RBGE's Schools Education Service offers a world-class programme of educational visits for young people from Nursery to Senior 6.
Our varied, curriculum-based sessions offer holistic approaches to teaching science and art through the living world. We focus on participatory, experiential learning and all our programmes are delivered in a fresh, lively style. The aim is to enthuse and inspire young people about the natural world, so that they learn to appreciate beauty in nature and the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
About the programme
Visiting the Garden allows groups access to the unrivalled plant collections and landscaped areas of the Botanic Garden, all under the leadership of one of our expert environmental educators. Where else can you explore a tropical rainforest, an arid desert or a Scottish woodland in a single morning?
Our programme includes:
- Wee Green People - our programme for Nursery Groups
- Primary school programmes
- Secondary school programmes
- School outreach (including Gaelic Week at Edinburgh and Schools' Weeks at Benmore, Dawyck and Logan)
- Teacher training and CPD
- Self-guided learning
- Children's Garden for Schools
We also offer a range of teaching advice and resources, including our schools poster packs.
Further information and booking
For further information on all our programmes, including Teacher CPD, please download the current Schools Education Programme from the 'Downloads' box on the right.
To enquire about availability or to make a booking, please telephone our schools booking line on 0131 248 1040. We cannot accept bookings made by email or via the enquiry form.
For any other enquiries about our programmes, you can contact the Education department via our enquiry form (select ‘Education'), or telephone our schools booking line on 0131 248 1040.
Charges
For Schools Activities:
- Activities up to three hours:
£3.50 per pupil - Full day activities:
£4.50 per pupil - Full day art activities:
£4.50 per pupil - Art materials:
£25.00 (per class) - Minimum group charge:
£35 part day, £70 full day - Teachers and helpers:
All teachers and additional helpers free
For Teachers' Continuing Professional Development Sessions:
- Half day or twilight programme: £20.00 per person
- Full day: £40.00 per person