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Education Department

Primary

Education Centre

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“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”

Our Education Centre is our most popular resource, a ‘hands on’ learning centre with a wide variety of activities. There are over 40 activities relating to the Abbey including the monk’s day, archaeology, building and structures, work (including beekeeping and stained glass). As far as possible real objects and materials are used including a 90 year old hoist used by the monks in the rebuilding of the Abbey as well as our observation beehive with a live colony of Buckfast bees.

The aim of the centre is that pupils learn by doing, they have plenty of opportunity to be creative and explore concepts and ideas using different learning styles. This workshop is great fun and the highlight of a visit for most pupils (and teachers!)
The session is introduced by a member of the Education staff then pupils are free to explore on their own. Suitable for all age groups and ability levels.

1 hour for up to 40 pupils.
Pupils £2.00, Teachers free.

Windows of Wonder

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An interactive tour of the Abbey Church learning all about the different types of stained glass. This is followed by a hands-on session where each pupil can make a ‘stained glass’ cross to take home.
Suitable for all age groups and ability levels.

1 hour for up to 15 pupils (two sessions can run concurrently)
£3.00 per pupil.

Relaxing Lavender Tiles

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Discover a calming craft activity in this wellbeing workshop. Enjoy the sensory experience of relaxing lavender. Make a fragrant tile to take home.

1 hour for up to 15 pupils.
£3.00 per pupil.

Christmas Workshops

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Please see our seasonal events tab for more information on our Christmas workshops.

Meet a monk

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An opportunity to meet one of our Buckfast monks and ask questions about his day-to-day life.
Suitable for all age groups.

30 minutes for up to 40 pupils.
No charge.

Potions and Pestilence

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An interactive workshop discovering the horrible history of the Black Death. Hear about potential cures and see a medieval doctor. Risk catching the plague as you play a game which explores medieval health and pilgrimage.
When bookings allow this workshop takes place in our restored medieval Guesthall.

1 hour for up to 25 pupils.
£2.00 per pupil, teachers free.

Easter Workshops

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Please see our seasonal events tab for more information on our Easter workshops.

Emoji Wristbands

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Explore your emotions and why we have them. Make a colourful wristband to remind you of what you have learnt and to help you in the future.

1 hour for up to 15 pupils.
£3.00 per pupil.

RE projects

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We can provide workshops and activity days to support your RE curriculum. Please contact us to arrange what suits you best.
An example workshop is ‘God’s Wonderful Creation’ which includes a story, a reflection and a craft.

Pilgrimage Trail

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An ‘active-reflective’ journey of activities designed to make pupils think and encourages times of reflection. Students stamp their passport at each stop to show they have completed the journey.

Best in small groups, take as long as you like.
£3.00 per pupil

The Monastic Way

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An interactive exhibition about monasticism and what it’s like to be a monk of Buckfast. Open to the public.

Free to booked school groups.

Tailor Made Workshops and Tours

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Depending on what you are studying we can arrange a wide variety of other activities not in our regular programme to schools.  upon request.


Please get in touch to discuss with the Education Team how we can design your visit to suit you.

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