For many of the older generation, the image of Liverpool will be forever linked to the city’s most famous musical export: The Beatles. But the majority of younger children have no idea of the impact the Fab Four had on the city. Long before One Direction or Little Mix came The Beatles, and learning about the world’s first ‘super-group’ is a great way for teachers planningUK study tours to introduce their pupils to the culture and history of Liverpool.
From music, history and media students to younger primary school pupils, there is so much to discover in the city about the Fab Four and how they went from obscurity to superstardom can’t fail to capture the imagination. Here are two of the very best Beatles-themed exhibitions to visit with your class.
Follow the Footsteps of the Fab Four
From schoolboys messing around with guitars to a band that took the entire world by storm, The Beatles Story is a museum dedicated to examining the life and times of Liverpool’s most famous band. Set in the historic, UNESCO-listed Albert Dock, beside the Mersey, this is the world’s largest permanent Beatles exhibition. Laid out as a journey through the life of the band, the exhibition takes pupils from the band-members’ early lives right through to their solo careers. There’s a replica of the Cavern Club, as well as one of the famous Abbey Road Studio and even a real-life Yellow Submarine.
A well-presented audio guide talksvisitors through the exhibition, explaining its context. (The guide is narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia, who adds a very personal touch.)
Once you’ve explored the main exhibition, you can take your class to the museum’s Discovery Zone, where a giant piano and interactive screens helps students understand the creativityand cultural importance of the band. Exhibits and workshops have been created to link what your pupils have learnt to the national curriculum, making this a valuable aspect of UK study tours to the city.
Discover Where it All Began
Once the museum has inspired students’ imaginations, they will be keen to see the real Cavern Club – the famous site where it all began and still a working music venue.Students can see live bands most afternoons (bookings for large groups are advised), or visit at quieter times to simply take in the atmosphere.
For a totally immersive experience, it’s well worth booking your students on the Cavern Club’s Magical Mystery Tour. The two-hour tour takes you from Albert Dock to the suburbs where the band grew up (past the boy’s childhood houses) and on to some of the locations made famous in their songs – including Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.
UK study tours are a great way to bring history and past culture to life for students.To make sure you get the very most out of your time in Liverpool, talk to a specialist educational tour operator to assist you with the details and ensure the trip runs smoothly.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational travel for school and youth groups. Whether you’re planning UK study tours, Iceland geography trips or trekking expeditions to India, you can trust both the educational and economic value of their itineraries, whether ready-made or specifically designed to suit the needs of your group.
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