Our workshops last for two hours for Key Stage One to Four, and one hour for Foundation Stage (bespoke options are available on request).
Gillian Bunn is the Community Outreach Officer at Wakefield Cathedral.
As a trained-teacher, Gillian is able to tailor her sessions and lessons around different age groups and different themes, bringing Wakefield Cathedral to life for all ages.
If you would like to find out more about any of the above or for bespoke lesson opportunities please contact Gillian directly on 01924 373923 or via email gillian.bunn@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk.
From Key Stage One through to university, Wakefield Cathedral can offer a valuable, engaging and memorable experience for pupils and students of all ages.
Our school activities are designed to meet National Curriculum programmes of study and reflect Ofsted guidance for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Below are just some of the engagement opportunities available for you and your school including:
Situated in the heart of Wakefield city centre, the cathedral is truly one of the great sites to visit, both spiritually and culturally, across the region.
We are able to offer school visits for up to one class at a time, adapting the content depending on age and what your school is looking to get out of the visit (particularly valuable for Religious Education, History or English classes).
We have seven key workshops which you can choose from for your class to partake in, or likewise we can tailor your sessions around a plan which fits you (be it a tour of the building or perhaps experiencing the labyrinth).
Our workshops include: signs and symbols; stories in light, stone and wood; the Christmas journey; the Easter story; poppies and peace; for all the saints and making music.
“A trip to Wakefield Cathedral is truly a unique and unforgettable experience… the whole class loved it”
- LW, Year Five Teacher
If you aren’t able to travel to Wakefield Cathedral, let us bring Wakefield Cathedral to you!
As a trained-teacher, our Community Outreach Officer Gillian Bunn will be able to visit your school and provide a variety of engaging lesson plans, activities and workshops for your class to enjoy.
These can include: one-hour classroom lessons on a variety of subjects around Christian faith and the history of Wakefield Cathedral; team activities in your gym or school hall space (such as ‘Walk the Labyrinth’); hands-on creative sessions; bespoke assemblies for the whole school or a select group and much more.
If you are looking for a musical element to your visit, our Director of Music (James Bowstead) and Assistant Director of Music (Alana Brook) are also able to visit your school to teach best singing practice, share information about cathedral choirs and cathedral music and lead singing lessons for the whole class to enjoy.
Over the last few years, virtual visits have provided schools with the opportunity to engage with Wakefield Cathedral in a non-disruptive and a cost-effective manner.
Discover the cathedral from the comfort of the classroom or allow us to present at your school assembly through the use of your projector and screen.
We are able to offer all of the aforementioned workshops that classes can take part in during ‘physical’ visits to the cathedral (see above) and we have a number of virtual assembly themes to choose from too including: Christian festivals, Bible stories, symbols and more (or get in touch for a bespoke offering).
Did you know Wakefield Cathedral also looks after the historic Chantry Chapel, located on Chantry Bridge about half a mile away from the cathedral (Calder Vale Road, WF1 5DL)?
Visits, both for schools and individuals, are only available on request. If your school would be interested in visiting this unique Wakefield landmark please get in touch by emailing gillian.bunn@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk or call 01924 373923.
Along with our sister cathedrals in the Diocese of Leeds (Bradford and Ripon), we have recently produced virtual youth pilgrimages for both primary and secondary school pupils (however pre-school children and adults alike may well enjoy exploring the cathedrals online too!)
As you move through the cathedral you will see photos of some of our clergy and key areas within the cathedral marked by icons which can be clicked to learn more.
Through the use of 360º photography you can explore each area of the cathedral online like never before.*
Do you have some musically talented pupils in your school? Our cathedral choir are always on the look out for boys and girls who have a passion for singing to join our group.
Visit our choir page to find out more or email DoM@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk.
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Cathedral Centre
8-10 Westmorland St
Wakefield
WF1 1PJ
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