Themed Guided Visit Information

Transcription

1 SCHOOLS & FAMILIES DEPARTMENT Themed Guided Visit Information for Schools & Community Groups

2 Contents (Interactive contents. Click on subject to go directly to that page) Introduction 3 Booking a Visit 4 Themed Guided Visits 5 and Workshops World of Worship 6 Bible Alive 6 Patterns of Faith 7 Christianity Through Art 7 Majestic Mosaics 8 Let s Investigate Easter 8 A Christmas Journey 9 Be a Pilgrim 9 A Cathedral at War 10 London s Burning 10 The Victorian 11 Experience Story Telling Spectacular 11 Shape Up! 12 Let s Build a Cathedral! 12 Climbing the Dome 13 Self-Guided Visits 14 Risk Assessment Advice 14 Helpful Guidelines 15 Frequently Asked 16 Questions INSET 17 R.E. History English, History & RE Maths & Science Thank you for your enquiry. I look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful Cathedral. JANET MARSHALL, HEAD OF SCHOOLS & FAMILIES The Schools & Families Department seeks to deliver a professional service to all schools, parishes, community and family groups. We aim to make your visit educational, inspirational, memorable and fun! Welcome 2

3 Introduction About the Cathedral St Paul s is a famous, busy place. It is often described as the Nation s Church and is the Mother Church for the Diocese of London. It is the seat of the Bishop of London and a centre of prayer, worship and debate for the people of the city and its surrounding boroughs. It is also used annually as a venue for concerts, productions and celebrations of all kinds. Most of all it is your Cathedral! We want you to have a great time here. It is essential that you plan your visit carefully and we hope this brochure will help you to do so. What s on offer for schools, families and community groups at St Paul s? In this brochure you will find a selection of themed, guided visits for Key Stages 1 and 2. All are adaptable for SEN, parish and community groups. The programmes endeavour to enhance and supplement your teaching across the curriculum, especially:- RE Christianity, Places of Worship, Symbolism, Beliefs and Practices, Festivals and Pilgrimage. History The Great Fire of London, World War 2, Life in Victorian Times. Maths and Science Shape, Design, Forces, Symmetry, Pattern, Measurement. Art Religious Art, Icons, Mosaics, Sculpture. Personal, Social, Cultural and Spiritual Development lots of opportunities for discussion, debate and reflection. Our commitment to you A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE your visit will be led by trained staff and volunteers. VALUE FOR MONEY we keep our visit fees as low as possible. SECURE FACILITIES we provide a cloakroom, classroom and facilities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES when you book a visit these will be discussed and you will be asked to provide further details on your booking form. PREPARATION/RISK ASSESSMENT VISITS FOR TEACHERS we provide a teacher s pass so that you can visit in advance to carry out your risk assessment and plan your visit. Tell us if you would like to arrange a guided preparation tour, led by our staff. These may be booked in advance, after school or in working hours during term time and some school holidays. WE ASK FOR YOUR FEEDBACK you will be given a form on the day of your visit. Please complete and return it so that we can continue to monitor and develop our visits. TRAILS & RESOURCES may be found on our website in the Learning & Education, then Schools & Families / Self-Guided Visits section. Advance booking is essential for both guided and self-guided visits! You are advised to book at least half a term in advance. We get extremely busy, especially in the Summer term. PACKED LUNCHES you are welcome to eat them here but we cannot guarantee classroom space for all groups. We will inform you on the day about where your group will be eating i.e. Crypt, classroom or garden (if weather permits). I hope that this booklet will provide you with all the information you require. Please take time to read it carefully and share it with your leaders/helpers. Risk assessment advice is also provided in this brochure. Do get in touch with us if you require more information. 3

