About Branch Out
Branch Out gives students hands-on experiences and insights into the diverse career pathways the horticulture industry offers, inspiring the next generation to consider a rewarding future in the industry.
Branch Out aims to:
- Deliver immersive learning experiences for Victorian secondary students (Years 7–10, adaptable to Years 11–12)
- Develop curriculum-aligned lesson plans to teach and engage students in 4 horticulture topics
- Provide in-class facilitation and incursion led by industry experts
- Offer an immersive excursion to a horticultural business
- Raise awareness among teachers and students about modern horticultural careers.
Participating schools will be provided with engaging, Victorian-curriculum aligned units of learning that contain everything required to teach students about ‘Botany Basics’, ‘The World of Photosynthesis’, the ‘Importance of Soil’ and ‘Plant Reproduction’.
Teachers will be provided with support during the planning and delivery of these units of learning.
Two key elements of Branch Out are a free NGIV-facilitated incursion and an excursion to visit a local horticulture business.
Register to participate:
If you are interested in participating in the Branch Out in 2026, please register your interest here or email any questions to tania@ngiv.com.au. Spots are limited.
Lesson Plans
Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria have worked closely with experienced consultants to develop immersive educational experiences that encourage students to Branch Out and learn about the thriving and dynamic world of horticulture.
Lessons plans on the subjects of Botany Basic, the World of Photosynthesis, Plant Production and Importance of Soil, have been designed for students in years 7–10. An overview of the units and their lessons are below.
Once teachers register for Branch Out, they will receive their selected lesson plan and a follow-up call offering support and to arrange the incursion date.
Botany Basics
Students will explore the basics of botany through hands-on activities and immersion in the natural world, viewing plants from the perspectives of visual artists, botanists, and scientists. Learning about the biodiversity of their local area through the examination, identification and classification of the plants that grow there, students will develop a greater understanding and awareness of the world around them.
The World of Photosynthesis
Students will discover the intricacies of plants and their role in our world through photosynthesis. They will develop an understanding of photosynthesis, explore the factors influencing this process and consider how it sustains all life on earth. Students will also investigate the adaptations of plants and ecosystems in different conditions, including the spectacular Otway rainforest. With plenty of hands-on experience in this unit, there is so much to explore in the wonderful world of photosynthesis.
Plant Production
Explore the wonderful world of plant reproduction with plenty of opportunities for students to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in the process. Through dissecting flowers, investigating the amazing life cycle of plants, harvesting seeds, propagating plant babies and exploring pollinators active within the school, students will uncover how plants reproduce, why this is important and what they can do to sustain these processes into the future. This hands-on unit will get young people excited, curious and passionate about all things plant reproduction.
Importance of Soil
Healthy soil underpins all terrestrial life. This unit develops student awareness of soil as a living system that supports biodiversity, food production, climate regulation and human wellbeing. Through scientific inquiry and hands-on experiences, students build foundational knowledge of soil ecosystems, chemistry and sustainable management strategies.
Incursion & Excursion
Incursion and excursion details will be arranged in consultation with schools, based on the information provided in at registration.
For more information or to schedule a session, please contact the VSGP at vsgp@ngiv.com.au or call 03 9576 0599.
Discover Careers in the Nursery and Garden Industry
Discover Careers in Nursery and Garden Industry This series of bite-sized, Q&A-style webinars, featuring employers and employees spanning across the horticulture industry. This lesson plan is designed to engage students with the Come to Work With Me webinar and consider horticulture as a career pathway.