Activities & Resources - Key Stage 2
A variety of workshops and trail sheets are available for Key Stage 2 classes. All visits can be tailor made to meet your requirements.
For differentiation purposes it may be useful to look also at the KS1 Activities and Resources and the KS3 Activities and Resources pages. Trails and guidance notes may be downloaded. A copy of our current leaflet, background and travel information, and links to other useful websites can be found on the Teachers' Page.
Workshops
Mini-tour - A 30-minute guided look around the cathedral followed by 30 minutes to explore in small groups. We will match the tour to the theme of your visit. It may be useful to download our "Art, Science and Maths" guidance sheet for all accompanying adults.
(RE / History)
Poor Man's Bible - A 45-minute guided exploration of some of the artwork in the cathedral. We decode the stories and messages in the stained glass windows, the green men, the fresco, the tiles and much more.
(RE / History / Art & Design)
Stories in Glass (Easter Story) - An hour-long session exploring the stories and messages in the stained glass windows of the Lady Chapel. Pupils will also be given the opportunity to design their own window. Teachers’ notes for this session can be downloaded and provide ideas for follow up work back in school.
Teachers' notes for this session
(RE / Art & Design)
The Monastic Experience - A 45-minute costumed activity exploring the life of the medieval Benedictine community here at Rochester. Teachers' notes for this session can be downloaded and provide ideas for follow up work back in school.
Teachers' notes for this session
(RE / History / Citizenship)
The Pilgrim Trail - A 45-minute guided costume trail exploring the cathedral through the eyes of medieval pilgrims. Teachers’ notes for this session can be downloaded and provide ideas for follow up work back in school.
Teachers' notes for this session
(RE / History)
The Reformation Trail - A 45-minute guided tour looking at the impact of the Tudors on Rochester Cathedral. We find out about the dissolution of the monastery, the lime washing of the medieval wall paintings and the creation of the Church of England.
(History)
Heraldry - A 45-minute introduction to heraldry. We explore the coats of arms of some of the Bishops of Rochester before designing our own heraldic shields.
(History / Art & Design)
Special Activity Days
AspiRE Days - Spend a day (10.00 - 14.30) at the cathedral engaging in a variety of activities. Select a trail (see below) plus two of the following: Stories in Glass, The Monastic Experience or Heraldry. The opportunity to conclude the day with a short assembly is offered. AspiRE Days can be booked September - February cost £3.45 per pupil (Limited availability for booking March - August - cost £3.95 per pupil).
Creation Disco Days - Normally held in September and January, limited to five classes per day. Days follow either a creative or science & maths theme and conclude with an organ demonstration. Cost £3.75
Latest Creation Disco Day flier
Short Self-Guided Trail Sheets
A member of the Education team will greet you and give a brief introduction to the cathedral before you begin to explore self guided using one of the following sheets.
Be a Cathedral Detective - A short trail exploring the outside of the cathedral and its environs. Allow 30-45 mins. Answer sheet available to download.
Be a Cathedral Detective sheet
(History)
Be a Cathedral Investigator - A short trail exploring highlights of the cathedral and gardens. Allow 30-45 mins. Answer sheet available to download.
Be a Cathedral Investigator sheet
(History)
Longer Self-Guided Trail Sheets
A member of the Education team will greet you and give a brief introduction to the cathedral before you begin to explore self guided using one of the following sheets.
In God's House - Aimed at lower KS2. A booklet-style trail exploring the different rooms in the cathedral, allow 1 hour. Answer book available to download.
(RE)
Rochester Cathedral Trail - Aimed at upper KS2. A booklet-style trail exploring the cathedral's role and development. Allow 1 hour. Answer book available to download.
Rochester Cathedral Trail booklet
(History)
Prices
General visit (1 hour in the cathedral using a trail sheet or participating in a workshop only) - £1.40 per pupil Sept - Feb and £1.90 pp March - Aug.
Additional activity - £1.30 pp
Lunchroom* - £15 per half hour (each lunchroom can accommodate one class of students plus helpers). Once a lunchroom is booked it must be paid for even if not used.
* Please note that our lunchroom is located up a steep flight of stairs. Alternative accommodation is occasionally available. Please phone to discuss details.
