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www.stpauls.co.uk

SCHOOLS & FAMILIES DEPARTMENT

Themed Guided

for Schools & Community GroupsVisit Information

(Interactive contents. Click on subject to go directly to that page)

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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!

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Introduction 3

Booking a Visit 4

Themed Guided Visits 5and Workshops

World of Worship 6

Christianity Through 6Art & Design

Is the Bible a Relevant 7Book for Today?

The Big Issues 7

‘Jesus’ – Fact or Fiction 8For Today’s Society?

‘Give me Some Space!’ 8

St Paul’s Cathedral in a 9Diverse, Changing Society

Whose business is it? 9

Cathedral at War – 10The Blitz on London WW2

Let’s build a Cathedral! 10

Climbing the Dome 11

Self-Guided Visits 12

Risk Assessment Advice 12

Helpful Guidelines 13

Frequently Asked 14Questions

INSET 15

R.E.R.E. and HistoryR.E. Tourism & Business StudiesHistoryMaths and Science

JANET MARSHALL, HEAD OF SCHOOLS & FAMILIES

Contents

Thank you for your enquiry. I lookforward to welcoming you to ourwonderful Cathedral.”

Welcome

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Introduction

About the CathedralSt Paul’s is a famous, busy place. It is often described as‘the Nation’s Church’ and is the ‘Mother Church’ forthe Diocese of London. It is the seat of the Bishop ofLondon and a centre of prayer, worship and debate forthe people of the city and its surrounding boroughs. Itis also used annually as a venue for concerts,productions and celebrations of all kinds. Most of allit is your Cathedral!

We want you to have a great time here. It isessential that you plan your visit carefully and wehope this brochure will help you to do so.

What’s on offer for schools,families and communitygroups at St Paul’s?In this brochure you will find a selection of themed,guided visits for Key Stages 3,4 & 5. All are adaptablefor SEN, parish and community groups. Theprogrammes endeavour to enhance and supplementyour teaching across the curriculum, especially:-

• RE/RS

• Business and Tourism Studies

• Art & Design

• Philosophy & Ethics

• Exam courses at GCSE, A level/Diploma/NVQ

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 aslow 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 toprovide further details on your booking form

• PREPARATION/RISK ASSESSMENT VISITSFOR TEACHERS we provide a teacher’s pass sothat you can visit in advance to carry out your riskassessment and plan your visit. Tell us if you wouldlike to arrange a guided preparation tour, led by ourstaff. These may be booked in advance, after schoolor in working hours during term time and someschool holidays

• EVALUATION OF OUR SERVICE you will begiven a feedback form on the day of your visit.Please complete and return it so that we cancontinue to monitor and develop our visits

• TRAILS & RESOURCES may be found on ourwebsite www.stpauls.co.uk in the ‘Learning &Education’, then ‘Schools & Families’/’Self-GuidedVisits’ section

Advance booking is essentialfor both guided and self-guidedvisits!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 themhere but we cannot guarantee classroom space for allgroups. We will inform you on the day about whereyour group will be eating i.e. Crypt, classroom orgarden (if weather permits).

I hope that this booklet will provide you with all theinformation you require. Please take time to read itcarefully and share it with your leaders/helpers. Riskassessment advice is also provided in thisbrochure. Do get in touch with us if you requiremore information.

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How to Book

Below: The Oculus filmroom in the Crypt. You may wishto visit this after your guided visit.There are four short films aboutthe history and life of theCathedral, including a virtualclimb up the Dome. Allow anextra 10 minutes for this.

CancellationsIf you need to cancel your booking you must let us know at least FOUR WEEKSbefore your visit date. We regret that any cancellations made after this period willbe charged for, in full.

St Paul’s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: 020 7246 8353 Fax: 020 7246 8327 [email protected]

Your Themed Guided VisitThe booking process – please readcarefully!• Call or email us to make a preliminary booking

• A booking form will be sent to you by email.Please complete and return it by email as soonas possible i.e. within two weeks of receipt.Please attach your completed risk assessment(or send that in later – the important thing is toget your form back quickly!)