4 How to Book Your Themed Guided Visit Below: The Oculus film room in the Crypt. You may wish to visit this after your guided visit. There are four short films about the history and life of the Cathedral, including a virtual climb up the Dome. Allow an extra 10 minutes for this. The booking process please read carefully! Call or us to make a preliminary booking. A booking form will be sent to you by . Please complete and return it by as soon as possible i.e. within two weeks of receipt. Please attach your completed risk assessment (or send that in later the important thing is to get your form back quickly!) N.B. If we do not receive your booking form within two weeks, the preliminary booking will be cancelled and the date will be offered to another school. You will receive a confirmation letter by A Teacher s Access Pass will be ed to you for your preparation and risk assessment visit You will be sent a map showing where to report in at the Crypt desk with your class. Please check this out during your preparation visit Payment Please refer to our price list that will be ed to you (also available online). We request payment in advance of your visit. You will be ed an invoice with your booking confirmation. Please arrange for payment to be made as soon as possible. Cheques should be made payable to Dean and Chapter. Under the Dome Cancellations Mosaics up close If you need to cancel your booking you must let us know at least FOUR WEEKS before your visit date. We regret that any cancellations made after this period will be charged for, in full. 4 St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

5 All our visits are linked to the Primary Curriculum and Local Agreed Syllabi for R.E./Non-statutory National Framework for R.E. They may also be adapted for Parish/Community Groups. To coincide with your guided visit, you may wish to book one of our activity workshops, such as: Design and make a glass tile mosaic Patterns of Faith badges & book marks Drama and music Stained glass window designs/illuminated letters on parchment Christmas and Easter craft activities Christian artefacts/vestments and vessel handling sessions Contact the department for further information. Creating a mosaic design The Dome Altar St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk 5

6 World of Worship 60 study for R.E. To bring the Cathedral alive to your children as a place of prayer and worship. To enhance your teaching of National Framework for R.E./local syllabi units on: practices and ways of life in religions, worship, beliefs, symbols and religious expression, inspirational figures, sacred places, teachings and authority, the journey of life and sacred occasions for believers. 60. KS1and KS2 A guided trail around the Cathedral and Crypt that will enhance your Christianity/Places of Worship study units. It will include: Furniture and objects used for worship (altar, lectern, font, crosses, pulpit) Places and methods used for prayer e.g. candles, icons Symbolic actions and objects Practical activities with vestments, vessels for Holy Communion, artefacts, Baptism demonstration Information about the Cathedral s daily pattern of worship, prayer and festivals Time in the Quire to discover its purpose and to view the ceiling mosaics (binoculars available) Light a candle and reflect Optional extras Meet a priest and find out about his/her work and vocation. Please ask for this when you book. A badge/book mark design workshop, mosaic or stained glass design workshop. Please request when you book. 45 You may wish to request a shorter version of this visit which lasts for 45 minutes. Please indicate when booking if you require this option. The price per pupil remains the same. Bible Alive 90 study for R.E. To explore why the Bible is important for Christians worldwide, to learn about its contents and find out how it is used in worship. After a short introduction, children will be led around the Cathedral to: Learn about the library of books that make up the Bible and its many translations Hear the story of Mary Jones that led to the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society Hear a parable of Jesus and see the mosaic designs that depict the Easter and creation stories View William Holman Hunt s famous painting The Light of the World Find out about St Paul, his life, journeys and letters This visit is closely linked to R.E. study units in the National Framework such as: Why are some stories and sacred texts important in religion? Teachings and authority/inspirational figures for believers/symbolism/prayer and worship. 90. Upper KS1and KS2 The Tyndale Bible 6 St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

7 Patterns of Faith Explore Signs & Symbols Children will: Investigate wood/stone carvings, crosses, ironwork, floor/ceiling mosaics and discover their symbolism and meaning Find out about symbolic patterns, shapes and images Explore the symbolic meaning and use of light, water, bread, wine, vestments and music in worship Find out about symbols that depict St Paul and the Cathedral Discover the daily pattern of worship and music study for R.E. To discover signs and symbols in the Cathedral and to explore their meaning as a key part of the Christian faith. 60. would like to book a Signs & Symbols badges and book marks workshop. Upper KS1and KS2 60 Christianity Through Art Children will: Be shown paintings, objects, artefacts, floor patterns, sculptures and mosaics Explore how decorative art informs Christians about Bible stories and helps them to pray and worship Investigate icons from the Russian Orthodox tradition and their purpose Explore Sir Christopher Wren s unique design idea beauty versus functionality study for R.E. To discover, observe and respond to the amazing examples of art and design in the Cathedral. 60. If you would like to book a stained glass window design or mosaics workshop afterwards, allow an extra 45 minutes. Please request when you book. KS2 60 The Light of the World Mother & Child by Henry Moore St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk 7

