Getting Political in London
“Our Upper and Lower Sixth Politics students travelled to London this week to visit the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court. Arriving in Parliament Square, students were guided through the medieval Westminster Hall and House of Commons, seeing statues of prime ministers past, and learning the deep history of both the building and the institution of Parliament.
The tour touched on the rebuilding of Parliament in the early 19th Century and further reconstructions after the destruction of the Commons Chamber during the Blitz. From the tour, our students were able to develop a deeper understanding of the change Parliament has witnessed over time and its effects on the UK’s ever-changing political and societal landscape.
En route to visiting key political institutions Downing Street and the Supreme Court, the walking tour included landmarks of London such as the Cenotaph, St James’ Park, and Buckingham Palace. Students had the opportunity to sit in the public gallery of the Supreme Court and witness the court in session, hearing various verbal arguments. The trip illustrated the arenas where UK politics takes place, from the confined and adversarial benches of the Commons to the elongated desks of the highest court in the land.
With these premises being closed for public health for over twelve months, this was a superb opportunity for our students to see Parliament and the heart of London. Whilst providing an excellent insight into the evolution of the British Government, its history and the institutions where business occurs today.”
Upper Sixth Politics student, Isaac McManus
