Royal Veterinary College visit

Students in years 10 - 12 were offered an exciting enrichment opportunity to visit the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for a specialised afternoon anatomy session at its Camden Campus in London. Recognised as the number one veterinary school in the world, the RVC is one of the UK’s leading institutions for veterinary education, making this a truly exceptional experience for students interested in the field.

The purpose of the visit was to broaden students’ understanding of comparative physiology and animal biology through a range of engaging, hands-on activities. These experiences complemented GCSE and A level biology, while also giving students a taste of how scientific knowledge is applied in real-world veterinary and research settings.

During the session, students took part in a directed learning activity based on a simulated disease outbreak. This university-style task mirrored content from RVC’s Biological Sciences course and helped students develop their scientific reasoning, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Students also had the unique opportunity to explore the RVC Anatomy Museum, where they participated in an interactive quiz using real animal specimens. Led by Andrew Crook, head of anatomy, this session offered a rare chance to study authentic anatomical materials and deepen understanding of structure and function across different animal species. In addition, students used microscopes to observe and identify different types of tissue, further developing their practical laboratory skills. They also carried out a rat dissection under expert guidance, gaining first-hand experience of anatomical investigation and developing their confidence in practical work.

Students also observed animal physiology in context through a live animal experience delivered by the RVC anatomy team. This element of the visit reinforced key biological concepts while providing valuable insight into the practical aspects of veterinary science.

This trip was an inspiring experience for students considering a future in animal care, science or medicine, and highlighted the wide range of pathways available within veterinary science.

What students had to say;