N.B. If we do not receive your booking formwithin two weeks, the preliminary bookingwill be cancelled and the date will be offeredto another school.

• You will receive a confirmation letter by email

• A ‘Teacher’s Access Pass’ will be emailed to youfor your preparation and risk assessment visit

• You will be sent a map showing where to reportin at the Crypt desk with your class. Pleasecheck this out during your preparation visit

PaymentPlease refer to our price list that will be emailed toyou (also available online).

We request payment in advance of your visit.You will be emailed an invoice with your bookingconfirmation. Please arrange for payment to bemade as soon as possible. Cheques should be madepayable to ‘Dean and Chapter’.

Under the Dome


5 St Paul’s Cathedral Schools & Families Department Telephone: 020 7246 8353 Fax: 020 7246 8327 [email protected]

All our visits are linked to theSecondary Curriculum and LocalAgreed Syllabi for R.E./Non-statutoryNational Framework for R.E. They may also be adapted forParish/Community Groups.

To coincide with your guided visit, youmay wish to book one of our activityworkshops, such as:

• Design and make a glass tile mosaic

• ‘Big Issues’ discussion groups

• ‘Patterns of Faith’ – badges & book marks

• Drama and music

• Stained glass window designs/illuminatedletters on parchment

• Christmas and Easter craft activities

• Christian artefacts/vestments and vesselhandling sessions

Contact the department for further information Challenging Workshops

Mosaics up close


Visits linked to units ofstudy for R.E.

AIMS OF THE VISIT:To bring the Cathedral alive toyour students as both a living,working community of prayerand worship, as well as a businessand tourist venue.

To enhance your teaching ofNational Framework R.E./LocalSyllabi units on: practices andways of life in religions, worship,beliefs, symbols and religiousexpression, inspirational figures,sacred places, teachings andauthority, the journey of life andsacred occasions for believers.

DURATION:

60 mins. Allow an extra 45 minutes if youwish to visit the Dome andGalleries.

KEY STAGE SUITABILITY:KS3, 4, 5

World of WorshipStudents will:• Look at furnishings such as the

altar/pulpit/lectern/font/choir stalls and explorehow they are used for prayer and worship

• Find out about the daily service of HolyCommunion and its importance in churchesaround the world

• Discover symbols and their meaning

• Think about how the building is used for Ritesof Passage and remembrance

• Explore events in the life of Jesus as ‘the keyfigure’ in Christianity, and investigate what hisincarnation means for Christians today

• Consider how sculpture, art, statues andmosaics in the Cathedral depict festivals suchas: Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, as well ashelping many to focus on key figures such asJesus, saints and historical heroes

• Experience a short time of reflection, light acandle and consider how this practice might beused by Christians and others

Optional extrasMeet a Priest and find out about his/her faith,work and vocation. Please request this when youbook. Allow 30-40 minutes.

This visit is linked to study units forArt and design, R.E./R.S. Christianity(places of worship/key figures/symbolism) units and History.Students will take part in a guided trail aroundthe Cathedral and Crypt. They will beencouraged to observe and respond to a varietyof objects and images such as:

• Paintings that depict Christian themes, storiesand key figures, particularly the famous ‘Light ofthe World’ by William Holman Hunt

• Icons from the Orthodox tradition, with anopportunity to find out about their symbolicmeaning and purpose

• Furnishings such as the lectern, altar, font,crosses, pulpit, the Tijou gates and more

• Images depicted in stained glass windows, theirsymbolism and meaning

• Sculptures and memorials (including: HenryMoore’s ‘Mother and Child’, John Donne’smemorial, Grinling Gibbons’ Quire woodcarvings and statues that survived the GreatFire of London)

• Patterns and the use of space – under theDome, Crypt floor mosaics

• The Quire and quarter domes’ mosaics andthe Bible stories they depict

• Wren’s design – arches, pillars, the Dome andthe concept of ‘functionality versus beauty’


60mins


AIMS OF THE VISIT:To discover examples of Art andDesign in the Cathedral.

To encourage verbal, written andartistic responses.

