It was still dark when the intrepid students arrived at school. The coach set off at 5.30am for the trip to London. As we neared our destination we were greeted by heavy traffic, with low cloud obscuring skyscrapers, and the point of The Shard totally hidden from view. The coach parked at the Embankment, giving students the opportunity to see the London Eye and the river traffic on the Thames before setting off for Parliament.

Once we had been through security and provided with audio equipment, the students were treated to a tour of Parliament, with a knowledgeable guide. We were conducted through the grand Gathering Hall, and then on to the grandeur of the House of Lords, resplendent in red and gold. Our guide provided valuable information about the workings of House as we went. Then to the less ornate House of Commons, with its wood panelling and green benches where the business of government is debated. Finally, on to the oldest part, Westminster Hall the only surviving part of the original parliament building. Tour completed, students experienced first-hand the way political parties and elections work, ending in a lively debate at our very own ‘Prime Minister’s Questions’.

After lunch under the golden arches of MacDonalds we headed over the Parliament Square. A scavenger hunt tested the students’ observation of the sights along the way, and the statues in the gardens themselves.

An imposing building opposite the Houses of Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice was our next destination. Here we were invited to sit in the older style of Court One, where our guide explained how the court was set up and when the Supreme Court is used. Courtroom Two was a more modern room, here too we were allowed to sit in the seats of the judges and other members of the court. Some students had the opportunity to go to the viewing gallery of Court Three to witness a case being heard, while other members of the party enjoyed an exhibition.

Tour complete, students returned to the coach for the journey home.

Thanks to the students for their good behaviour on this trip, it was a pleasure to accompany them.