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Education Department

Information

On Arrival

Please park in the coach park where a member of Education Staff will meet you. If you arrive early or if your journey is delayed for any reason please call us on 07768178788 (for all other enquiries before your visit please call 01364645517).

Working With Your Group

We suggest that, to avoid congestion, any work you do on the site (either using our resources or your own worksheets), is done in small supervised groups (1:10). You may need to bring clipboards. Please do not let pupils lean on any of the church furnishings.

Maps

We suggest all members of staff and helpers carry a map while on site, you can download a pdf >>here<<

Trail Booklets and Sheets

If you order any of our printed resources, teachers’ copies will be sent in advance; pupils’ copies will be given to you on arrival. Please note that, while we are happy for you to photocopy items for use in school, we retain the copyright on any items used at the Abbey. We price our resources as low as we possibly can. In order that we can maintain this service to schools we especially ask that you do not photocopy trail booklets and sheets.

In The Shops

Please ensure that pupils are adequately supervised in the Abbey shops and that they visit in small groups. It would be appreciated if large bags could be kept outside.

Safety on Site

We require you to comply with our Children and Young Persons Safeguarding policy, a copy of this will be enclosed in your confirmation.
Please ensure that the leader of each separate group in your party carries a list of the pupils in their group at all times. This will be needed in the event of a fire to check that all pupils have been accounted for.

For information on Risk Assessment please >>click here<<

Education Centre and Workshops

A member of the Education staff will introduce and supervise sessions, although you are requested to maintain an appropriate staffing level at all times. For workshops – your Confirmation Letter will detail where you will be met and any specific requirements.

Toilets

There are toilets (including disabled) by the coach park, under the Grange Restaurant and in the Education Centre.

Awe and Wonder

We would very much like your visit to Buckfast Abbey to be something beyond the normal experience of your pupils.
Please take time to stop and enjoy the peace of the place.

Services

The monks Midday Office at 1.00pm and the Office of None at 2.00pm are now said in a Private Chapel. A parish Mass is said in the Blessed Sacrament chapel (with the large stained glass window) at 12.05 each day. Could you please ensure that the Church is quiet at these times.
The Abbey Church also acts as a Parish Church and will be occasionally needed for services such as funerals. We will let you know if this affects your visit as soon as we can so we can minimise disruption.

Behaviour

The Buckfast monks welcome schools to their Abbey, but ask that pupils are supervised at all times. We request that you establish with your group beforehand what is appropriate behaviour for a site such as this. Please make your pupils aware of the needs of other people who may be using the Church for private prayer. Please note that you are responsible for the safety and management of your pupils on the site.

First Aid

There are a number of Buckfast Abbey staff members who are trained in First Aid. Should you need any first aid during your visit, please ask any member of staff and they will be able to assist you. 

Special Requirements

Please get in touch with us on 01364645517 prior to your visit if your group has any special learning or access requirements.

Lunch

The grass area opposite the church can be used for picnics. The Schools’ Lunch Room (same entrance as the Education Centre) accommodates 50 and should be booked in advance.
There is a variety of food and drink available at The Grange Restaurant although we do ask that only food purchased from the restaurant be eaten there. Should you wish to purchase teas and coffees for helpers and members of staff please ask at the drinks counter and they are more than happy to put these in takeaway cups.

Monastic Way

The Monastic Way is an interactive exhibition about Benedictine Monasticism, schools can visit this for free, please book in advance with the Education Department.

Donation

£