored to suit your needs and is planned in detail prior to the visit. At this stage learning outcomes are agreed and ideas for further work at school are discussed.

Each session in the Key Stage 4 programme has a capacity of 20-30 students. Wakehurst can accommodate groups of up to 120 students by implementing a rotating timetable on your visit.

Build your visit from our selection of biology workshops, or pick a themed day.


1. Biology workshop - Adaptation to the environment

Students explore different habitats and look at how plants are adapted to the environment. Using the parterres at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, students have the opportunity to look at shingle beach, chalk downland, fenland, heathland, montane and dryland habitats.

2. Biology workshop - Fresh water studies

Students study fresh water ecology using the wetlands area at Wakehurst.

3. Biology workshop - Grassland

Students take part in a grassland workshop in one of the many meadow areas at Wakehurst.

4. Biology workshop - Woodland

Students take part in a woodland workshop in one of the coppice woodland areas at Wakehurst.

5. Biology workshop - Cloning

This biotechnology workshop is designed to enhance curriculum delivery at KS4

* Find out more about this workshop 

6. Biology workshop - Green DNA

Students learn about the application of DNA fingerprinting in Customs and Excise investigation.

This biotechnolgy workshop is designed to enhance curiculum delivery at KS4.

* Find out more about this workshop

7. Biology workshop - Photosynthesis

Students take a practical approach to photosynthesis which relates theory to practice. This biotechnology workshop is designed to enhance curriculm delivery at KS4.

* Find out more about this workshop


8. Themed day - Art and photography

Students sketch and collect photographs for their art and photography projects. This programme includes up to three sessions designed around a theme.

9. Themed day - Citizenship and enrichment

Students take part in a series of challenges in a variety of locations at Wakehurst. The emphasis is on fun, problem-solving and team-building. The day is tailored to suit the educational needs of your group. This day includes up to three sessions designed around the theme.

10. Themed day - Geography

Secondary school students can study physical and human geography aspects of the curriculum using the Wakehurst environment. This programme includes up to three sessions designed around a theme.

11. Biology workshop - Visit to a scientific workplace

Students visit Kew's Millennium Seed Bank and experience a globally significant scientific workplace in action. They study its organisation and investigate health and safety procedures.

Book now

A typical day at Wakehurst is made up of either two sessions of approximately 1.5 - 2 hours each, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, or three sessions of approximately 1 hour each, two in the morning and one in the afternoon.
We also offer a number of full activity days for Key Stage 3 students, designed around a theme. Once you've selected a combination of activities for your group, you can make a school booking to visit Wakehurst by filling in our online form.


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