The University has had possession of these gardens since 1855, except for some 23 years when they were administered by the Department of Agriculture. Its history is intricately linked with the study of botany, natural history and some of the medical sciences. Indeed, part of the collection at the Argotti Gardens is connected with the study of Medicine and Surgery at the Order’s Infirmary and the Physic garden that was located in the ditches of Fort St Elmo, and started some time after 1676.
To continue to promote the educational value of the gardens, an invitation is again being extended to schools for organised tours available during the scholastic year. One hour visits are envisaged, comprising a short talk, a tour of the gardens and some hands-on practical exercises. Groups should not exceed 25 students and must be accompanied by a teacher. Two groups from the same school may be accommodated in the same morning. Talks and tours will be adapted to different age groups. Year 3 primary to Fifth and Sixth Form students are welcome. Separate arrangements can be made for biology, ecology and geography teachers who would be most welcome to bring their groups for botany related lectures and practicals.
The tours are to be held every Thursday and Friday morning and are strictly by appointment. These School Visits are a joint initiative between the University of Malta and the Curriculum Department (Education Division) within the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment.
ARGOTTI BOTANIC GARDENS
SCHOOL VISITS 2005 - 2006
Competition:
All primary and secondary school students visiting Argotti Botanic Gardens will be eligible to participate in a drawing competition and the best works will be exhibited at a future date.
Category I for Primary schoolchildren:
Draw a colour poster (A4 or A3 size) on the following theme:
My Visit at Argotti Gardens
Category II for Secondary students:
Design and draw colour poster (A4 or A3 size) with a message on the following theme:
My Visit at Argotti Gardens
The participating school should send all entries at one go and each entry should have the following details written at the back:
Prizes:
Two prizes will be awarded in each category:
1 st Prize: Lm15 Book Token
2 nd Prize: Lm10 Book Token
Special Award to school for Effort
The school with the greatest number of entries in each category will also be rewarded for the effort – 10 indigenous trees or plants will be donated to be used within the school premises.
Entries are to reach:
The Curator, Argotti Botanic Gardens ( University of Malta Section), FLORIANA by 31st May 2006.
Invitation for School Visits
to the
Argotti Botanic Gardens
(University of Malta Section)
supported by the
Curriculum Department
(Education Division)