On 5th January 2023, 32 Politics students enjoyed a trip to London to visit the Palace of Westminster. They had organised tours of the House of Lords, House of Commons and the Supreme Court.
The Sixth Form trip to Parliament was an unforgettable day, filled with unique experiences and opportunities to learn about the institutions which make our political system what it is.
We took a guided tour of Parliament which included a visit to both chambers – the House of Commons and the House of Lords; a very special experience having seen both chambers on the news almost daily.
As we moved through the Royal Gallery into the Robing room we were able to see the green and white papers laid out for the peers’ inspection. Later, passing through the Members Lobby, we paused at Churchill’s arch to reflect on this chapter in the history of Parliament and its’ resilience in the face of wars, fires and bombings, as a place where people have come to discuss the issues of the day and to protest. The statues of Churchill, Lloyd George, Thatcher and Attlee amongst others, were a reminder of the changing balance of power and relationships between groups of society and between government and the governed.
Following our visit to Parliament, we took a short walk, passing Big Ben, Downing Street and then through Horse Guards before looping back to Parliament Square and the Supreme Court. This was our final destination: the highest court of appeal in the United Kingdom and also, as the location of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the highest court of appeal for a number of Commonwealth countries and UK overseas territories. Here we got a deep look into the place where the strength of this country’s laws are reinforced, seeing the history of the building, the UK constitution and even had the chance to sit in the chairs of the justices and of Lord Reed, President.
This was a fantastic experience and one we will remember for many years. Thank you to Mrs Griffiths, Mr Freeman, Dr Evans and Mr Bornoff for taking us.
Zebedee Weston, Lauren Robinson & Max Delany
Year 13.
You must be logged in to post a comment.