Last Friday, our Year 4 students enjoyed a rich and engaging excursion to the Royal Botanic Gardens, where they deepened their understanding of plant life and ecosystems through real-world exploration.
Students were fascinated by the opportunity to observe fungi through magnifying glasses and discovered unique plants such as a rock orchid growing on a tree and an epiphyte, which grows without soil by attaching to other plants. A major highlight was seeing a 140-year-old tree that had naturally fallen. It’s enormous trunk wide enough to fit nearly 30 Year 4s across it!
Although the group was unable to enter the glasshouse due to its aged and unstable structure, students were captivated by the thriving pitcher plants visible through the glass, and many were intrigued by the gentle plume of smoke rising from its chimney, adding an air of mystery to the scene.
In the rainforest section, often described as the “lungs of the garden,” students learned about the importance of rainforests in supporting life on Earth.
To conclude the day, each student planted their own swamp Billy button to take home, a hands-on keepsake of their learning and a way to continue nurturing nature at home.
🌱 A friendly reminder to Year 4 families: don’t forget to water your child’s Billy button! A little care goes a long way!