8 Majestic Mosaics 90 study for R.E. To enable children to discover the Cathedral s wonderful mosaics as a decorative art form that aims to enhance prayer and worship. Our wonderful mosaic designs on the Quire ceiling, quarter domes and Crypt floor are a unique feature of the Cathedral. During this visit: They find out about the history of mosaics, dating back to Greek and Roman times and find out how they were designed and put together They look for symmetry and repeating patterns They get a close up view of the ceiling mosaics using binoculars! Back in our classroom they design their own 10cm x10cm square or cross shaped mosaic, using authentic glass tiles 90. (Guided trail with mosaic workshop.) KS1and KS2 Crypt floor mosaics Let s Investigate Easter 60 study for R.E. To bring alive the festival of Easter and to explore its importance for Christians across the world through dramatised story telling, artefacts and discussion. 60. Allow an extra 45 minutes for an Easter craft workshop. Please request when you book. In the classroom Children will learn about Easter customs around the world. As they are led round the Cathedral, the Easter story unfolds through captivating story telling and drama: Palm Sunday they re-enact the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem The Feast of the Passover is set out and they discover how this meal turned into Jesus Last Supper with his Disciples The cross is carried as they reflect on the first Good Friday In the Quire they hear about the wonder of the Resurrection A candle is lit as thoughts are gathered before departure KS1and KS2 Easter mosaics 8 St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

9 A Christmas Journey The perfect way to bring the Christmas story alive! This visit is available in November and December. It links with key R.E. themes such as: the Bible, key figures in the Christian faith, Christian beliefs and practices, festivals, celebrations, spiritual development. In a short introduction children will explore the season of Advent and its customs On a guided journey around the Cathedral they meet characters from the Christmas story such as Mary, Joseph and a shepherd Children dress as Maji (the three kings) and lead a procession to the crib where they complete the Nativity tableau with Mary and Joseph A festive craft workshop then follows in the class room. study for R.E. To enable children to explore the meaning of this worldwide Christian festival through story telling and role play KS1and KS2 105 Be a Pilgrim A Journey of Discovery in the Cathedral On arrival the children are met by a medieval pilgrim leader who introduces them to pilgrimage past and present. They then embark on a journey around the Cathedral. On the way they: Explore the meaning of pilgrimage Make a pilgrim badge Experience many interesting areas, artefacts and objects such as: the font, altars for Holy Communion, the pulpit and lectern, candles, crucifixes, sculptures, paintings, tombs, memorials and more study for R.E. To find out about pilgrimage and its importance in Christianity. To learn about Rites of Passage for Christians. 75. KS1and KS2 75 N.B. A great pilgrimage resource book for KS1/2: Special People, Special Places Making Connections Between Pilgrimage and Every Day Life by Janet Marshall. Downloadable from Barnabas books for schools section. It contains many stories, dramas and cross curricular activities based on places of pilgrimage around Britain. It also includes a section about pilgrimage journeys in the Bible. St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk 9

10 A Cathedral at War The Blitz on London in WW2 60 study for History To bring alive this popular World War 2 History topic and increase knowledge and understanding about the impact it had on the lives of Londoners. 60. Upper KS1and KS2 On arrival in the Crypt, the children are met by Mr Bill Pinner, a volunteer Fire Watcher, who spent many night hours on the roof of St Paul s during the Blitz Bill s wife Daphne dresses a pupil as an evacuee. She tells them about every day life, air raids and rationing Bill teaches them the Fire Watcher s Drill, takes them on a journey around the Cathedral and shows them where bombs fell. He demonstrates how to deal with the dreaded Incendiary bomb and gas mask The visit ends with a time of quiet reflection and the lighting of a candle Mr Bill Pinner London s Burning! Discover the Great Fire of London 60 study for History To bring this popular History topic to life and discover how Sir Christopher Wren designed the splendid masterpiece that is today s Cathedral, following the Great Fire. 60. The children will be taken on a guided walk around the Crypt and Cathedral floor to find memorials from Old St Paul s that survived the Great Fire Through story telling, the children learn about how the fire started in Pudding Lane and quickly spread With the aid of hats, role play scripts and a leather bucket they are taken back in time to imagine and act out what it was like during the fire They will sit under the great Dome and learn about its symbolic meaning, then lie down in the Quire to see the amazing mosaic designs on the ceiling The city in flames 1666 Upper KS1and KS2 Where the fire began 10 St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

