What an amazing time we had on our Liverpool Residential back in June. It was action packed all the way, non-stop from getting up each morning to writing up our diaries at night!
We walked to every attraction from our accommodation down by the Albert Dock. We explored the Maritime Museum and Museum of Liverpool. Our visit to the Mosque was one of our favourite; we were given a warm welcome and explanation of the importance of the Mosque and Islamic traditions to the local community in Toxteth. The Mosque was quite beautiful and we were encouraged to dress up in traditional clothes and shown very modern, state of the art facilities where worshippers had to wash their hands and feet before worship. We discovered that all of the differing religious groups within the area worked together for the good of the community, sometimes sharing Worship. The educational officer explored the 5 Pillars of Faith which are important to the Islamic community. Respect and looking after everyone is important to the Islamic people, we shared with them our golden rules and our school prayer. We had a very open question and answer session and learned that famous footballers like Pappis Cisse came into the Mosque to worship. They were treated like everyone else and had to stand shoulder to shoulder, like all other worshippers. The education officer complimented us on our thinking, questions and good listening; she said that we would be welcome back at any time.
The Metropolitan Cathedral (Paddy’s Wigwam) was very interesting. It had a unique circular shape, and the art work was just beautiful. We all left comments in a special book in the children's section of the Cathedral. The Ferry Across the Mersey was something that had to be done in Liverpool! As was the Big Wheel, we could see for miles when we were on it..
Our visits to the Tate and Walker Art Galleries on the Friday were amazing. We worked with education officers and teachers, discussing art work and what message the artist had for the public. On floor 3 of the Tate was a real life parrot; he didn't want us any where near him. We drew our favourite piece and discussed why we liked a particular piece of art.