To encourage thought and debateabout the value of Art in a sacredspace, its impact on Christians andtheir faith and its value in today’ssociety.

DURATION:

60 mins. Allow an extra 45 minutes for astained glass or mosaics workshopafterwards.

Allow an extra 45 minutes if youwish to visit the Dome andGalleries.


ChristianityThrough Art & Design

‘Patterns of Faith’ symbols badges/bookmark/stained glass design workshop. Allow anextra 45 minutes for this. Please request whenyou book.

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You may wishto request ashorter versionof this visitwhich lasts for45 minutes.Please indicatewhen bookingif you requirethis option.The price perpupil remainsthe same.

45mins


This visit is in two parts:

Part 1.Students begin with a guided trail around theCathedral during which attention will be drawnto areas, objects and art that relate to issues suchas war, peace, remembrance, suffering, birth,morals, Biblical teaching, preaching and prayer.They will be encouraged to think about thefunction of the Cathedral as a place for worship,prayer, reflection and debate forChristians and those of otherfaiths/beliefs.

Part 2.In the classroom students meet apriest to engage in discussion anddebate on a maximum of 3 pre-selected issues (pleaseindicate choices on yourbooking form), such as:

• Sanctity of life, euthanasia

• Suffering and death

• Vocation – what does it meanto be ‘called by God’ as apriest, nun or monk?

• Human Rights

• Sexuality – explore Christian teaching andviews on these issues

• War – is there such a thing as a ‘just war’?

We will adapt this visit to suit your specific examsyllabus/study unit requirements. Please askstudents to prepare questions before thevisit. Please indicate the stage/depthstudents have reached when you book.

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As they move around the Cathedralstudents will participate in activitiesto help them investigate:• The Bible as a library of books, published in

many versions and translations

• Scriptures Jesus would have read in the Jewishtemple – the Old Testament ‘Torah’ books

• Poetry – the Old Testament Psalms andwisdom from the Book of Proverbs

• The Gospel stories – Jesus’ birth, death,resurrection and the key festivals associatedwith them

• The service of Holy Communion as amemorial of Jesus’ Last Supper, as told in theEaster story

• Jesus the story teller – Parables

• The letters of St Paul, Patron Saint of thisCathedral

• The big question – can the Bible offer people amoral blueprint for how to live their livestoday?

• Optional – meet a Priest to ask questions abouthow the Bible and its stories affect his/her life



AIMS OF THE VISIT:To provide a link with R.E./R.SChristianity units: beliefs andpractice, key figures, where do we look for God? The Incarnationand Resurrection of Jesus, a placeof worship.

To offer students the opportunityto discover how Old and NewTestament stories are depicted inart and furnishings.

DURATION:

60 mins. Allow an extra 30-40 minutes tomeet a Priest afterwards (requestwhen you book).


The Bible Is it Relevant in Today’s World?


AIMS OF THE VISIT:To challenge and engage studentsthrough discussion, debate anddeep thinking on a variety ofphilosophical and ethical issuesthat affect individuals,governments and society in the21st century.

DURATION:

90 mins. (Guided Cathedral trail 45 minutes, discussion workshop45 minutes).


KEY STAGE SUITABILITY:KS3, 4, 5, GCSE, A level,Diploma/NVQ students.

The Big Issues

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AIMS OF THE VISIT:To resource and enhance theteaching of Christianity units onJesus as the key figure, hisincarnation, death andresurrection.

To encourage students toexplore the Christian journey offaith and how places of worshiphelp Christians to express theirfaith through prayer and worship.

DURATION:

60 mins. Allow an extra 45 minutes for adiscussion workshop.


KEY STAGE SUITABILITY:KS3, 4, 5, GCSE, A level,Diploma/NVQ groups

‘Jesus’ Fact or Fiction for Today’s Society?

On a guided trail around thebuilding, students will trace the lifeof Jesus and his teaching. They will findout how the Cathedral is used daily as a place ofworship for individuals and for the nation,through services of celebration, reflection andremembrance.

