THE CATHEDRAL EDUCATION CENTRE
Restoring the Cathedral as a Centre of Learning

Cathedrals traditionally have been an intrinsic part of city and community life and, throughout the ages, have contributed much to society.   Education has been one of these important areas, and I am confident that what has been developed at St George’s Cathedral provides a valuable extension of a tradition which can be traced as far back as the mediaeval period.

The Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd
Dean of Perth
 
Prior to 2001
• Established tradition of excellence
• Liturgy
• Preaching
• Music
• Cathedral Lecture Series [John Tonkin]
• Occasional visits Anglican Schools
• School Services to celebrate Patronal Festivals
• Lenten Studies
• Preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage
• Occasional performances
o Drama – Midnight Theatre
o Organ – Organ Scholars and Cathedral Organist
o Choral (as distinct from Sung Services)

Background
•  Dean’s visit with the Dean of St Alban’s Abbey, late 1990s
•  Preliminary work done by the Rev Dr Ted Witham
•  Retirement Richard Flanigan July 2000 led to visit with the Director of the St Alban’s Abbey Cathedral Education Centre (November)
•  Articulation of the “Vision” and the establishment of a key group of Module Writers
•  Launch Cathedral Education Centre August 2001 (12 modules)
 
Purpose
1. Make the Cathedral more accessible to students of all ages, backgrounds and experience, teachers and the wider community
2. Provide support for teaching and learning across all educational sectors
3. Stimulate intellectual investigation and debate appropriate to age, experience and background
4. Bring students within the Anglican Schools System, Universities and Theological Institutions into contact with the Cathedral
5. Develop a sense of identity with the Cathedral
6. Raise awareness in the community as ‘belonging’ to the people of Perth – Culturally, Historically, Socially, Ceremonially
 
The Challenge
The establishment of an educational centre, which would utilize the vast resources of the Cathedral to support teaching/learning     programmes.
 
The Focus
Education within a Christian setting, across the widest possible range of ages, backgrounds, educational sectors, institutions and learning areas.
 
Cathedral Education Centre – Brief Overview
The Cathedral Education Centre is the first of its kind in Australia.  Established in August 2001, it makes available to schools and the wider community the resources of the Cathedral, supporting educational pursuits from Kindergarten to Year 12 and beyond.  Through skilful creative use of the Cathedral’s natural resources – artistic, musical, architectural, and historical – a wide range of practical and experiential modules, tailored to various year groups and community groups, enriching the school curriculum and enhancing the wider community awareness of the purpose and role of the Cathedral in the city of Perth.
Schools and Community programmes

2001
• Director, Richard Flanigan and Steering Committee – writing and trialing of modules K – 12
• August – Launch  - Cathedral Education Centre - 12 modules

2002
• School memberships introduced
• Centre office created in the Upper Burt hall
• Concerts-After-Noon ( senior talented music students)
• 21 modules (including 2 post secondary, Architecture and Liturgy)

2003
• Commencement of Interpretive Centre planning and data collection  
• Annual Art Awards and Exhibition commenced  ( 61 exhibits)
• Heretics anonymous
• Concerts-After-Noon extended to two seasons ( 20 recitals)
• Website commences in new form
• 29 modules

2004
• Annual Art Awards and Exhibition grows to 113 exhibits
• Junior Schools Spring Art Festival introduced (9 schools)
• Cathedral Forums introduced
• Cathedral lectures comes under the Centre
• Heretic Anonymous expands to 12 month programme
• Concerts expand to include other occasional concerts
• Cathedral monodramas introduced (senior Drama Students)
• Centre moves to Lower Burt Hall
• Josephine Christmass appointed publicity officer
• Centre becomes associated with ECU Education Faculty and accepts four students annually on community education practicums
• Centre becomes associated with NEER (Network for Early European Research) UWA as a community resource
• 38 modules

2005
• Linda Key Scholar Adam Ford (inaugural)
• Professor Tonkin retires and joins the staff as Cathedral Scholar
• Annual Art Awards and Exhibition grows to 191 exhibits
• Junior Schools Spring Art Festival introduced (17 schools)
• Cathedral Forums introduced
• Work on funding for the restoration of the Burt hall and the Interpretive Centre
• Ainslie Gatt joins staff in marketing
• Redesign of Lower Burt hall commences
• Discussions commence on the proposed Institute for Anglican Studies
• 43 modules
 
Institute for Anglican Studies
The Institute for Anglican Studies is a new exciting part of the overall vision of the Cathedral Education Centre at St George’s Cathedral.   As well as offering courses of study to a wide range of interested people the Institute in essence will develop as a community of discourse - a creative centre which provides opportunities and encouragement for scholarly dialogue and research—a collegiality which encourages and sharpens awareness of human need and theological response.

2006
• Bishop Kyme retires from full-time ministry and accepts appointment as Inaugural Director of the Institute for Anglican Studies
• Work commences on Centre Redevelopment, Lower Burt Hall (including Music)
• Professor Chris Wortham retires and joins the CEC staff as Cathedral Scholar (Literature)

2007
Centre for Spirituality 
The Centre for Spirituality is yet another reference point for the city and the wider community to connect with the daily life of St George’s Cathedral.  Through the work of its Inaugural Director, Bishop David Murray people will be encouraged and helped to experience spirituality and prayer as an integral part of their daily lives and to participate in a rich and full daily cycle of prayer within the cathedral.
 

Application for a Cathedral Visit