Key Stage 2

School Visits - What We Offer

We offer three standard options to Key Stage 2 groups, in addition to any special visits (for more information please see side menu):

Option 1: Cathedral Life

This option includes a Power Point introduction to Cathedral life, followed by a guided tour of the Cathedral. The tour includes the dressing up of a ‘Bishop’, the story of St. Frideswide, and features of the Cathedral. This will be followed by a short visit to another famous Christ Church attraction: Harry Potter’s Dining Hall.

Option 2: Medieval Pilgrimage

This option involves some preparation beforehand. You will be sent a short story to read in class before the visit. After an introductory presentation about the monastery and pilgrimage, the children will dress up as medieval pilgrims (costumes provided) and role play a medieval pilgrimage to the shrine. There will then be a tour of the remaining medieval parts of the Cathedral. This will be followed by Harry Potter’s Dining Hall, as in Option 1.

Option 3: Christ Church Through the Ages

This is a more general option, which includes a presentation on the history of Christ Church, followed by a tour that takes you through the ages, from St. Frideswide to Henry VIII to Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter.  

The talk and tour for all options lasts approximately an hour and a half. A room will be available for the children to eat their packed lunches or have a break. Coats and bags can also be left in this room and toilet facilities are available.

The Curriculum

The visits tie into the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2 by covering the following:

R.E.

- Prayer and worship (option 1)
- Religion in the community (option 1)
- Pilgrimage (option 2)
- Places of worship (options 1 & 2)
- Expressing belief through the arts (option 1)

History

- The life of St. Frideswide c. 680-735 (options 1 & 2)
- History Study – life in a medieval monastery (option 2)

We supply follow up packs for teachers with suggestions for related classroom activities for each of our visits. 

Practical Information for Schools

How to Book:

Please apply to visit at least three weeks in advance. To book, contact Jim Godfrey, Cathedral Education Officer, on 01865 276154 or 01865 286003, or at jim.godfrey@chch.ox.ac.uk. We are offering two sessions,  morning (10-12) and afternoon (12:30-2:30). Only one class per session.  Cost: £2 (+VAT) per child to include  Power Point presentation, tour and a teacher’s follow-up pack.

There is unfortunately no parking available at Christ Church, but it is possible to drop-off pupils outside the College. The nearest place for coaches to park is Oxpens Coachpark.

A letter or email with further practical information will be sent to you once you have booked your visit. If you would like to make a pre-visit to the Cathedral, please arrange this when you book.