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Bring Durham Cathedral's heritage to life in the classroom

Virtual tours of Durham Cathedral

  • The tours will allow children to explore the cathedral and its extensive treasured collections from the comfort and safety of the classroom, via the medium of Zoom conferencing.
  • Learn about monastic life in the medieval period and the impact of the Reformation to support work in history. Marvel at the architecture and art both in the stained glass and the intricate patterns employed by Norman stonemasons. Discover the story behind two of the North East's most lauded saints, St Cuthbert and St Bede.
  • Tours are linked to the National Curriculum and Local Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
  • For details of all our courses and sessions in the 2020/21 academic year, download our 2020/21 Digital Learning Programme 
  • Resource boxes, packed with themed objects and books, as well as fun dressing-up costumes, will be supplied to schools and colleges within a 20 mile radius of the cathedral ahead of tour (objects and materials will be prepared and delivered in line with Covid-19 Government guidelines) so that children can get hands on with history as they're following along digitally.
  • Classes will be supplied with a microphone allowing for real time questions. 
  • Tours will last around one hour and can be tailored to suit each class.
  • Downloadable activities will also be provided to help embed the learning.

When do the virtual tours run?

  • Sessions run Monday to Friday, with one morning and one afternoon session per day (timings are flexible to fit around the individual needs of the school and to accommodate break and lunch times).
 

How does the Zoom session work?

  • The tours will be delivered using Zoom so that teachers can connect the tour to whiteboards in the classroom, meaning all pupils can watch at once. Schools and colleges will receive Zoom joining instructions by email after they sign up.
 

How much do sessions cost?

  • Sessions cost £3.50 per child. 

Watch

What to expect on a virtual education tour of the cathedral

Digital festive activities: The Story of St Nicholas

Suitable for KS1 and KS2

Who was St Nicholas, and what has he got to do with Father Christmas? Hop onto Zoom to find out more and hear the story of St Nicholas, live from Durham Cathedral - you might even get to meet him! For schools within 20 miles of Durham Cathedral, a resource box packed with handling objects, activity sheets and a festive craft activity will be delivered to you in a COVID-safe way.

  • £2.50 per child. Includes session, resource box and activities.
  • Availability: Choose a morning or afternoon session on Fridays.

Book your school in

 

If you like the sound of any of these activities or want more information, please email education@durhamcathedral.co.uk