You are here: Home > Education Service > Practical Activities for Visiting Schools

Practical Activities for Visiting Schools

Each activity session is led by the Education Officer or a volunteer helper. You should allow about 45 minutes for each activity in your timetable. These activities can be adapted to suit most ages, but work best with Key Stage 2 and Lower Key Stage 3.

Brass Rubbing (this activity is also suitable for Key Stage 1 pupils)

The Abbey holds a collection of replica brasses and the equipment for making rubbings from these. They can be used to illustrate the costumes of Tudor times and some of the decorations that would have adorned the Great Church.

Taking the Vow (some habits are available in smaller sizes)

We have monk's habits available in sizes to fit most school pupils. These can be used to help pupils discover what the vows and the lifestyle of the monks would have entailed. After a short talk, groups of pupils dress in the robes, take a short vow of silence and process into the ruins for meditation and a photo opportunity!

Medieval Hygiene (or how black are your teeth?)

Learning about the (lack of) hygiene in medieval times entertains and informs pupils. Working in groups, they can make and take away with them some medieval toothpaste, made in a mortar and pestle from an ancient recipe.

Calligraphy (A Labour of Love)

The monks spent their work time copying books and illustrating manuscripts. Groups of pupils can write with a quill pen, copy some text using italic pens, and illuminate the initial letter of their first name.

Pilgrim Badges (A Medieval Souvenir)

Copy the original tile designs found at the abbey to make a pilgrim badge. As good pilgrims, your pupils will make a badge to prove that they have been here on pilgrimage.