As part of their preparation for this year’s GCSE Art exam, which explores the theme of "Gathering," Year 11 students visited Kew Gardens on Friday, 7th February. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to investigate how nature, science, and art intersect through the act of collecting, preserving, and documenting botanical life.

Renowned for its global contributions to plant conservation, Kew Gardens showcases the importance of gathering and safeguarding biodiversity. Students explored the Millennium Seed Bank, which protects plant species from extinction by collecting and storing seeds from around the world. They also engaged with Kew’s vast living plant collections, herbariums, and archives, witnessing firsthand how species are gathered, classified, and preserved for future generations.

In addition, the visit encouraged students to reflect on the broader meanings of "gathering"—from the physical collection of plants to environmental conservation and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. This immersive experience provided inspiration for their creative projects, helping them develop new artistic perspectives for their GCSE exam work.

Ms Anderson