11 The Victorian Experience Includes Florence Nightingale, a schoolroom session and a costumed fashion parade! This visit brings alive the every day life of a working class Victorian child. The children will also learn about the Cathedral to enhance your R.E. Christianity/Places of Worship units. The children will meet Florence Nightingale in the Crypt. She will tell them of her privileged upbringing, education, travel and lifestyle Florence also explains how she began to train nurses and went out to the Crimea. She dresses a child in one of her Scutari nurse uniforms They are taken by Florence, on a walk around the Cathedral, to see the amazing changes made as a result of Queen Victoria s requests And then Our very own strict, Victorian School Master will take the children into the Crypt classroom for a taste of Victorian school life! The session includes copy writing on slates, rote learning, drill exercises and a taste of common punishments. Children also see a range of common household implements and toys and find out how they were used. Eight lucky children will also model Victorian costumes, as worn by rich and poor. study for History To bring alive the story of Florence Nightingale s life and work. To learn more about the life and education of poor children, fashions/fabrics, pastimes and differences between rich and poor in Victorian times. 90. Upper KS2 90 Spectacular Story Telling During a guided walk around the building, children will meet many characters and hear their enthralling stories. This is a great way to bring English (speaking and listening) alive and to teach about key figures in Christianity (for R.E.). National Heroes (History) are also brought to life, plus other famous people associated with St Paul s. Choose three stories: Bombs Away! The Fire Watcher s Tale, set in WW2 London The Lady with the Lamp Florence Nightingale s life and work Building a Fabulous Geometric Staircase The Story of a Master Mason Blinded by the Light The Story of St Paul Every Picture Tells a Story The Story of the Famous Light of the World Painting, by William Holman Hunt Parables of Jesus Hear some Parables and think about their meanings My Story is His Story St Mary recalls the events of Jesus life. Stones, Arches and a Great Big Dome! The Story of Sir Christopher Wren, designer of St Paul s Cathedral Visit linked to English, History & RE To bring Bible stories, stories from our historical past and the life stories of famous people alive, through characterisation, costumes, props, artefacts and reflective story telling. 60. KS1and KS2 60 Meet Florence St Paul Sir Christopher Wren St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk 11

12 Shape Up 60 study for Maths and Science To link the mathematical topics of shape, pattern, symmetry and measurement with the history of the Cathedral, as children explore and experience the many interesting and beautiful places inside it. 60. Allow an extra 45 minutes for a mosaics /stained glass window workshop. Please request when you book. KS1and KS2 In a short introduction the children will handle and identify common shapes They will look for symmetrical designs, colour and repeating patterns, arches, pillars, and decorative plaster work/ironwork They will investigate height, width and length They will view the beautiful ceiling and floor mosaics and think about how these depict Bible stories Floor patterns They will look at materials used, such as: stone, wood and metal with an opportunity to examine texture and shape They will see the famous Geometric, spiral staircase (as seen in both Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes movies) Added extra: Why not book a mosaics/stained glass window design workshop? (Allow minutes after the trail) Please request when you book. Under the Dome, mosaic tiles Let s Build a Cathedral! 60 study for Maths and Science To enhance Science teaching about forces, materials and their properties, light, sound, shapes, size and measurement. To enable children to discover and enjoy Wren s masterpiece of design. 60. Upper KS1and KS2 As the children are led around the Crypt and Cathedral they will: Build an arch and find out about the forces and skills involved! Find out about the symbolism of light, a key element of Wren s design Create the structures that make up the Cathedral using their own bodies! Discover materials such as: stone, wood, metal and their properties Experience the special places, memorials, art and objects that make St Paul s such an inspiring, sacred space for prayer and worship View the amazing Geometric Staircase and the Great Model up in the Triforium Find out about Wren s use of sacred geometry 12 St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

