• Since 1990, we have made over nine-thousand presentations.
• IES staff are experienced in making presentations on all aspects of Hinduism,
  embracing a broad range of traditions.
• We value interactive, experiential and ‘whole-person’ learning.
• We cater to a wide range of preferred learning styles
• Staff members are specifically trained in educational theory and practice.

We offer a broad range of learning sessions, including:

1. Dressing up in traditional Indian clothes
2. Dressing up a the Trimurti (thee main deities) and their respective consorts
3. Face painting, with inclusion of Hindu/Indian motifs
4. Whole day conferences, based on drama, debate and moral & topical issues
5. Role play & simulated Hindu ceremonies (e.g. weddings)

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Please note: IES organises workshops and learning sessions to suit your school’s specific needs. Please do get in touch if you’d like to discuss them further.

We split each larger school party into smaller groups to ensure that each tour is fun, engaging and informative. Depending on the specific centre, tours may include:

• Riding the bullock cart
• Visiting the newly-constructed cowshed, at the heart of the ‘Cow Protection Centre’.
• Seeing the sacred Tulasi plant in specially constructed greenhouses
• Visiting the George Harrison memorial gardens
• Enjoying the environmental garden
• Exploring Hindu ideas on sustainability, inter-dependence and animal welfare
• At Bhaktivedanta Manor, see our bakery, the on-site primary school, and features of the Tudor-style manor house.
• Viewing the temple shrine and ancient arati ceremony (though this may be offered separately, after the main tour)

Within Hindu traditions, the temple is the home of God, one of his forms or a specific deity. The very centre of the temple is the shrine itself. Here the sacred images are bathed, dressed and offered food daily, usually beginning at around 4am. School groups can usually experience an appropriate portion of the midday ceremony. This opportunity may include:

• Exploring the significance of deity-worship
• Attending part of the arti ritual, in which the priest offers incense, lamps and water
  to the temple deities.
• Seeing Hindus at worship as part of their daily routine.
• Hearing live music*
• Taking stunning photos of the beautiful shrine

* Live music may only be available only on certain days or by special arrangement. Please do check when you make your booking.

A temple visit often concludes with opportunity to see the IES shop, and to consolidate the experience by buying souvenirs and educational materials.

Resources are authentic, reasonably priced and consistent with the ideals of ethical trade and local, sustainable economics. Carefully selected and inexpensive items are available for children of all ages.

Favourite items include bindi, face paints, Indian jewellery, ornamental elephants incense & holders and educational photo-cards.

Please note: A range of Hindu artefacts and quality books are also available for inspection and purchase by teachers.

Most IES centres offer full traditional lunch (strictly vegetarian). This is not only a key experience but also allows the visit to continue into the early afternoon (usually until about 2.30-2.45 pm).

To meets everyone’s needs, the menu includes not only authentic Indian cuisine but also some ‘more familiar’ dishes. This encourages exploration of different tastes and simultaneously ensures that no-one goes hungry.

A typical meal consists of:

– Pea and cheese curry (a mildly-spiced vegetable preparation)
– Fluffy Basmati rice
– Chips
– A light, Indian savoury
– Puris or chapattis (traditional bread)
– A desert (usually home-made biscuits).
– A fruit drink

All centres can offer samples of traditional sweets and prasad (sanctified food)

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Please note:

1. IES can cater to students with food allergies & special diets. Please ask for further details.
2. We allow packed lunches for religious or medical reasons only.

Important note: As non vegetarian food is prohibited from temple property, to maintain the sanctity of our temple, pack lunches must exclude meat, fish, chicken and eggs, onion and garlic or their derivatives such as in cakes and jellies.