The Reception children thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Botanical Gardens. They were highly engaged throughout the trip, showing curiosity and excitement as they explored the different plants, trees and outdoor environments.
The children were particularly fascinated by observing natural features such as flowers, leaves and insects, and they eagerly discussed what they could see, hear and smell. The trip provided valuable opportunities for first-hand experiences, encouraging the children to ask questions, share ideas and use new vocabulary in meaningful contexts.
A key highlight of the day was the animal encounter session. Pupils met a range of small animals and learned about their diets, habitats and physical features. Many children were able to gently hold the animals, which was a completely new and exciting experience. One child said, “I didn’t know animals needed different homes, just like us.” Another shared, “I was brave and held the snake. It felt smooth and calm.” These hands-on experiences directly supported our EYFS Understanding the World curriculum, particularly learning about living things and the environments they live in.
Exploring the gardens and glasshouses gave pupils the chance to observe a wide variety of plants. They noticed differences in size, texture, colour and smell, and compared tropical and desert environments. This links closely with our Spring term learning about growing plants and seasonal change. Back at school, children have already begun planting seeds and referring to their visit: “Plants need the right place, like in the warm house,” one pupil explained during a planting activity.