13 Climbing the World Famous Dome and Galleries As an exciting addition to your visit you may wish to include this. It is a great way to get an amazing view of the city from on high. Supervision is Vital You will be required to escort your pupils to the Whispering Gallery plus the external Stone and Golden Galleries and supervise them at all times. Our staff will not accompany you on the climb. Groups must have at least 1 adult to every 10 pupils. Be prepared! Most children of all ages climb to all areas without problems. Please check it out for yourself in your preparation visit. Should anyone in your group be nervous/suffer from vertigo/mobility problems/asthma, please ensure that adults are available to remain with them in the Cathedral. They must not be left unaccompanied. Please refer to the risk assessment advice in this booklet. Due to fire regulations, we regret there is no lift available. The lift may only be used to enable those with special needs to access the Crypt and Cathedral floor only. Why not take a virtual climb? In the new Oculus film room (Crypt), there is an amazing virtual climb film that may be viewed by those who are unable to do the real thing! It is extremely realistic and ideal for disabled visitors. How long will it take to climb the Dome? Please allow about 45/50 minutes for the complete return climb, from bottom to top. This needs to be taken into account when planning your visit, in addition to the time you have allowed for your guided visit/workshop. The climb to the top may be broken down into three stages: The First Stage of the Climb This is to the interior, Whispering Gallery. There are over 100 shallow steps. There is a seat around the gallery and children will be able to look up at the Dome ceiling and look down to the Cathedral floor below. N.B. Many teachers take KS1 children to this level only. Please check it out in your preparation visit to see what is best for your class/age group. The Second and Third Stages of the Climb There are over 400 steps to the top level! This is via a metal, spiral staircase that leads you up to the exterior Stone and Golden Please check this out on your planning visit it can be daunting for young children and for safety reasons, there is no turning back, once you commence. St Paul s Cathedral advises that pupils and adults who suffer from breathing difficulties, such as asthma, climb these stairs at their own risk. We also advise schools to obtain written, parental consent before the visit. Sample Parental Consent Form for Climbing the Dome I give / do not give consent for: to climb the Dome and Galleries of St. Paul s Cathedral during the school visit on: Either... He/She does not suffer from any condition which would make such a climb hazardous Or... / / He/She suffers from: and will bring the appropriate medication on the day which will be held by a member of staff and administered if necessary. Or... He/She suffers from: and must not be permitted to climb the Dome and Galleries of St. Paul s Cathedral 13

14 Self-Guided Visits You may wish to book a self-guided visit, but you are still required to book in advance, through this department. There is a separate brochure available for selfguided visits. This may be downloaded from the website, or you can request a paper copy from us. Cost There is a charge per pupil for self-guided visits. Please ask for a price list or download one from the website. Supervision Close supervision and quiet, respectful behaviour is crucial and children must be divided into smaller working groups as they move around the building, each with an adult. Risk Assessment Advice This advice aims to assist teachers/leaders with planning their visit to St. Paul s Cathedral. We strongly recommend that the member of staff organising the visit makes a preparation visit to the Cathedral in order to carry out their own risk assessment. This should include the journey to and from the Cathedral. Risk Assessments are your responsibility, this is merely our advice to you. VENUE RISK IN ORDER OF SEVERITY EXISTING CONTROLS LIKELIHOOD Cathedral & Crypt Risk from members of the Groups of children must be accompanied by an adult. A ratio of 2 public e.g. abduction or assault 1:10 is advised. Consult your own guidelines in school. Groups using public toilets in the Crypt must be accompanied by an adult. an adult. Fire In the event of fire/alarm, Cathedral staff will direct all visitors to the nearest safe exit. Teachers are responsible for doing a roll-call of their pupils once they are in a safe place. Should any person not be accounted for, Cathedral staff should be informed immediately. Tripping on staircases Staircases are minimal in length and well lit. Children should be 1 reminded by teaching staff to take care and to look where they are walking/hold rails, keep to the right. Dome and Galleries Adequate adult supervision All school groups climbing to the Dome and Galleries are expected to have one staff member to every ten pupils. Brief helpers in advance and advise them to spread out evenly along the line. Insist on sensible, calm behaviour throughout. Asthma attacks/vertigo The climb to the Dome and Galleries is long and steep in places. 2 Schools are advised to make this known to parents and seek medical opinion/consent in advance, if there are concerns. Tripping on staircases School groups are advised to walk in single file and children are reminded 2 by guides to take care. There are hand rails. Stairs from the Golden Gallery can be slippery in wet weather and teachers should tell children to take extra care in this area. Falling from a height The barriers/railings around the galleries are tall. Stewards are positioned 1 on each gallery and have two way radios. Children are asked to sit on the stone bench whilst in the Whispering Gallery and teachers should tell them not to lean over the barriers around any of the galleries. Whispering Gallery Trips on floors and single steps Uneven floor surface due to age/texture of stone flooring. Children 2 should be reminded to take care. Warning signs are in place. Advise them to walk carefully and to look out. Schools Centre Risk from members of the public The Schools Dept door is password coded and kept locked when a 1 group is using the centre. Toilets within the centre may be used by unaccompanied children but we still advise adult supervision. Fire Craft workshops Allergies/injuries Cathedral staff will direct all visitors to the nearest are responsible for doing a roll-call of their pupils. Seek parential advice on allergies to glue/materials Children are instructed to use scissors safely. safe exit.teachers * Likelihood: 1 Improbable 2 Possible 3 Likely 4 Very likely 5 Inevitable 14

