“We felt welcomed and looked after throughout our time with you”
Special Schools – Activities and Resources
A variety of workshops and trail sheets are available for Special Schools. All visits can be tailor made to meet your requirements. It may be useful to look also at the Key Stages 1, 2 & 3 Activities and Resources pages as all of the activities listed can be adapted to meet your needs. 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
Multi-Sensory Interactive RE Mini-tour A 30 – 45 minute guided sensory exploration of the cathedral. We will match the tour to the specific needs of your group and the theme of your visit. Highlights of the tour include baptizing a baby, smelling incense, monastic music and becoming a bishop. It may be useful to download our “Art, Science and Maths” guidance sheet for all accompanying adults.
Curriculum links: RE
Interactive History Tour A 30 – 45 minute timeline journey through the Cathedral. Dress as a pilgrim, sing like a monk, test the strength of arches. We can adapt to meet you needs and learning requirements.
Curriculum links: History
Knights and Heraldry Meet St George and his friendly dragon and design your own coat of arms (30 mins – 1 hour).
Curriculum links: History, RE, Art & Design
Activity Trail Follow the activity trail to explore your chosen theme. All trails include a craft activity. Themes currently available – Noah’s Ark, The Animals of Rochester Cathedral, Journeys, Learning to Write with Rory Roffensis, Kings and Queens, Journeys.
Curriculum links: varied
Please do look at workshops listed on Key Stage pages. All workshops can be adapted to meet your requirements.
Self Guided Visits
A member of the Learning Team will greet you and give a brief introduction to the cathedral before you begin to explore self guided. Why not book the Explorer Kit to enhance your visit?
The Explorer Kit. The kit contains large photographs of cathedral furniture and decoration, incense pouches to smell, a scallop shell, activity cards, binoculars, mirrors, talking books etc. Only available if pre-booked.
Self Guided Trail Sheets
Cathedral Explorer A short trail exploring many interesting objects and areas in the cathedral. Please bring your own pencils. Answer sheet available to download. (RE)
Cathedral I Spy Sheets A variety of photo trails on various themes Search for the images shown. Pencils needed. (RE)
Art Science and Maths – A guidance sheet aimed at teachers and helpers. This sheet helps you to explore and discuss the building with small groups of children.
