Express Class: guide for a 60-minute school workshop at Notre-Dame Basilica

Educational objective 

Introduce students, from the 2nd cycle of elementary school to the 1st cycle of secondary school, to the concepts of Neo-Gothic architecture and intangible heritage, through an activity focused on observation, drawing, and oral expression. 

Required materials (to prepare before the visit) 

• Printed “Detail Hunt” worksheet 

• Pencils and clipboards 

• Mini “Quick Glossary” sheet (10 key terms) 

• Stopwatch (via smartphone) 

• One camera per pair of students (optional) 

Detailed timing (60-minute activity) 

0 min: Welcome at the towers 
Distribute activity sheets, review instructions and respectful behavior rules (silence, no flash photography). 

5 min: Introduction (narthex) 
Present the three missions: observe, draw, and share. 

10 min: Detail Hunt 
In pairs, students must identify five elements: pointed arch, rose window, stained glass, pinnacle, organ. They check the corresponding box and note the location. 

25 min: Sketching (nave) 
Each pair chooses a favorite detail and has five minutes to sketch it on the sheet. The goal is to capture the shape and texture rather than artistic precision. 

30 min: Historical capsule (choir) 
The teacher or guide shares five key points about the Basilica’s history; students complete the Quick Glossary. 

40 min: Sharing circle (side chapel) 
Each pair presents their sketch and explains why the detail stood out to them; one minute of speaking time per pair. 

50 min: Group photo and sheet collection 
Take a souvenir photo in front of the altarpiece; collect the worksheets for later review. 

55 min: Quick debrief 
Q&A session; reminder of links to digital resources (360° tour, organ videos, etc.). 

60 min: Exit the Basilica 
The activity ends and the group can take a moment to observe the Notre-Dame Basilica’s exterior once more. 

Formative assessment 

• Before: a five-question digital “true or false” quiz on Gothic architecture. 

• During: observation of interactions, notes taken by the teacher. 

• After: oral presentation in class; sketches displayed on a themed “Notre-Dame Basilica” wall. 

Tips and advice 

• Large groups: to avoid crowding, divide the Detail Hunt into four zones of the nave.  

• 1st cycle, secondary school: add a “hidden math” component related to architecture or interior angles. 

• Art education: collect the sketches in order to create a classroom exhibition. 

Efficiency tips 

• To save time, pre-fill student names on the worksheets. 

• Set the stopwatch with discreet sound alerts to pace transitions between activity segments. 

Conclusion 

In just 60 minutes, the teacher offers a sensory, collaborative, and interdisciplinary workshop. Students observe heritage, engage with architectural vocabulary, and take ownership of key elements. This “Express Class” format transforms a visit of the Basilica into an active experience, without costly materials nor extensive preparation. An ideal activity for school outings!