15 Helpful Guidelines These guidelines are set out for your enjoyment and safety please read them carefully. Please provide all accompanying adults with a copy and read through it with them in advance of your visit. Please ensure that you plan the visit with your adult helpers, in advance so that they know what is expected of them on the day. Please arrange, in advance, how your group will be divided into smaller working groups on arrival at the Cathedral. Time is precious on the day! Helpful reminders: Please telephone the Schools & Families Department if you know you are going to be late: Booked groups who arrive more than half an hour late may miss their guided visit Behaviour St. Paul s is first and foremost a place of prayer and worship. We therefore ask that all are respectful and quiet whilst in the building. Please remind pupils about appropriate behaviour before you come and re-iterate this throughout the visit. Groups causing a disturbance will be asked to leave the Cathedral Photography is not allowed in the Cathedral except on the external galleries. This includes camera phones. Please tell your pupils It is traditional in Christian churches for men and boys to remove their hats/caps (unless there is some medical/religious reason) Prayers are said on the hour in the Cathedral and groups are asked to respect this practice and to be still and quiet for about five minutes. You are welcome to join in with the Lord s Prayer when it is said at that time. There is a Holy Communion service at p.m. under the Dome, so please bear this in mind if you are self-guiding at this time School staff and accompanying adults remain responsible for the welfare and behaviour of students throughout their visit to the Cathedral. Should there be an accident/health incident, please contact a steward or a guide wearing a red sash or your schools dept. guide Please ensure that all mobile phones are turned off whilst inside the building Please do not allow your pupils to chew gum/eat/drink in the Cathedral Pupils must be supervised by school staff at all times in the building. For groups of over 50, we ask for 1 adult:10 pupils. There must be sufficient adults available (and physically able) to escort groups up to the Dome/Galleries We reserve the right to refuse access to the Dome if there are insufficient adults. St Paul s is a busy place! Please make all aware of this before the visit. There will be many other tour groups and visitors exploring the building whilst you are there. Please plan your visit carefully, brief all your adult helpers and the children themselves. We want you to have a great time with us and thorough preparation reaps benefits! Please support our staff and volunteers throughout. They will do their utmost to ensure you have a rewarding and enjoyable visit. REMEMBER if you have questions about any aspects of the visit, feel free to get in touch with us. What to do in the event of a Fire Alarm Please follow the instructions of your guide or the stewards if you hear this loud siren. There will also be an announcement telling you to evacuate the building. Groups will be led out to the churchyard at the top of the North Crypt stairs (where you came in). Please call a register when you assemble to ensure that all are present. It is important that you bring class lists with you. 15

