RE Trip To Durham Cathedral

We had an educational tour of the cathedral, where we were able to learn a bit more about the place and also discover the great range of activities you can do there when on a school trip. The lady mentioned the she had studied for a primary pgce, but that has worked there for 14 years as the educational tours manager and loved every second of it. I can definitely understand why - being able to develop some expertise on a magnificient place [like Bramall Hall] and working with children purely on the fun and creative things, rather than thinking about assessment and phonics, does seem a lot more appealing. :/

Anyway, some of the things we discovered included:


This stained glass window was donated by Marks & Spencers. It depicts the last supper, with Jesus at the bottom [the head of the table]. Judas is second on the left, marked by his slight distance from the table and darker colour. The green is the earth, the blue is the sky and the purple marks the royal/kingdom nature. The guide said people love or hate this window, as it is so dramatically different to the traditional windows in place, but that the children are always in the love camp. :)

This is the Statue of Annunciation. It depicts Mary receiving word of her pregnancy. The artist has tried to encompass women of all races, as the face features characteristics deemed to be African, Asian and Western. Her neck is tense and rigid and the waves across her chest depict the turmoil she faced upon hearing the news. The guide said this statue is wonderful for the children because they can touch it, due to its robust nature.