There will also be an opportunity to discuss anddebate in an optional workshop. The floor istheirs! You may wish to do the following:

• A Priest gives his or her viewpoint about whatJesus means to them

• He/she talks about how his/her beliefs impacton daily life

• Students discuss the ministry/mission of theCathedral

• Students ask questions about faith and beliefs.Please tell us what you’d like to focus on

On arrival we invite students tobecome pilgrims. A willingvolunteer might even wish to modelour medieval pilgrimage leader’soutfit and demonstrate the ‘kit’needed to make a pilgrimagejourney back then!• We invite them to reflect on ‘life’ as a journey

and the way in which a Christian might viewtheir life as a ‘spiritual journey’ (including Ritesof Passage)

• They explore a range of places ofpilgrimage/shrines around the world indifferent faiths, as well as in Christianity (e.g.Walsingham, Lourdes, Mecca, Amritsa)

• They consider secular pilgrimage sites

• They embark on a journey around theCathedral to discover areas for worship,artefacts, paintings, sculptures and how theserelate to the Christian journey of faith and thedaily pattern of worship



AIMS OF THE VISIT:This visit seeks to enable studentsto explore pilgrimage and toenhance your teaching of thistopic. It also enables students tolearn about the Cathedral as aplace of worship.

DURATION:



‘Give me Some Space!’ Do we Need Pilgrimage and Holy Places?

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During a guided walk around theCathedral the following topics willbe explored:• The history of the site, the re-building and

re-generation of the Cathedral and city afterthe devastation of the Great Fire in1666, plusthe Cathedral’s place as an icon of stability andsurvival following the Blitz of WW2

• Worship in a lavish building – is it a worthwhileactivity for today’s people?

• The symbolism of Sir Christopher Wren’sDome

• Celebration and remembrance, tombs andmemorials in ‘the Nation’s Church’

• The changing face of London and theCathedral’s part in that process

Optional extras‘Meet a Priest’ session. Please request whenyou book.

• During a short introduction we pose thequestions: ‘What exactly do you perceive theCathedral to be? For what purpose is it here?’

• Students are taken on a guided walk aroundthe Cathedral and Crypt

• They see the many facilities on offer for touristvisitors

• They discuss the challenges faced daily for thismulti purpose place of prayer and worship,business, venue for tourism and centre for thearts

• A panel discussion can be arranged featuringstaff from many departments such as:marketing, PR, HR, retail, liturgical, visitorservices etc


Visits linked to units ofstudy for R.E. & History

AIMS OF THE VISIT:To facilitate an ‘in depth’ look atthe Cathedral as a growing,developing institution, and toconsider what its place is withinan ever changing, developingcity/society.

There will be opportunities forstudents to question and exploreethical and moral responsibilitiesinvolved in Christian beliefs andpractices here. This visit links withmany units within R.E./R.S.,Philosophy and Ethics, SocialStudies, History.

DURATION:



St Paul’s Cathedral in a Diverse & Changing Society

Whose Business is it?Visits linked to units ofstudy for R.E., Tourismand Business Studies

AIMS OF THE VISIT:To offer opportunities for studentsto both discover the beauty andspirituality of the Cathedral and toinvestigate its role as a business, avenue for corporate events.

It links specifically with Tourismand Business Studies syllabi,Citizenship, R.E/R.S. Christianityunits.

DURATION:

60 mins. Optional – allow an extra 45 minutes for a Cathedral staffpanel discussion.


KEY STAGE SUITABILITY:KS3, 4, 5 – particularly GCSE/Alevel/Diploma/NVQ groups.

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Visits linked to units ofstudy for History

AIMS OF THE VISIT:To link History and R.E. asstudents explore how theCathedral survived the Blitz andstill serves the city and nation as avenue for remembrance andreconciliation.

DURATION:


KEY STAGE SUITABILITY:This visit is adaptable for KS3, 4, 5

‘The Cathedral must be saved at allcosts!’ this was the telephonemessage given to the London FireBrigade by Sir Winston Churchill,Prime Minister during the Blitz.

