26 April 2023
Mr Rob Philbin, Teacher of Biology
On Tuesday 25 April, Lower Sixth biology students delved into the fascinating topics of conservation and evolution in two interactive workshops at Kew Gardens, London.
During the conservation workshop, students learned about the important conservation work conducted by Kew Gardens around the world. They were particularly intrigued by the ethical coffee farming practices in Ethiopia, where they discovered how sustainable farming methods, biodiversity conservation, and socioeconomic aspects are essential to the production of the second most traded commodity in the world.
During the evolution workshop, our students were treated to a tour of Kew Garden's diverse greenhouses. Of particular interest was the convergent evolution of xerophytes, plants adapted to arid conditions, in different regions including America and Africa. Our students had the opportunity to observe and learn about the structural and physiological adaptations of these plants, and how natural selection has shaped their evolution in response to similar environmental conditions.
The trip was an enriching experience for our Lower Sixth biologists, allowing them to deepen their understanding of conservation and evolution in a real-world context. It was a great opportunity for them to connect classroom learning with practical applications whilst developing their sense of environmental stewardship.
