School Days out In Liverpool - A Trip of a Lifetime

Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles, scale the heights of The Radio City Tower and cross The River Mersey aboard a famous ferry. If you are looking to educate and entertain your students, Liverpool should be top of the list.

School days out in Liverpool can be tailored to any curriculum. Leading local guiding company Brilliant Liverpool Tours has come up with some fabulous suggestions on how to spend your time wisely. Managing Director Neil MacDonald told us: 'Students will experience a World Heritage site and learn about geography, history and culture. Primary school to degree students can be supported.'

Neil has suggested some themed itineraries below as examples for Liverpool school days out. He adds: 'Tours can be combined with really fun elements like a selfie opportunity at the new Beatles statue - the most photographed point in the city. Or a walk through 'Liverpool One', the £1billion retail and leisure venue, demonstrates how post blitz areas have come back into use'.

'Liverpool After Brexit'

Designed as a two hour walking tour or an extended experience by coach, students will be guided through the continuing transformation of the city. From being central to the trade of The British Empire to the tourist hot spot it is today, students will be challenged by examining how Brexit will affect the next stage of Liverpool's evolution.

Typical sites included in this tour are William Brown Street, famed for its density of historically important buildings and the Turner Prize winning 'Liverpool 4 Streets'. You can also expect to take a look inside the former White Star Line HQ - home of the Titanic - that is now a hotel.

Geography Field Trip

Stimulate Key Stage 3 and 4 students with a tour of the city. Examining the significance of tourism in Liverpool lays the foundation for a great enquiry question. Study packs can be provided with tasks and field work to keep your class engaged.

Students will look at quality of life over the centuries or learn more about the geography and importance of The River Mersey even crossing it by ferry! The views from the 138m high Radio City Tower stretch as far as the Wirral, North Wales and The Lake district.

Regeneration Vs Regentrification

Like many cities Liverpool faces the dilemma of balancing prosperity with equal chances for all. Civil unrest under Thatcher in the 1980s led to riots in Toxteth, the area provides a good study of regeneration. Ringo Starr, The Beatles drummer spent his childhood in the nearby Welsh Streets that stood derelict for many years but are now affordable housing.

In contrast, the Georgian Quarter has examples of the most expensive residences in the city, some dating back to the slave trade era. Student housing accounts for approaching 30,000 homes making for an interesting case study of a city centre striving to stay a world class city.

1960s Culture & The Beatles

In the suburbs of Liverpool lie Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane. Both of these landmarks are magnets for tourists from all over the world. Tours can be extended to take in the Fab Four's childhood homes. A half day walking tour in the city centre can include the hospital where John Lennon was born, former Beatles' schools and colleges and the world famous Cavern Club.

A great enquiry question could be 'Why are the Beatles still so popular today?' or 'Why is The Beatles Story museum successful today when it failed once before?'. Liverpool also has the only museum in existence that is dedicated entirely to its home city - The Museum of Liverpool Life. Take in the museum or the nearby British Music Experience to give a broader cultural insight to your students.

... And Prepare Beforehand

Neil also told us that preparation in the classroom will help students get the most from their day out. He says 'Talking about the trip in advance will pique student interest; introducing the itinerary can help lay expectations for behaviour on the day. And it sounds obvious but remind them to get a good rest the night before and dress appropriately for the activity they are taking part in!'

A good tour company will suggest a pre-visit to the site so you can plan how to manage your group, when to take breaks and other 'housekeeping' considerations. A reputable firm will also have completed all the required risk assessments and don't forget to get copies of appropriate insurance.

If you follow all these tips you will be set for a first rate field trip in Liverpool.

Neil MacDonald is Managing Director of Brilliant Liverpool Tours. The family run firm has its own coach drivers, qualified Blue Badge guides and fun Beatles Walk leaders. They can provide former teachers to help lead your tour or provide a talk, making sure you deliver a robust field trip. Brilliant Liverpool Tours also guarantees your class will have fun - the city is a melting pot of history and culture just waiting to be discovered.