Houses of Parliament 8 June 2015

On Monday 8^th June children from Hornbeam  Primary School, Sholden Primary School, St Margaret’s Primary School, Kingsdown C of E Primary School, Temple Ewell C of E Primary School, Sandown Primary School, Warden House Primary School, The Downs C of E Primary School, Northbourne C of E Primary School, Parochial C of E Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Castle Community College travelled to London to The Houses of Parliament.

The children were taken on a guided tour of the Westminster Hall, the Norman Porch, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Prince’s Chamber, the Lords Chamber, the Members’ Lobby, the Aye Lobby and the Commons Chamber. As the tours progressed the children were able to extend their learning about British Values and the election process by asking questions and engaging in conversation with Parliament staff.

At the end of the tour the group was met by Charlie Elphicke MP.  After a brief Q and A session the children embarked upon a tour of the local sights! Walking along Whitehall allowed the group to view the Cenotaph and meet some of the horses at Horse Guards Parade. Once the children arrived at the entrance to Downing Street they were keen to question the police officers about the Prime Minister!

As we continued to wards Buckingham Palace the children continued to document their day using school cameras.

Having walked through Trafalgar Square and Admiralty Arch the children collapsed in St James’s Park for a well deserved lunch break. Conversations during lunch highlighted how inspirational tis trip had been for some of the group members. Several children are now determined to become politicians whilst others have significantly developed their sense of what it means to be British.