RBGE is a great place to pick up new techniques and skills for teaching the life sciences, including the key modern issues in ecology: biodiversity and sustainability. With botanic gardens now a core part of the Curriculum for Excellence, what better place for teachers to come and learn about them than on-site here at the Botanics? Our CPD programmes include:
Prices and booking
Half day sessions: £20 per person
Full day sessions: £40 per person
For full details, including dates for these courses, you can download our schools programme from the ‘Downloads' box to the right. For further information or to make a booking, please contact the Education department via our enquiry form [9.1] (select ‘Education'), or telephone our schools booking line on 0131 248 1040.
Environmental Studies
Plant Science for the Classroom
Full day for primary teachers, P4-7.
A practical workshop including all the stages in the plant life cycle using rapid cycling brassicas (‘fast plants') which complete their life cycle in 28 days. We will also look at ideas for plant science projects.
Practical Science Equipment for the Classroom (Bottle Biology)
Full day for primary teachers, P4-7.
A practical workshop building resources such as eco-columns, compost columns, plant propagators, portable ponds, rain gauges and other useful pieces of scientific equipment that can be used to study the processes of life. This is a hands-on workshop during which each participant will build their own resources to take back to the classroom.
Practical Gardening with Children
Half day for nursery and primary teachers, all years.
This workshop introduces loads of ideas for growing plants - whether container gardening, beds or in open ground plots. This is an ideal session for any school developing a children's garden and includes a tour of a working children's garden and discussion sessions on planning gardens with and for children.
Plant Biodiversity and Global Citizenship
Half day for primary (P4-7) and secondary (S1-2) teachers.
RBGE is one of the most species-rich places on the entire planet. This workshop uses our incredible plant collections in the Glasshouses to look at some of the key issues that affect us both locally and globally. Discussion sessions and exercises focus on science, sustainability and conservation.
Higher Still Biology
Fast Plants for Intermediate 1 [Image: RBGE_In_service2.jpg, Right Justified here]
Full day session for Intermediate 1: Growing plants, S3-5 teachers.
A practical workshop including all the stages in the plant life cycle, using rapid cycling brassicas (‘fast plants') that complete their life cycle in 28 days. We will investigate many ideas for plant science projects. Also includes a behind the scenes tour of working horticulture at the Botanics.
Plant Propagation Techniques for Intermediate 1: Growing Plants
Half day session for biology teachers and technicians, S3-6.
A practical workshop on plant propagation. Plants are incredibly versatile teaching tools and this session gives you all the basic skills you need to grow them successfully.
Expressive Arts
Christmas Art Projects with an Environmental Theme
Full day session for any teaching staff.
This workshop helps you develop exciting practical art activities focused around the festive season. Suitable for use in the classroom and adaptable for different age groups. This course is held in November to offer plenty of time for you to collect materials for your classes to use nearer Christmas.
Art: Inspired by the Forest
Full day workshop for primary teachers: Expressive Arts 5-14.
This workshop explores the links between environmental studies and expressive arts, introducing a variety of practical art techniques for use in the classroom.
A practical workshop using different media and techniques to record the variety of shapes, textures and colours in nature. Includes opportunities for batik print and paper-making and 2D/3D willow sculpture.
Spring and Eastertide Art and Craft
Full day session for any teaching staff.
A practical workshop involving art, craft and design activities with a springtime emphasis. The focus is on use of natural materials, developing weaving and many other decorative seasonal activities. Suitable for use in the classroom and can be adapted for any age group.
Art and Craft Activities for Special Educational Needs
RBGE’s programmes and in-service training for special needs includes a huge range of activities.
Full day workshop for SEN teachers, both Arts specialists and non-specialists.
Workshop focusing on practical art activities with a wide range of approaches to support the wide range of different needs and abilities of students. There will be a variety of different activities and techniques available to experiment with, including paper-making, natural weaving and edible art.
Early Years
A Journey Round the Seasons
Half day session for all nursery and early years staff.
A visit to the Botanics to experience environmental activities suitable for pre-school children. Themed around the needs of living things through the changing seasons. The activities covered can be used both at the Botanic Garden and at other outdoor locations. This is a participatory workshop and suitable clothes/shoes for outdoor wear are essential.
Meets the ‘knowledge and understanding of the world' aspects of the 3-5 curriculum.
Stories in the Garden
Full day session for all nursery and early years staff.
Storytelling workshop in the Garden, run by renowned storyteller Claire McNicol. With opportunities to become more confident in telling stories and applying your own storytelling skills. Meets the ‘knowledge and understanding of the world' aspects of the 3-5 curriculum
Practical Art and Design for Nursery Teachers and Workers
Full day session for all nursery and early years staff.
Offers a practical Art workshop focusing on the natural environment with activities suitable for under 5's.
Biodiversity Activities and Games
Half day session for all primary staff.
Introduces teachers to practical, experiential games which teach about interactions with the natural world. The activities and games are adaptable for use in many different environments.
Teacher Placement Week
Please book places for our Teacher Placement Week through the Project Coordinator at Careers Scotland by calling 01463 741 362.
