Professional development

Food Gardens for Schools

Individual full day workshops

Partnership Professional Development with Cultivating Community
Where: RBG Melbourne

Aim: to look at food growing at school in a new light – look at using food plants to enhance your school grounds through good design; develop ideas on how to share fresh produce with your school community and try some simple recipes that kids will love tasting and sharing.

Topics covered will include:

• hardy, kid-proof edible plants for schools
• garden design for multi-functions
• share some tasty recipes
• cooking without a kitchen

Registration form Food Gardens for Schools (MS Word - 64 kb)

Outdoor Landscapes for Learning

Suitable for Education and Early Childhood professions and for Landscape Design students

Through the exploration of the plants and landscapes of the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, students discover how the development of an outdoor play and learning space for children can be centred around imaginative play. Topics discussed may include; child participation in the planning process, development and application of a learning philosophy (pedagogy), plant selection, creation of space or rooms, the role of literature, children and the real work of a garden, links to VELS, discussion on the risk, challenges and perceived dangers of outdoor play, forging community partnerships and developing sustainable practices. Education and Child Studies students are engaged in the work and play of the garden. Students meet with members of the IPFCG design team.

Cost: $25 per teacher (minimum groups of 10)
When: on request
Bookings Essential: 03 9252 2358
Meet:  Education Service Building, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra

The Aboriginal Resources Trail

Suitable for Land Management and Sustainability studies, Art, Education and History studies

The Aboriginal Resource Trail is designed to give students a greater understanding and respect for the local Kulin culture. Visit Long Island, where indigenous plant habitat has been returned, see remnant plants and understand the significance of Waa (the raven) and Birrarung (Yarra River). The Gardens also have more than 100 species of plants used by Aboriginal people in other parts of Australia. Experiences include making and using ochre paint, string-making using cumbungi and a hands-on exploration of tools. The emphasis is on diversity and examining sustainable land practices used by Aboriginal people. Meet an indigenous guide.

Cost: $25 per teacher (minimum groups of 10)
When: on request
Bookings Essential: 03 9252 2358
Meet:  Education Service Building, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra

Nature Play and Your Child

Suitable for parent playgroups, childcare and education professions.

Find out how to make the most of gardens and other natural settings to stimulate your child's imagination, creativity, learning and enjoyment of the natural world. This workshop includes; discussion about the value of 'free' and structured play, hands-on experiences designed to support you in your role as a facilitator of nature play, and an exploration of the play potential of plants and landscapes using the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Cost: $25 per teacher (minimum groups of 10)
When: on request
Bookings Essential: 03 9252 2358
Meet:  Education Service Building, Birdwood Avenue, South YarraExplore

Mixed Media and Environmental Art

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne’s Education service, together with Zart Education, invites you to a professional development day on Friday 2 March 2012 from 9.20am – 3pm.

The Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne celebrates the beauty and diversity of Australian plants, landscapes, art and architecture.

Explore this unique environment through creative visual art activities using a combination of natural and man-made tools and media. From drawing with found natural objects to creating two and three dimensional artist books, participants will gain inspiration for their work from the Gardens and other environmental artists.

Audience: suitable for primary and secondary teachers – classroom, art and visual art. No entry requirements

Bookings: email zes@zartart.com.au or telephone 03 9890 1867
Catering: morning tea will be provided. BYO lunch or purchase at the Boonerwurrung Café
Dress: appropriately for the weather on the day and for outdoor art activities.
Cost: $150.00 per person|
Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the Australian Garden, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne. Melways Ref: Map 133 F9
Meet: at the Australian Garden Visitor Centre at 9.15am

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded on completion of the program