Secondary school visits at the Arboretum

Harcourt Arboretum is just six miles south of Oxford City Centre. It has 130 acres of endangered trees, natural woodland and native wildflower meadow.
We offer a range of sessions designed to enhance the curricula for all Key Stages. Sessions for further education groups are also available. Parking for cars and coaches is available on site.

About school visits

We offer a range of sessions for Key Stage 3, 4, 5 and further education groups. Each session lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours and has a maximum capacity of 35 students.

Please note that there is a charge for all education sessions. Our sessions fill up quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Sessions do not include a general tour of the Arboretum, so please make sure you book extra time with us if you wish to explore afterwards.

Wollemi pine - Harcourt Arboretum - Threatened Tree Trail

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Evolution and Classification

Available to book weekdays from Monday 11th September - Friday 15th December

This session will cover the evolution of plants and examines the 'living fossils' of our collections. We will look at exciting and unusual plants to explore Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, the binomial naming system, and selection pressures that drive evolution. Students will have the opportunity to practise their observation skills and create their own identification key.

The session is adaptable to suit all secondary key stages.

The trunk of a giant redwood in autumn light

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Biodiversity and Conservation

Available to book weekdays from Monday 11th September - Friday 15th December

This session will explore an incredible collection of endangered trees, including some of the oldest redwoods in the country. Students will learn the principles of in situ and ex situ conservation. Your students will also learn about biodiversity and the impact of climate change on the natural world.
This session is adaptable to suit all secondary key stages.

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Wildflower meadow sampling practical

Available to book weekdays from Monday 27th May 2024 - Friday 28th June 2024

This session will introduce your students to 63 acres of native wildflower meadow. This rare habitat will enable them to practise their observation skills and will serve as an introduction to plant identification. These skills can be used to complete the required GCSE or A Level sampling practical.

Quadrats, ID guides and a workshop booklet are provided.

This practical session is suitable for KS4/KS5.

Can't find what you're looking for?

There are more secondary education sessions available at our other site, Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the UK with over 5,000 plants from around the world.

Click the link below to find out more.

Secondary Education at the Garden

Charges

Session	Max numbers	Charge
Secondary school half-day session facilitated by Education Officer	35	£125.00
Secondary school full-day session facilitated by Education Officer	35	£250.00
Bespoke school programmes (full day, selection of workshops)	Flexible	Contact us
Outside lunch space at the Arboretum (45 minutes)	35	Free (but must book)