16 Frequently Asked Questions 1. How do I get to St. Paul s? Tube St. Paul s tube station is in Zone 1 on the Central Line and is less than five minutes walk, Mansion House and Bank are also all close by. Bus Directly outside the Cathedral you can catch the following buses: No. 4 Waterloo to Archway every 20 minutes No. 11 Liverpool St to Fulham Broadway every 10 minutes No. 15 East Ham to Paddington every 8-10 minutes No. 23 Liverpool St to Ladbrook Grove every minutes No. 26 Waterloo to Hackney Wick every 8-10 minutes No. 100 Elephant & Castle to Shadwell every 15 minutes From Newgate Street you can catch the following buses: No. 242 Tottenham Court Road to Homerton Hospital every 10 minutes No. 25 Oxford Circus to Ilford every 7-15 minutes Buses from Hackney: Nos 26, 56, 242 Coaches A public coach park with 10 spaces is on the south side of the Cathedral. It is pay and display with a maximum stay of two hours. 2. What are the opening hours? to Monday to Saturday. Last entry is at and last entry to the Galleries is Do I need to book in advance? Yes. Well in advance please! It gets very busy 4. Do we pay on the day? No, you will be invoiced by us when we confirm your booking. 5. Where are the toilets? In the Crypt and in the Schools Centre. 6. Will there be any services during our visit? Holy Communion Access to the Dome area is restricted. The service lasts about 30 minutes Evensong NB. All visitors on the Cathedral Floor are asked to be quiet for the Lord s Prayer every hour on the hour. 7. What can you see from the Dome? The Whispering Gallery gives a view of the interior of the Cathedral, as well as providing an opportunity to try out its acoustic properties. Further up, you can see the view over London from the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery. 8. Where can we eat packed lunches? Self-Guided Groups There are gardens to the north, east and south of the Cathedral but if the weather is wet, it may be possible for your group to eat in the Crypt. Groups on Guided Visits You will be informed about where to eat lunches on the day of your visit, either in the classroom or the Crypt. In good weather you can picnic in the garden. 9. Is there somewhere to leave our bags/coats during the visit? Schools on guided visits may leave their bags in the Schools Centre cloakroom. It may be possible for self-guided groups to use this facility, if space permits, but please contact us in advance to ask about this. 10. Is there a shop? Yes. The Cathedral Crypt shop stocks a full range of postcards and gifts. Alternatively, groups can order gift bags, in advance, from the Schools & Families Department. These are great value for money. 11. Where should we report in when we arrive? Please refer to your confirmation letter. Enter via North Crypt steps and check in at the Crypt stewards desk. 12. Are there facilities for those with Special Needs? The Schools Centre is wheelchair accessible, as is the Crypt and Cathedral floor. We regret that it is not possible to take wheelchairs, or people with walking difficulties up to the Dome/Galleries since there is no public lift. Please inform us of any special needs when you return your booking form. 16

17 INSETfor Teachers and Parish/Community Workers Comments from those who have attended INSET at St. Paul s: We had an excellent morning, I think it s the first training day with all our staff (teaching and support) where everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day and felt they had gained something from it. We have already booked each class in for a trip! Head Teacher, Primary School in Haringey It had everything: inspiration for artwork, awe and wonder, shape and space for Maths, History, Religion. An excellent morning. KS 3 teacher, Haringey You may wish to use St Paul s as a base for staff training days. We welcome staff teams to our schools centre for this purpose. Our classroom is suitable for up to forty people. It is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and projector. Although you are conducting your own programme on the day you may wish to book an additional guided tour of the Cathedral with particular focus on how you might use it with your pupils. Our schools team will lead these tours for you. They must however be booked in advance. The cost to hire the centre is VAT for a day. Why not book one of our special INSET days or half days? We will lead a workshop/activity session on R.E. topics such as: Visiting a Place of Christian Worship Prayer and Spirituality Reflective Story Telling Cross Curricular Themes at St Paul s The Spiritual Development of Children and Young People There will also be a guided tour of the cathedral included that focuses on how to use the building with your pupils. The cost of this day is: VAT or VAT for a half day. We welcome cluster groups of schools/diocesan groups/advisers groups/schools from different faith backgrounds and SEN schools. Twilight sessions are also a possibility. Catering may be provided but there will be an extra charge and this must be booked in advance with our café managers Harbour & Jones. Contact Janet Marshall to discuss your requirements and plan a programme: janet@paulscathedral.org.uk The Crypt restaurant The classroom 17

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20 Please telephone or the Schools & Families Department Administrator for more information/to book a visit: St Paul s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: Fax: jean@stpaulscathedral.org.uk