Your students will:• Think about and discuss the effects of the Blitz,

evacuation and rationing, on Londoners

• Imagine being a Fire Watcher – a willingvolunteer may wish to put on helmet andoveralls to demonstrate the drill for when anincendiary bomb hits the roof!

• See where two bombs actually fell in theCathedral, causing havoc and destruction

• See how the Cathedral rose from the ashes of


The Blitz on London in WW2

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As the students are led around theCrypt and Cathedral they will:• Build an arch and find out about the forces and

skills involved!

• Find out about the symbolism of light, a keyelement of Wren’s design

• Create the structures that make up theCathedral using their own bodies!

• Discover materials such as: stone, wood, metaland their properties

• Experience the special places, memorials, artand objects that make St Paul’s such aninspiring, 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 ‘sacredgeometry’

Visits linked to units ofstudy for Maths andScience

AIMS OF THE VISIT:To enhance Science teachingabout forces, materials and theirproperties, light, sound, shapes,size and measurement.

To enable students to discoverand enjoy Wren’s masterpiece ofdesign.

DURATION:


KEY STAGE SUITABILITY:KS3

Let’s Build a Cathedral!

60mins

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the bombed city and remains a centre ofthanksgiving, celebration and remembrance

• Pause for a short time of reflection and light acandle as they reflect on wars/suffering in theworld today

A Cathedral at WarClick anywhere on page to go back to contents

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Climbing the World FamousDome and Galleries

As an exciting addition to your visityou may wish to include this. It is agreat way to get an amazing view ofthe city from on high.Supervision is VitalYou will be required to escort your pupils to theWhispering Gallery plus the external Stone andGolden Galleries and supervise them at all times.Our staff will not accompany you on theclimb. Groups must have at least 1 adult toevery 10 pupils.

Be prepared!Most children of all ages climb to all areaswithout problems. Please check it out foryourself in your preparation visit. Shouldanyone in your group be nervous/suffer fromvertigo/mobility problems/asthma, please ensurethat adults are available to remain with them inthe Cathedral. They must not be leftunaccompanied.

Please refer to the risk assessment advice inthis booklet. Due to fire regulations, weregret there is no lift available. The lift mayonly be used to enable those with special needsto access the Crypt and Cathedral floor only.

Why not take a virtual climb?In the new ‘Oculus’ film room (Crypt), there is anamazing ‘virtual climb’ film that may be viewed bythose who are unable to do the real thing! It isextremely realistic and ideal for disabled visitors.

How long will it take to climb theDome?Please allow about 45/50 minutes for thecomplete return climb, from bottom to top. Thisneeds to be taken into account when planningyour visit, in addition to the time you haveallowed for your guided visit/workshop. The climbto the top may be broken down into threestages:

The First Stage of the ClimbThis is to the interior, Whispering Gallery. Thereare over 100 shallow steps.

There is a seat around the gallery and children

will be able to look up at the Dome ceiling andlook down to the Cathedral floor below. N.B.Many teachers take KS1 children to this levelonly. Please check it out in your preparation visitto see what is best for your class/age group.

The Second and Third Stages of theClimbThere are over 400 steps to the top level! This isvia a metal, spiral staircase that leads you up tothe exterior Stone and Golden Galleries. Pleasecheck this out on your planning visit – it canbe daunting for young children and for safetyreasons, there is no turning back, once youcommence.

St Paul’s Cathedral advises that pupils and adultswho suffer from breathing difficulties, such asasthma, climb these stairs at their own risk. We alsoadvise schools to obtain written, parental consentbefore the visit.

Sample Parental Consent Form for Climbing the DomeI 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 ofstaff 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


Self-Guided Visits

Risk Assessment AdviceThis advice aims to assist teachers/leaders withplanning their visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Westrongly recommend that the member ofstaff organising the visit makes apreparation visit to the Cathedral in order

to carry out their own risk assessment. This should include the journey to and from theCathedral. Risk Assessments are yourresponsibility, this is merely our advice to you.

