As part of the A-Level Biology programme at Oxford International College, our Year 13students recently visited the historic Oxford Botanic Garden, engaging in a day of hands-on learning designed to deepen their understanding of key topics in the Year 13 Biology specification. The trip has become an intrinsic and much-anticipated element of the biology curriculum, offering students the chance to connect theoretical content with real-world examples of environmental science in action.
During the visit, students took part in two in-depth tutorials led by Dr Lauren Baker, Chief Education Officer at the Oxford Botanic Garden. Dr Baker guided students through two central themes of the Year 13 course:
Through interactive discussions and explorations around the garden, Dr Baker highlighted the major human-driven factors contributing to environmental change. These included habitat destruction, pollution, the spread of invasive alien species, and the overharvesting of natural resources. Students examined how these pressures threaten biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems—issues they will study in detail at Year 12 level.
The Botanic Garden provided the perfect setting for students to see these concepts firsthand. They explored living examples of economically important cash crop plants such as coffee and cotton, learning how traditional varieties are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change, disease, and soil degradation.
Students also discovered how research institutions like the Oxford University Botanic Garden (OUBG) are breeding alternative and more resilient varieties of these crops. These plants are used in ongoing experimental investigations by university departments, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge work taking place in plant science and agricultural sustainability.
For many students, the trip offered their first opportunity to step inside the UK’s oldest botanic garden—and it often leaves a lasting impression.
With its historic glasshouses, diverse plant collections, and tranquil setting, the garden provides an inspiring space for students to reflect on the importance of biodiversity and appreciate the role of conservation efforts in protecting the natural world.
The Botanic Garden visit continues to be a highlight of the Year 13 Biology experience at OIC. By engaging directly with experts and encountering the living world beyond the classroom, students gain deeper insight into the challenges facing global ecosystems—and the scientific work being done to address them.
This blend of academic enrichment and experiential learning helps equip our aspiring scientists with the awareness and curiosity they need as they progress towards their final A-Level studies.
