Bodleian Library for Guides

Before the trip

Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group

Downloads

▶️ Risk Assessment for this trip

▶️ Registers for this trip
▶️ Tickets for this trip

The Timetable for the Trip

0:00 – Meet at Ruskin College for welcome and safety briefing by Activity Leaders.

0:05 – Depart Ruskin College and take the bus to the Bodleian Library.

0:20 – Arrive at the Bodleian; gather in the Old Schools Quadrangle for a short introduction.

0:25 – Meet the Bodleian guide and review entry rules (no large bags, no food/drink, silence inside).

0:30 – Begin the guided tour of the Divinity School.

0:50 – Continue to Duke Humfrey’s Library for the second part of the tour.

1:15 – Tour concludes; exit to the Quadrangle.

1:20 – Free time for exterior photos, questions, and exploring nearby public areas (e.g. Radcliffe Camera exterior).

1:35 – Regroup in the Quadrangle for wrap-up and headcount.

1:40 – Begin return walk to bus stop.

1:55 – Arrive back at Ruskin College.

Scripts for activity leaders

1. Entrance & General Context

Welcome to the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries. It has been part of Oxford University for over 400 years and holds millions of books, manuscripts, and maps.

Please remember the rules: no food or drink, and keep your voices low inside.

Fun fact: Some areas of the Bodleian have been used in the Harry Potter films!

Leader Tips:

Gather students outside and do a headcount.
Remind them to keep personal belongings close.
Emphasise quiet behaviour for the duration of the tour.

2. Divinity School

This is the Divinity School, built in the 15th century for lectures and theology exams. Look at the vaulted ceiling—it’s an amazing example of medieval architecture.

Fun fact: Parts of the Divinity School were used for the infirmary scenes in the first Harry Potter film.

Leader Tips:

Encourage students to look up and notice the detailed ceiling.
Remind them to walk slowly and respect the space.
Suggest they take mental notes of objects or architectural features they find interesting.

3. Duke Humfrey’s Library

This library is named after Duke Humfrey, who donated many books in the 16th century. Notice the long wooden shelves, desks, and beautiful windows. Scholars have studied here for hundreds of years.

Fun fact: This library has also been used as Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter films.

Leader Tips:

Remind students to stay close to the group.
Encourage observation: point out the different shelves, desks, and windows.
Quietly guide them to focus on the historical features rather than touching books.

Page updated

Report abuse