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DOOHILEKILSLORTNOC GNITSIXEYTIREVES FO REDRO NI KSIREUNEV

Cathedral & Crypt Risk from members of the Groups of children must be accompanied by an adult. A ratio of 2public 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.

2 eht ot srotisiv lla tcerid lliw ffats lardehtaC ,mrala/erif fo tneve eht nIeriFnearest 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 1reminded 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 2by guides to take care. There are hand rails. Stairs from the GoldenGallery 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 1on 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 2should be reminded to take care. Warning signs are in place. Advisethem 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 1group is using the centre. Toilets within the centre may be used by unaccompanied children but we still advise adult supervision.

2 srehcaeT .tixe efas tseraen eht ot srotisiv lla tcerid lliw ffats lardehtaCeriFare responsible for doing a roll-call of their pupils.

2.slairetam/eulg ot seigrella no ecivda laitnerap keeSspohskrow tfarCAllergies/injuries Children are instructed to use scissors safely.

* Likelihood: 1 Improbable • 2 Possible • 3 Likely • 4 Very likely • 5 Inevitable

You may wish to book a self-guided visit, but youare still required to book in advance,through this department.

There is a separate brochure available for self-guided visits. This may be downloaded from thewebsite, or you can request a paper copy from us.

CostThere is a charge per pupil for self-guidedvisits. Please ask for a price list or downloadone from the website.

SupervisionClose supervision and quiet,respectful behaviour is crucialand children must be dividedinto smaller working groupsas they move around thebuilding, each with an adult.


These guidelines are set out for your enjoymentand safety – please read them carefully. Pleaseprovide all accompanying adults with a copy andread through it with them in advance of your visit.

Please ensure that you plan the visit with youradult helpers, in advance so that they know whatis expected of them on the day.

Please arrange, in advance, how your groupwill be divided into smaller working groupson arrival at the Cathedral. Time is preciouson the day!

Helpful reminders:• Please telephone the Schools & Families

Department if you know you are going to belate: 020 7246 8353. Booked groups who arrivemore than half an hour late may miss theirguided visit

• Behaviour – St. Paul’s is first and foremost aplace of prayer and worship. We therefore askthat all are respectful and quiet whilst in thebuilding. Please remind pupils about‘appropriate’ behaviour before you come andre-iterate this throughout the visit. Groupscausing a disturbance will be asked to leave theCathedral

• Photography is not allowed in the Cathedralexcept on the external galleries. This includescamera phones. Please tell your pupils

• It is traditional in Christian churches for menand boys to remove their hats/caps (unlessthere is some medical/religious reason)

• Prayers are said ‘on the hour’ in the Cathedraland groups are asked to respect this practiceand to be still and quiet for about five minutes.You are welcome to join in with the Lord’sPrayer when it is said at that time. There is aHoly Communion service at 12.30 p.m. under

the Dome, so please bear this in mind if youare self-guiding at this time

• School staff and accompanying adults remainresponsible for the welfare and behaviour ofstudents throughout their visit to theCathedral. Should there be an accident/healthincident, please contact a steward or a guidewearing a red sash or your schools dept. guide

• Please ensure that all mobile phones areturned off whilst inside the building

• Please do not allow your pupils to chewgum/eat/drink in the Cathedral

• Pupils must be supervised by school staff at alltimes in the building. For groups of over 50, weask for 1 adult:10 pupils. There must besufficient adults available (and physically able)to escort groups up to the Dome/Galleries

We reserve the right to refuse access to theDome 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 andvisitors exploring the building whilst you arethere.

Please plan your visit carefully, brief all youradult helpers and the children themselves. Wewant you to have a great time with us andthorough preparation reaps benefits!

Please support our staff and volunteersthroughout. They will do their utmost to ensureyou have a rewarding and enjoyable visit.

REMEMBER…if you have questionsabout any aspects of the visit, feel freeto get in touch with us.

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Helpful GuidelinesPlease follow theinstructions of your guideor the stewards if you hearthis loud siren.

There will also be anannouncement telling youto evacuate the building.

Groups will be led out tothe churchyard at the topof the North Crypt stairs(where you came in).

