Year 10 Photography Trip to Kew Gardens

On Friday 9 May, our Year 10 photography students spent the day at Kew Gardens, exploring one of London’s most diverse environments. The trip offered them a valuable opportunity to develop and challenge their practical skills in a new and visually rich setting.​

Students explored many aspects of the park, from the gardens and the lush tropical climate of the Palm House to the vast and varied plant life inside the Temperate House. The Treetop Walkway was a particular highlight—offering a wide view of the gardens from 59 feet above, and a fun challenge for those brave enough to capture photos from a high angle, with glimpses of the London skyline.​

Throughout the day, students practised using their cameras in rapidly changing conditions—adjusting to different lighting, working with humidity, and thinking creatively about composition. They experimented with close-ups and wide shots, focusing on detail, texture, light, and reflections. From delicate South African Proteas, towering Traveller's Palms from Madagascar, to the striking Himalayan Blue Poppies, the variety of plants from around the world gave students plenty of inspiration.​

They observed and captured shapes, patterns, and colours in the natural forms around them—whether it was the symmetry of a cactus, the surface of a lily pad, or the vibrant structure of tropical leaves. Many students took impressive images of plant life, trees, friends, wildlife, and the architectural beauty of Kew’s glasshouses.​

At lunchtime, students enjoyed a relaxed picnic under the shade of an old oak tree—made even more memorable by the appearance of a group of geese and their fluffy goslings, who weren’t shy about joining in.

Miss Finnegan, Teacher of Photography reflected on the day, 'It was a brilliant day of learning beyond the classroom. Students supported one another, worked independently in a new environment, and produced some outstanding images. A big thank you to Ms. Reilly, Mrs. Ijtiba Garcia, and Mr. Gander for accompanying the trip and encouraging students throughout the day. Their support helped make the experience such a success'.