Learn about Worcester Cathedral
Whether it is virtually or in person our curriculum covers the same areas and has topics and interest for EYFS through to KS5, FE and HE. Heritage, Faith, Architecture and Culture including STEM and Art and Design can all be explored at Worcester Cathedral.
Find out more about the topics you are interested in below. We have included some sample workshops, but are always happy to discuss developing new workshops and ideas. Your visit can also cover many different themes or periods of history so don't be limited!
To book either complete a booking form or contact us on 01905 732919 or email schools@worcestercathedral.org.uk to discuss a visit.
Tours
A tour of the Cathedral is the main focus of most visits to the Cathedral. The tour will be adapted to focus on the learning objectives of your visit and the age range and learning needs of your group.
For Virtual visits we can share a traditional video tour ahead of time.
- "Wonder" through the Cathedral as our guide takes you around
- Stop and listen as our guides tell you about key points of the Cathedral
- A variety of activities to do as you go round to embed learning
Curriculum Areas
We have a wide range of curriculum areas we cover. Click on the ones below that interest you to find out more.
First and foremost the Cathedral is a place of Christian Worship. Alongside a tour we include a variety of workshops that can help your students understand the role of the Cathedral in the Christian faith. The curriculum for these visits is closely linked to the Understanding Christianity Curriculum.
Links: Religious Education
Key Stages: 1, 2, 3, 4
Sample Workshops: Creative Prayer, Holy Communion, Life of Christ Stained Glass Window Drama, Prayer Stones, Saints Tales, Symbols of Christian Faith, Incarnation, Saviour & Messiah, Kingdom of God & the Lord's Prayer, Meet a Canon
Who was King John and how does he match up to his legend? What was his role in the Magna Carta and how does that impact us today? Why is he buried at Worcester Cathedral and where is his thumb?
Links: History, Citizenship, PSHE
Key Stages: 2, 3, 4
Sample Workshops: King John Tomb History Hunt, Heraldry, Human Rights & Magna Carta, King John Stained Glass Window Drama, Magna Carta Manuscript
The boy who would have been king? What would history have been like if Arthur had lived? What was it like to be alive in Tudor England? Learn about Arthur's position in the family and what happened after he died.
Links: History,
Key Stages: 1, 2, 3, 4
Sample Workshops: Arthur – the Lost Tudor Prince, Changing Beliefs in Tudor times, Tudor Games, Tudor Medicine & Herbs, The Six wives of Henry VIII
The story of the Reformation, arguable the most significant point in the religious history of the British Isles, can be explored at Worcester Cathedral. There is much to see and learn about, from Arthur's tomb and it's examples of iconoclasm, the surprising story about the statue of the Virgin Mary, the impact on the monastery and most significantly the destroyed Christ in Majesty sculpture.
Links: RE, History,
Key Stages: 4, 5
Available from: 2 November
Sample Workshops: Iconoclasm at the Cathedral, Visit the Library, Christ in Majesty
The Battle of Worcester concluded the English Civil War and the Cathedral played a central role. Visit Charles II's lookout point, view the tomb of his top lieutenant, re-enact the battle and learn how to use a pike!
Our Cathedral at War! Experience Day will return in 2021.
Links: History
Key Stages: 2, 3, 4
Sample Workshops: Pike Drill, Puritans & Parliamentarians, The Great Escape walking tour, Climb the Tower to view the battle, The King’s Men, The Battle of Worcester Stained Glass Drama.
The Normans built the Cathedral in 1084. What do we know about their role in Cathedral life in the 11th and 12th Century. Explore their architectural style.
Links: Maths, Technology, History
Key Stages: 4
Sample Workshops: Norman impact on Architecture & Religion, The role of a monastery as a place of learning
Come and be a monk for a day. Take a vow of silence and a promise to observe the rule of Benedict and explore what life as a monk was like in the medieval Worcester.
Links: History, RE
Key Stages: 1, 2, 3
Sample Workshops: Medieval Education and Manuscript Production, Meet a Monk, Monastic Habits, Monastic Meals, Monastic Sign Language, St Wulfstan Stained Glass Window Drama, The Dissolution at Worcester, Worship and Plain Chant
Pilgrims have come to religious sites for centuries and they still come today. Come on a quest to the Cathedral and explore what motivates a pilgrim and what pilgrimage involves.
Links: History, RE, PSHE
Key Stages: 1, 2, 3
Sample Workshops: Labyrinth – decision making skills, Creative Prayer, Saints Tales, Symbols of the Christian Faith
Art and Drama are an integral part of many of our visits as we bring the Cathedral to live through these mediums. But they can also be the focus of the visit, for example a photography visit or a visit to sketch the beautiful architecture of the Cathedral. Or explore the music and its long history at the Cathedral.
Links: Art, Drama, Literacy, English, Music.
Key Stages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, FE, HE
Sample Workshops: Anglo Saxon Art, Brass Rubbing, Charcoal Drawing, Gargoyle Making, Meet an Organist, Be a Chorister for an hour,
Explore the Cathedral and use it as muse for creating poetry. We have a specific poetry day programme that schools can book in for, or we can include a poetry workshop as part of the visit.
Links: Literacy, English
Key Stages: 2, 3
Sample Workshops: Poetry Day, Poetry Workshop.
Cathedral's such as Worcester were built centuries ago using medieval technology and labour - how did they do it and how does it stay up today? Explore this and more and subject to availability meet a stonemason and ask her your questions.
This workshop has been specifically developed for students with additional learning needs but is suitable for all abilities.
Links: Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths
Key Stages: 2, 3, 4
Sample Workshops: How to build a Cathedral, Meet a Stone Mason
What impact does Climate Change have on a Cathedral? What is our role as a church in caring for our planet? Developed in consultation with the Lapworth Museum explore with us how we can care for Our Earth and Our Cathedral
Links: Science, Geography, PSHE
Key Stages: 1, 2, 3, 4
Sample Workshops: Earth Sciences & climate change*, meet a stone mason, acid rain & erosion, The Christian faith and stewardship,
Learning Visit Prices
All prices are for 2020/21 school year. We offer a discount for Pupil Premium students. Prices are per student and inclusive of VAT. Accompanying staff/adults are free.
Type of Visit
Standard Education Visit comprising a tour and two workshops (4 hours)
Guided tour with one workshop (2 hours)
Guided tour or trail (1 hour 15 minutes)
Self-guided tour (booking essential for group visits)
Special Event Day (e.g. Experience Tudor England)
Tower climb (as part of a visit)
Tower climb only
Price
£6 per student
£4 per student
£3.50 per student
£3 per student
£6.50 per student
£1.50 per student
£3.50 per student
To book visit our complete a booking form or phone us on 01905 732919 or email schools@worcestercathedral.org.uk