Foundation & KS1
The content of our learning programme addresses Believing and Belonging in West Yorkshire, and the Leeds Diocesan RE Syllabus for voluntary aided schools. However the activities and workshops offered are multi – media and cross curicular; we can focus on history, geography, heritage, identity and belonging (dovetailing well with Bradford Museum and Galleries’ topic ‘Proud to be from Bradford’), art, citizenship and SMSC as required.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Young children are welcome to explore this special building, to experience the objects, sights and sounds of the Cathedral and discover the stories that they tell. All learning sessions and trails, include opportunities for children to reflect and to respond creatively.
The Key Trail
Crossed keys are the symbol of Saint Peter. As this special place is ‘The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter’ this symbol may be found all over the interior of the Cathedral and innthe grounds.
The children are tasked with solving clues and follow a ‘key’ trail that explores the Cathedral’s main features in search of a lost treasure. They also take part in an associated craft activity.
When the treasure is found all participants receive their own personal key to the Cathedral, a reminder that the door to Bradford Cathedral is open to all.
Special People
These sessions explore the Jesus stories, the stories of the early Christian Saints, including Saint Peter and those who brought Christianity to Northern Britain for example, Saint Aidan and Saint Hild; the Cathedral’s stained glass windows pay testimony to the importance of women in the Christian tradition and provide an engaging starting point for exploring the stories of key women featured in the Bible.
Special Places
In this session we explore the importance of key aspects of Christianity, worship and times of celebration, through investigating the Cathedral, searching for key features. Participants are introduced to the heritage and history of the oldest building in the centre of Bradford.
Signs and Symbols
This involves finding signs and symbols within the Cathedral, their origins and stories and meanings associated with them.
Festivals and Special Days
This session looks at special days and festivals, using evidence to be found in the Cathedral and the stories associated with special days and special times.
Reflection and Creative Response
The Cathedral Education Team are happy to facilitate teacher led opportunities for quiet, reflective time to enable the experience of awe, wonder and mystery in this special and unique Christian place of worship. Likewise it is possible to arrange appropriate teacher led sessions, that encourage participants to respond in a range of creative ways to the Cathedral experience.
Bespoke Sessions
If possible we encourage schools to choose from the learning sessions and workshops outlined above. However should group leaders have particular content that they would like the Education Team to cover, please make this clear at the time of booking and whenever possible we will endeavour to meet your needs.
How To Book
Visit Charges
We welcome all groups who wish to visit the Cathedral and aim to be accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. There is no fixed charge for group visits, but donations are always most welcome. We rely on the generosity of our visitors and friends to help fund our education work and are grateful for all monies donated
School and College Groups
Suggested donations per pupil:
- Day visit £5.00
- Morning or afternoon visit £2.50 (approx 1 hr 45 minutes duration)
Note: groups are welcome to eat their lunch in the Cathedral precinct or Cathedral at no extra charge.
Adult Groups
There is no fixed charge, however we suggest that wherever possible a nominal donation of £2.50 per person, per visit is made.Tea, coffee and biscuits may be provided for adult groups and a voluntary donation towards this is always most welcome. Please notify the Education Team at the time of booking if refreshments are required.
How to Make a Booking
- After reading the information on the website regarding school visits, decide what you would like to cover. If you have specific learning objectives or content, different to those suggested, that you would like us to address, please contact the Education Team. We are happy whenever possible to adapt content and objectives to suit specific needs.
- Email or telephone 01274 777720 to arrange a suitable date and discuss the planning of your visit. Please do not book transport until a date is agreed and confirmed.
- When the date has been agreed you will be sent a booking form. Please complete the form and return to confirm your visit by email if possible e-mail
- You will be sent of a copy of our Risk Assessment to support you in your preparation for the visit. You are most welcome to arrange a pre-visit meeting if you wish, to see the building in advance of and speak to a member of the Education Team.
- Contact the Education Team at any time if you have any queries about the visit, or if any of the school circumstances change.
Contact Details:
The Education Team
Maggie Myers and Diane Hadwen
Bradford Cathedral
Stott Hill
Bradford, BD1 4EH
Tel 01274 777720
Email: education@bradfordcathedral.org