Parliament Visit

Visit to Parliament

Last week we were lucky enough take 12 of our boys up to London for the day. We won some supportive funding for the trip from the educational branch of the Houses of Parliament, allowing us to catch the train up to the city and experience a morning in the Palace of Westminster and an afternoon of museum trips.

After a quick walk around London in two separate groups, staff and students came together to take a tour around the Palace. We were able to experience the grandeur of the building and follow the path the King takes when opening Parliament each year. We entered both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and learned what it takes to gain a seat in each. Our educational tour guide explained how laws are made, and described the history that has led us to the government as we now know it. We were even able to see the royal outer-chamber and the throne designed by Queen Victoria herself. After our tour we then took part in a hands-on educational workshop where the boys learned about how different groups of people have influenced government over the years, and reflected on what we might do for a cause close to our hearts.

After our tour, the two groups separated again for the remainder of the afternoon. One group went to the Natural History Museum where they investigated exhibits of dinosaurs and creepy-crawlies – after investigating the excellent food on offer at the café!

The second group went to the Science Museum, where we saw fantastic displays of aeroplanes through the ages; a space themed exhibit; and a range of hands-on activities about technological advances over the years – including games and quizzes to play that allowed us to reflect on “what it means to be me”.

It was a brilliant day for all involved, and our Marland boys conducted themselves with politeness and respect throughout. Well done!