St Paul’s Cathedral is offering specialist workshops as part of Wren300, a national celebration highlighting the work of iconic architect Christopher Wren on the 300th anniversary of his death.
Alongside a new specialist exhibition which explores the life of Christopher Wren and the building of St Paul’s from the ashes of the Great Fire of London, teachers can also book a school visit to the cathedral to learn more about his work.
St Paul’s will offer fully inclusive curriculum linked on-site and digital school sessions; digital school resources to inspire young historians, architects, engineers and mathematicians; and activities focused on the Great Fire of London and how St. Paul’s was rebuilt as a symbol of a new beginning.
This is just one aspect of the Wren300 programme, which will see special events and activities pop up across the city at some of his most famous buildings, including the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
School trips to St Paul’s Cathedral
The education team at St Paul’s offers curriculum connected themed guided visits for all key stages from EYFS to KS5, all of which are adaptable for SEND students/groups.
Students will explore the religious symbolism of the Cathedral’s artefacts and art in the Sacred Space session; learn how St Paul’s rose from the Great Fire of London in London’s Burning; marvel at the ceiling mosaics and make your own mosaic tile to take home in the Majestic Mosaics workshop; or think about the ethical issues facing the church today and question a priest in The Big Issues.
Other workshops include Building a Cathedral where pupils investigate the design and architecture behind Wren’s masterpiece or A Fine Line in which children study the design and the role of the cathedral as both a place of worship and a business.
Teachers who book a guided visit will be provided with a free resource pack containing a variety of activities to do in the classroom before and after the visit to the Cathedral. Self-guided trips are also available.
All schools from the area of the Diocese of London, who have a Pupil Premium percentage of 35% and over in their school, may be able to reduce the cost of visiting by 50%. This includes all visit types (virtual, self-guided and guided visits) and includes the entrance to the Dome Galleries.
Christopher Wren was one of the most highly acclaimed English architects in history, designing 53 London churches, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as many secular buildings of note.
For more information about school trips to St Paul’s Cathedral, go to www.sflstpaul.co.uk.
