Norris Green pupils prepare for extraordinary learning adventure in China

Children from Monksdown Primary School, in partnership with Global School Alliance, are preparing to leave Norris Green on Sunday 18 October for an extraordinary educational adventure to Hainan, China. For some pupils, it will be their first time travelling outside the UK.

The group will spend three days learning alongside pupils at Hainan Foreign Language Boarding School. Then they will get the chance to explore the island’s culture and history through visits to a volcano park, museum and traditional Chinese market and businesses. The final two days will give pupils a chance to experience daily life in another country first-hand.

The trip offers a rare opportunity for children to broaden their horizons, make international connections and see a world beyond their own community. It also reflects the growing relationship between Liverpool and China, strengthening links in education, culture and future business. This builds on recent activity across the city’s universities, business district and council. Other activity includes a visit by Cllr Liam Robinson and former deputy mayor and chair of Liverpool China Partnership, Gary Millar.

Cllr Gerrard Heffey, councillor for Norris Green, said:

“Monksdown taking children to China is yet another feather in the cap of a fantastic school we are lucky to have in our community. When plans were originally discussed with the British Consulate of Shanghai, I wasn’t sure it would come to fruition, but with the hard work of Jacqueline, Ann‑Marie and the team it’s happening. First of many hopefully — and the children have had Mandarin lessons to top it off!”

Year 5 pupil Euan Prescott shared his excitement ahead of the visit:

“I am looking forward to trying new food and experiencing a new culture. I can’t wait to see what daily life is like in a Chinese school.”

Former Monksdown pupil Lily Prescott added:

“China is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity and I’m so lucky to be returning to my primary school friends for this amazing adventure together. I’m looking forward to everything, especially the food.”

Monksdown teacher Anne‑Marie Ferrigan said:

“We are so incredibly lucky to be able to offer our children such an amazing experience — the opportunity to visit Hainan, China, and truly immerse themselves in a different culture.

I know the children are going to soak up every moment of this incredible experience and make great use of the Mandarin they have been learning. This will be the first of many trips that provide the children of Monksdown with the chance to see just how many opportunities are out there for them, and that there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grab every single one with both hands.

I can’t wait to see the friendships they will make, the confidence and personal growth they will develop, and the lifelong memories they will create along the way.

This is about so much more than a trip — it’s about opening their eyes to the world, inspiring them to dream big, and showing them that the possibilities are endless.”

Alderman Gary Millar MBE, chair of the Liverpool China Partnership, also praised the initiative:

“International relationships are not built by governments and businesses alone; they are built by people, and there is no better place to begin than with our young people.

This visit gives children from Norris Green an extraordinary opportunity to experience China first-hand, learn alongside Chinese pupils and build friendships across cultures. For some, it will be their first journey outside the UK, opening their eyes to a world of possibilities and showing that their ambitions need have no boundaries.

Schools have an incredibly important role to play in international relations and social mobility. Experiences like this build confidence, curiosity and understanding, while creating genuine people‑to‑people connections between our communities.

As Chair of the Liverpool China Partnership, I am delighted to see Monksdown Primary School helping to strengthen the friendship between Liverpool and China from the classroom upwards. These young people are not simply visiting China; they are becoming young ambassadors for Liverpool and building friendships that I hope will last for many years to come.”

The Liverpool Confucius Institute is inviting education leaders from across the Liverpool City Region to register their interest in joining a delegation to China during the summer term. The visit will offer school and college leaders the chance to explore Chinese education. They will also meet sector professionals, and visit key cultural and academic institutions. Accommodation, meals and local travel are covered, with participants asked only to fund their flights and insurance. Education leaders can find out more here and express their interest by emailing Dr Penny Ding at: penny.ding@liverpool.ac.uk.