Last Monday, 19 Danes Hill pupils visited the Houses of Parliament as part of their work for their School Council.
The UK Parliament Education Centre welcomed pupils from Danes Hill School. The children joined the Monday morning commuters and boarded a train to London Waterloo to take part in a unique learning experience at the Houses of Parliament.
The UK Parliament Education Centre is working to make politics accessible to all ages by offering free tours and workshops for schools and colleges. Workshops include Representation and Voting, Laws and Debating and Campaigning and Parliament.
The children explored how people in the past and present have helped to shape the laws that are made by the UK Parliament. They examined the principles of fairness and equality and learnt how individuals and groups, such as the suffragettes, have made a difference to the policies we know today.
One Year 5 pupil commented, ‘those women had utter determination. I think it is important for everyone’s voice to be heard.’
The School Council children were toured around the House of Commons, the House of Lords, the Central Lobby and Westminster Hall.
Maxine Shaw, Head said ‘Our School Council provides pupils with a forum for discussion and debate. This trip left them inspired to make real, meaningful changes in the Danes Hill School community.’
