WELLS CATHEDRAL - EDUCATION

LEAVERS’ DAYS

During the summer term, the Cathedral welcomes Year 6 pupils to explore a theme with students from other Church Primaries in the Diocese. They will be moving on to Secondary Schools in September. In 5 days over 1,800 11 year olds from 78 schools visit the Cathedral. Previous themes have included 'Light' and 'H2O4U with a donation made to WaterAid! Organised by the Diocesan Schools Department in conjunction with the Cathedral, Leavers' Days have a number of aims:

	To affirm the year 6 pupils at the end of their time in their first schools.
	To welcome them to their Cathedral both to worship God and to experience and explore the building.
	To work and learn together in workshops made up of pupils from different schools and parts of the Diocese.
	To think through a variety of issues relating to Christian belief, relationships, values and life as a maturing citizen of both their local community and the world.
	To go on their way with God’s blessing for the future

FIRST SCHOOLS DAYS

These days, modelled on the Leavers Days, have now become a regular event on the Cathedral calendar, to cater for the 8 year olds (Year 4) in First Schools who are therefore not invited to Leavers Days. After summer they go on to a Middle School. Around 180 pupils per day become Pilgrims and enjoy workshops in drama, music, art and craft. Dressed in cloaks, with staffs and other props, they really get into the role play of being on a journey as they go around the cathedral, and are thrilled with their shell boxes which they take home.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

When term breaks up the Cathedral offers sessions for children accompanied by their parents or grandparents. Each Christmas focuses on a different aspect of the Nativity, with stories, songs, a trail and craft activities. Easter and Summer holiday titles present a variety of opportunities to dress up, learn about an aspect of belief, and make something interesting to take home as a souvenir.

Please contact the Cathedral Education Officer on 01749 674483 for details of the next holiday activity sessions.