Winchester Cathedral | Faith and Philosophy Primary

Through our workshops and guided tours of the Cathedral, pupils will have the opportunity to ask questions and build on their knowledge base of the Christian faith. People of all faiths and none have been drawn to this place for over a thousand years and we offer a safe space for pupils to explore these ideas.

Workshops

KS2 Sacred Books – workshop overview:

Did you know that the Cathedral is home to the Winchester Bible? This workshop explores the creation of the 12th Century Winchester Bible and the illuminations that bring these pages to life in glorious colours.

Pupils learn about how books were created in history and create their own illuminated letter using an example taken from the Winchester Bible.

The Sacrament of Baptism – workshop overview:

This workshop is perfect for young people wishing to learn more about baptism and how this sacrament takes place in this Christian place of workshop.

Pupils can explore this workshop in two ways.

The first option is to consider the prayers that are said during a baptism service. Pupils are led through the creation of prayers and are encouraged to write their own for a child being baptised.

The second option is for the session to be led by a member of the Cathedral clergy who demonstrates interactively the service of baptism and encourages them to ask questions about the service and its origins.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist – workshop overview:

This workshop is perfect for young people wishing to learn more about the Eucharist and how this sacrament takes place in this Christian place of workshop.

This session will be led by a member of the Cathedral clergy who demonstrates interactively the Eucharist and encourages them to ask questions about the service and its origins.

The life of a Medieval Monk – workshop overview:

Did you know that St Swithun’s Priory was based at Winchester Cathedral for 500 years from 963AD?

Pupils begin with an introduction to what it meant to be a monk and the lifestyle they would have led. They learn about the jobs that the monks undertook within the Priory and consider which they would or would not have enjoyed. They learn about the monastic sign language they would have used to communicate in a world where they spent much time in prayer and silence. This workshop allows the pupils to dress as monks to immerse themselves into character.

Q&A with a Cathedral Canon – workshop overview:

Have you ever wanted to ask someone questions about the Christian faith or more specifically the faith of those who worship at Winchester Cathedral?

Pupils begin by thinking about questions they are interested in asking a member of clergy at Winchester Cathedral. These often vary from how they came to faith, what the favourite parts of their job are or the Church of England’s viewpoint on a particular topic. A member of clergy will work with the young people to answer these questions.