Sixth Formers spend memorable day at heart of UK’s political and legal landscape
A group of enthusiastic Sixth Form students with a keen interest in Politics, Law, and International Relations embarked on the annual Parliament trip.
The first stop was the iconic Houses of Parliament, where they were treated to a comprehensive guided tour of Westminster Hall, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.
During the tour, students gained fascinating insights into the workings of Parliament and the architectural grandeur of the building. A particular highlight in the House of Lords was the magnificent gilded throne, designed by Augustus Pugin and crafted by John Webb of Bond Street in 1847. Its intricate design and historical significance left a lasting impression.
Another point of intrigue was the surprisingly compact size of the House of Commons – despite being the chamber where all 650 Members of Parliament must convene, it felt remarkably intimate.
The group was especially fortunate to be joined by Tom Morrison, the MP for Cheadle, who had previously visited the school earlier in the term for a thought-provoking talk.
This time, students had the unique opportunity to see him in action within his parliamentary environment. Tom shared a detailed account of his daily schedule, offering a vivid glimpse into the dynamic and demanding life of an MP. There was also time for a Q&A session, where students posed thoughtful questions to both Tom and his aide. Although the meeting was brief, it proved to be an incredibly valuable and memorable experience – one that will undoubtedly stay with the students for years to come.
After lunch under the blazing London sun, the group strolled along the South Bank towards the heart of government, pausing to view the famous black gates of Downing Street.
The day continued with another unforgettable visit – this time to the UK Supreme Court. Here, the students were divided into two groups. One group engaged in a lively discussion of real-life case studies, including a debate on the controversial issue of police retention of DNA data. Meanwhile, the other group had the rare opportunity to observe a live case in session, witnessing the highest judges in the land at work.
For those aspiring to pursue a career in Law, this experience was nothing short of inspirational. The visit to the Supreme Court provided a powerful glimpse into the legal system at its highest level and capped off what was an incredibly busy, enriching, and memorable day in Westminster – the very heart of the UK’s political and legal landscape.
