“More fun than London Zoo!”
Key Stage 3 – Activities and Resources
A variety of workshops and trail sheets are available for Key Stage 3 classes. All visits can be tailor-made to meet your requirements. For differentiation purposes it may be useful to look also at the Key Stage 2 Activities and Resources page. 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.
Many schools plan cross-site visits combining a trip to the cathedral with a visit to the castle, Guildhall Museum, Eastgate House or the Huguenot Museum. Speak to our Learning Team about linked programmes.
Prices
Our current prices for school visits are published here
All visits need to be pre-booked. Entry cannot be guaranteed without prior booking.
We have two lunchrooms with capacity for approx 30 students each. Lunchrooms need to be pre-booked and hire fees apply.
Please note that our lunchrooms are located up a steep flight of stairs. Alternative accommodation is occasionally available. Please phone to discuss details.
Workshops
Interactive History tour A 45 minute guided trail. Walk the cathedral timeline from its Saxon beginnings in 604, through the Norman invasion and massive growth in medieval times, ending at the Reformation in Tudor times. Medieval pilgrims and monks help to bring the journey to life.
Curriculum links: History, RE
RE Mini-tour A 45 minute guided look around the cathedral followed by 15 minutes to explore in small groups. We will match the tour to the theme of your visit.
Curriculum links: RE
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.
Curriculum links: RE, History, Art & Design, SMSC
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.
Curriculum links: RE, History, Citizenship
Download teachers’ notes for The Monastic Experience
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.
Curriculum links: RE, History
Download teachers’ notes for The Pilgrim Trail
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.
Curriculum links: History, RE
English Law from Anglo Saxons to Magna Carta A 45 minute interactive workshop exploring the development of English law from Anglo Saxons, through the medieval feudal system, to Magna Carta. Includes the opportunity to view some of the Cathedral’s library treasures.
Curriculum links: History
Short Self-Guided Trail Sheets
A member of the Learning 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 mins. Answer sheet available to download. Allow 30 minutes.
Curriculum links: History, Art & Design
Download Be a Cathedral Detective
Download answers for Be a Cathedral Detective
Longer Self-Guided Trail Booklets
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.
Art & Architecture The cathedral speaks its story through a host of visual clues. Explore the history and symbolism of the building through visual evidence. Guidance notes available to download. Allow 45mins – 1 hour
Curriculum links: History, RE, Art & Design
Download Art & Architecture workbook
Download Art & Architecture guidance notes
Signs & Symbols A reflective trail based on the religious symbolism and furnishings within the cathedral. Guidance notes available to download. Allow 45mins – 1 hour
Curriculum links: RE
Download of Signs & Symbols workbook
Download of Signs & Symbols guidance notes
Time Travellers This trail takes pupils on a journey through time which links both the history and spirituality of the cathedral. Guidance notes available to download. Allow 45mins – 1 hour.
Curriculum links: History, RE
Download Time Travellers trail
Download Time Travellers guidance notes
