Introduction

Community learning is an innovative, and as yet unique, programme in English cathedral education which began in Norwich in 2003.

Building on the Benedictine traditions of community and learning we offer a wide range of learning opportunities and seek to involve everyone irrespective of age, ability, disability, faith background, and indeed those of no faith background at all.

We not only use the Cathedral as a venue but also draw on the Cathedral as a resource for learning activities held both inside the Cathedral and out in the community.

What do we do?

There are no hard and fast rules! Our work is very varied as we are responsive to needs and innovative in our approach. The common thread which unites all that we do is that every event and initiative uses the Cathedral as resource for learning even if a particular activity takes place far away from the Cathedral itself.

Please consult our current activities page to see what is currently on offer. To give you a flavour of the range of our work here is a list of some previous events.

• The first ever Nursery Rhymathon held in a cathedral and the popular annual Carolothon, both led by the Cathedral Preschool Music Group
• Dig it! Archaeology open day at Norwich Cathedral Hostry site and archaeology roadshows with community groups and the Norfolk Library Service
• Summer holiday drop-in activity day programmes including:

1. Snap It! – photography workshop for young people
2. Bugs, Beasts and Birds – on safari in Norwich Cathedral
3. From Sheep to Shawl – hands on textile day
4. Norman and His Arch – how was the Cathedral built without JCBs?
5. The Mad Hatters Tea Party and Alice at Norwich Cathedral
6. Better than Chocolate! Finding out about Easter

• A Labyrinth Workshop
• De Losinga Lectures – the art and architecture of Norwich Cathedral and Norfolk Churches
• Autumn Abundance, Spring Sensations and Christmas flower arranging demonstrations
• Stories from the Stones – poetry workshop day with Tom Corbett
• The Big Draw – the BIG annual art event in the Cathedral for everyone aged 0-90
• Sometimes we organise activities on our own and sometimes we work through partnerships with a wide range of organisations and services.

You can find out about the activities planned for the next few months by checking the learning section of this website (see the events column on the right of this page).

Who to contact

Please contact Susan Brown (01603 218300) if you have any queries or would like to join the learning volunteer team.

Thank you

The Cathedral is grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Anguish Educational Fund and other supporters who have been enthusiastic and generous funders of this valuable work.