Chichester Cathedral
Education Project
Chichester Cathedral’s Education Project will kickstart its 'Creative Learning and Discovery' department, led by two new roles and supported by experienced volunteers. With a focus on wellbeing and spirituality, the project aims to welcome a younger generation into the Cathedral, offering a safe space for reflection and growth. There will be family activities, school curriculum support, and an online R.E. programme to support learning for schools who cannot afford to attend the Cathedral. The project aspires to give today’s youth the experiential learning opportunities they’ve missed in recent years.
Chichester Cathedral’s Creative Learning and Discovery Programme
Chichester Cathedral has launched a three-year initiative to rebuild its education department, which engaged over 10,000 individuals annually before the pandemic. This project is the result of an extensive consultation involving schools, Diocesan staff, youth workers, and other partners, identifying a crucial need to support children and young people, especially in deprived areas, through enriching, curriculum-based learning experiences. The programme is led by two new roles: the Creative Learning Officer and the Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator, who will collaborate with teachers to design programmes focused on Religious Education, Art, and History.
These roles will engage schools and families, offering transformative experiences that inspire critical thinking and personal growth. The programme will help children and young people reconnect through cultural activities that develop social skills and foster a sense of belonging. It will address the challenges faced by low-income families, who have missed out on key educational and social development opportunities due to the pandemic. In addition to working with local schools, the programme will offer family activities, workshops, and events.
Chichester Cathedral has launched a three-year initiative to rebuild its education department, which engaged over 10,000 individuals annually before the pandemic. This project is the result of an extensive consultation involving schools, Diocesan staff, youth workers, and other partners, identifying a crucial need to support children and young people, especially in deprived areas, through enriching, curriculum-based learning experiences. The programme is led by two new roles: the Creative Learning Officer and the Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator, who will collaborate with teachers to design programmes focused on Religious Education, Art, and History.
These roles will engage schools and families, offering transformative experiences that inspire critical thinking and personal growth. The programme will help children and young people reconnect through cultural activities that develop social skills and foster a sense of belonging. It will address the challenges faced by low-income families, who have missed out on key educational and social development opportunities due to the pandemic. In addition to working with local schools, the programme will offer family activities, workshops, and events.
“Together, the two roles will provide rich encounters for children, families and young people which are transformational. They will be instrumental in building relationships and engaging young people in creative activities and inspiring conversation. All these joyful elements are part of the journey of faith” – Sarah Ricketts, Consultation Lead.
These activities will encourage families to explore together and engage in discussions that nurture wellbeing. The Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator will focus on creating worship opportunities, establishing a Youth Council, and organising events to encourage engagement with the Cathedral. The Creative Learning Officer will lead the design of blended learning programmes, offering digital resources alongside Cathedral visits to support teachers in delivering high-quality Religious Education.
“The responses of people of all ages from the youngest, through to the teens and adults, demonstrate that they have been greatly moved by the purposeful and focused time they have spent in this sacred space. The quality and thoughtfulness of the questions, the moving responses, to the things seen and experienced is something I will never forget.” - Jenny Dennett, Head Volunteer for Education
The programme is vital in supporting headteachers and teachers who face increasing curriculum pressures. Schools will benefit from hands-on, memorable experiences that can’t be provided in a classroom setting. By partnering with local organisations, such as library’s, Sanctuary in Chichester, MIND, and the West Sussex Young Carers Service, the project also aims to improve access to the Cathedral for low-income families and increase diversity within the Cathedral’s community. Above all, the programme seeks to offer children, families, and schools a place of wonder where they can explore, learn, and thrive together.
“I can’t wait for there to be more children and young people in the Cathedral, other visitors love to see them there and they bring an energy and vibrancy to the Cathedral.” - Volunteer
For more information about Chichester Catheral please see their webisite by clicking here.
