We're passionate about connecting children with plants and the natural world, and we are pleased that we are now able welcome back school groups to the botanic gardens!
Our full-time, experienced and qualified educator develops and delivers a variety of inquiry-based learning education programs from preschool to senior secondary. These programs are aligned to the Australian Curriculum, employ TfEL pedagogies and, where possible, have been constructed with students.
There are multiple learning experiences available for students at the Adelaide Botanic Garden with new programs being developed for both Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens.
The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, volunteers and staff remains our highest priority and, in preparation to welcoming back school groups, we are implementing new COVID-19 compliant protocols to offer a safe and fun experience for all groups that attend our programs.
Measures include:
- Group sizes of approximately 20 to ensure physical distancing can be adhered to while not impacting on the quality of the learning experience
- Practicing of good hygiene before, during and after sessions
- Adults and students must continue to maintain physical distance (1.5m) and density (2sqm) requirements
- Attending teachers and supervisors will be required to play an active role in managing these measures
- Students, teachers and supervisors must not attend if they are unwell
Please note: in the event that one of our Botanic Garden's staff members is feeling unwell on the day of your visit, the staff member will be required to stay home. This is to ensure that no students or adults from your school are placed at risk. If this occurs, we will work with you to provide an alternative to your booked session.
For more information and updates on the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please see LATEST NEWS.
Special COVID-19 options and pricing
We have created a range of flexible options for schools visiting the gardens, including smaller groups sizes, which aim to cater for a range of needs, ensure we adhere to the COVID-19 regulations, and maintain a quality learning experience for all.
Option 1 - Self-guided trail
- Unlimited time
- Free
- Schools will be provided with a Teacher Resource to be able to guide students through the education trail of choice
- Schools are required to follow all South Australian Government regulations for gatherings and group sizes and maintain physical distancing at all times
- Resources are currently available here for students to explore Adelaide Botanic Garden from the classroom
Option 2 – Educator led trail for group sizes of approximately 20
- 60 minutes duration
- An expert Botanic Garden’s Educator leads the class (approx 20 students) through the relevant education trail
- Fee is $120 for one hour Educator led lesson
- Fee is $80 for one hour Educator led lesson for Department for Education disadvantaged category 1-4 schools
Option 3 – for group sizes over 20 (max 40) - Educator led / self-guided combination
- 60 minutes duration
- Caters for classes over 20 (max 40) split into two groups
- An expert Botanic Garden’s Educator leads group 1 for 30 minutes and then group 2 for the second 30 minutes. After spending time with the Educator, teachers then guide the class though the rest of the trail using the Teacher Resource provided
- Fee is $120 for 2 x ½ hour Educator led lessons (total 1 hour)
- The fee for Department for Education disadvantaged category 1-4 schools is $80 for 2 x ½ hour Educator led lessons (total 1 hour)
Option 4 – for group sizes over 20 (max 40) – Educator led – two educators
- 60 minutes duration
- Caters for classes over 20 (max 40) split into two groups
- Two expert Botanic Garden’s Educators will lead the education trail at the same time (1 hour for each group)
- Fee is $120 for the first group of 20, plus an additional $5 per student over 20 (max 40)
- The fee for Department for Education disadvantaged category 1-4 schools is $80, plus an additional $3 per student over 20 (max 40) for 2 x 1 hour Educator led lessons.
Schools will be required to book for all options above. To make a booking, please click here.
Please contact DEWBGSchools@sa.gov.au or call 8222 9344 if you would like to discuss a future booking, or if you would like any assistance in planning a future visit.
Please confirm your own schools and Education System policies before contacting us.
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The Botanic Gardens Schools Education Program is supported by the Department for Education.
