Education FAQs

WHAT IS THE EDUCATION SERVICE ?

The department which caters for educational visits and which encourages and fosters awareness of the Cathedral as an educational resource.

HOW IS IT STAFFED ?

By qualified teachers whose combined experience covers all age groups and abilities.   All members of the Education Service are in receipt of an enhanced CRB disclosure.

WHEN IS THIS SERVICE AVAILABLE ?

During normal school hours.

WHAT DOES IT OFFER THE SCHOOLS ?

An individual response to the stated needs of each school.

HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED ?

The Organiser of the Service holds a preliminary discussion with the school.

WHAT THEN ?

The following details are settled:

  • Date of visit.
  • Time and duration.
  • Number and age of pupils.
  • Purpose of visit.
  • Requested content of visit.
  • Projected outcome.

IS THERE A WRITTEN RECORD OF THE BOOKING ?

A booking form is sent to the school and all the details previously discussed with the teacher organising the visit are entered on the form.  
It should be returned to the Cathedral without undue delay so that it may be photocopied and distributed to the Education Service teaching team in advance of the school visit.

HOW EARLY SHOULD A BOOKING BE MADE ?

As early as possible.  Bookings may be made up to twelve months in advance.   An early booking means that a school has a better prospect of getting its chosen dates.
It also enables the Education Service team to know in good time when their services are required.
Nevertheless, late bookings, although not advisable, are accepted whenever possible.

DURATION OF A VISIT

This is a very flexible matter depending on a number of factors:

  • Travelling time.
  • Agenda for the rest of the day.
  • Number and age of pupils.
  • Ability of pupils.
  • Purpose of visit.

Guidance:  Schools usually choose 1½- 2 hours but a shorter or a longer visit can be arranged.

CAN TIME BE ALLOCATED FOR THE PUPILS TO WORK ON THEIR OWN ?

Yes, if it is a sufficiently long visit.   This matter should be requested on the booking form.   Pupils must have specific objectives and they must be supervised by school staff.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PUPILS ?

Our policy is to arrange the pupils into smaller tutorial groups whenever possible.   If schools bring very large numbers of pupils, then the tutorial groups will usually be correspondingly larger.   A ratio of one member of our teaching team to 20 pupils is preferred.

FACILITIES

Pupils with disabilities:

  • There is a lift from ground level to Cathedral level situated in the lower porch which is accessible at ground level from the Cathedral car park.
  • Access to the lower porch can be had via the right hand garden path which is located at the road end of the private road leading to the Cathedral car park.
  • Proceed through two sets of automatic doors and the lift is on the left.
  • Once inside the Cathedral no steps have to be negotiated of necessity.
  • Access to the Cathedral Crypt is by a lift situated in the Rotunda to the right of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, below the pipes of the organ.

Lunch:  Staff and pupils may bring their own packed lunch and accommodation for eating is usually available if requested at the time of booking.

Parking:  Coaches usually park on the road outside the Cathedral.   The Security Staff are available to advise.

A warm welcome awaits all staff and pupils.   Our teaching team ensures that the visit is well focused on its main purpose and endeavours to make the Cathedral experience both enjoyable and worthwhile.