Year 10 Geographers Explore Regeneration in Liverpool

Despite a grey and overcast start to the day, the clouds soon parted to reveal sunshine and smiles as 90 enthusiastic Year 10 pupils embarked on their Geography fieldwork trip to Liverpool. This visit formed a vital part of their compulsory GCSE fieldwork, focusing on the human geography aspect of their studies.  The main aim of the day was to investigate whether the regeneration of Liverpool ONE, a major retail and leisure development, had positively impacted the surrounding Paradise Street area. To explore this, pupils conducted Environmental Quality Surveys at ten different sites: five within Liverpool ONE and five outside of the shopping centre. This allowed for a direct comparison of the environmental conditions and the visible effects of urban regeneration.

In addition to their surveys, pupils were challenged to step outside their comfort zones by engaging with members of the public. Armed with clipboards and confidence, they asked members of the public for their opinions on the regeneration of the area. This real-world data collection not only enriched their understanding of the topic but also helped develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills.  The day wasn’t all work, though. Before completing their data collection, the group enjoyed a scenic, albeit rather choppy, ferry ride across the River Mersey on the iconic Mersey Ferry. The bumpy crossing added a touch of adventure to the day and was met with laughter and excitement from pupils and staff alike.

Throughout the trip, pupils demonstrated excellent behaviour, curiosity, and resilience. Their ability to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world setting was impressive, and the data collected will now be analysed back at school to draw conclusions about the success of Liverpool’s regeneration efforts.  It was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to see Geography in action and to experience first-hand the dynamic changes taking place in the city.

Mrs Wortley