Please call a register whenyou assemble to ensurethat all are present.

It is important that youbring class lists with you.

What to do in theevent of a Fire Alarm


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Frequently Asked Questions1. How do I get to St. Paul’s?

Tube St. Paul’s tube station is in Zone 1 onthe Central Line and is less than five minuteswalk, Mansion House and Bank are also allclose by.

Bus Directly outside the Cathedral you cancatch 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 15-20 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 followingbuses: 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?08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Saturday.Last entry is at 16.00 and last entry to theGalleries is 16.15.

3. 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 weconfirm your booking.

5. Where are the toilets?In the Crypt and in the Schools Centre.

6. Will there be any services during ourvisit?12.30 Holy Communion – Access to the

Dome area is restricted. The servicelasts about 30 minutes.

17.00 Evensong

NB. All visitors on the Cathedral Floor are askedto be quiet for the Lord’s Prayer every houron the hour.

7. What can you see from the Dome?The Whispering Gallery gives a view of theinterior of the Cathedral, as well as providingan opportunity to try out its acousticproperties. Further up, you can see the viewover London from the Stone Gallery andGolden Gallery.

8. Where can we eat packed lunches?Self-Guided Groups

There are gardens to the north, east andsouth of the Cathedral but if the weather iswet, it may be possible for your group to eatin the Crypt.

Groups on Guided Visits

You will be informed about where to eatlunches on the day of your visit, either in theclassroom or the Crypt. In good weather youcan picnic in the garden.

9. Is there somewhere to leave ourbags/coats during the visit?Schools on guided visits may leave their bagsin the Schools Centre cloakroom. It may bepossible for self-guided groups to use thisfacility, if space permits, but please contact usin advance to ask about this.

10. Is there a shop?Yes. The Cathedral Crypt shop stocks a fullrange of postcards and gifts. Alternatively,groups can order gift bags, in advance,from the Schools & FamiliesDepartment. These are great value formoney.

11. Where should we report in when wearrive?Please refer to your confirmation letter. Entervia North Crypt steps and check in at theCrypt stewards’ desk.

12. Are there facilities for those withSpecial Needs?The Schools Centre is wheelchair accessible,as is the Crypt and Cathedral floor. We regretthat it is not possible to take wheelchairs, orpeople with walking difficulties up to theDome/Galleries since there is no public lift.

Please inform us of any special needs whenyou return your booking form.


15

INSETfor Teachers and Parish/Community Workers

‘We had an excellent morning, I think it’s the firsttraining day with all our staff (teaching and support)where everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day andfelt they had gained something from it. We havealready booked each class in for a trip!’Head teacher, primary school inHaringey

‘It had everything: inspiration for artwork, awe andwonder, 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 stafftraining days. We welcome staff teams to ourschools centre for this purpose. Our classroom issuitable for up to forty people. It is equipped withan interactive whiteboard and projector.

Although you are conducting your ownprogramme on the day you may wish to book anadditional guided tour of the Cathedral withparticular focus on how you might use it with yourpupils. Our schools’ team will lead these tours foryou. They must however be booked in advance.

The cost to hire the centre is £150.00 +VATfor a day.

Why not book one of our special INSETdays 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 andYoung People

There will also be a guided tour of the cathedralincluded that focuses on how to use the buildingwith your pupils.

The cost of this day is: £250.00 + VAT or£150.00 + VAT for a half day.

We welcome ‘cluster groups’ of schools/Diocesangroups/advisers’ groups/schools from different faithbackgrounds and SEN schools. Twilight sessions arealso a possibility.

Catering may be provided but there will be anextra charge and this must be booked in advancewith our café managers Harbour & Jones.

Contact Janet Marshall to discuss yourrequirements and plan a programme:[email protected]

Comments from those who have attended INSET at St. Paul’s:

The Crypt restaurant

The classroom


www.stpauls.co.uk

Please telephone or email the Schools &Families Department Administrator formore information/to book a visit:

St Paul’s CathedralSchools & Families Department

Telephone: 020 7246 8353

Fax: 020 7246 8327

[email protected]

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