Early birds enjoying the snow in January.

Visit to New Supreme Court

On 2^nd February staff and students went to Westminster for an extended meeting with our local MP Jon Cruddas. This was followed by a guided tour of the new Supreme Court. This visit supported A’ level studies in Government & Politics.

It was a cold day and we were glad to be allowed to enter Portcullis House next to the Palace of Westminster after rigorous security searches. This building contains the offices of members of Parliament where our party was due to discuss important political issues affecting our area and the country as a whole.

Our students were  able to interrogate our MP, asking him questions on a whole range of topics from constitutional reform to political party funding. MP Jon Cruddas answered all our questions in an open and candid way. Following this we went to Downing Street, the Cabinet Office and the offices of various government departments.

The day ended with an afternoon guided tour of the new Supreme Court where we were able to view an exhibition tracking the history of the judiciary in the UK. We were also allowed to enter the Supreme Court chamber where the most important hearings take place.

One student, Ben Harold, said, “We got a real insight into the workings of national government in our country.”

Mr Sullivan, the trip organiser, explained, “We hope that our students gained a better understanding of the different institutions that govern our country. This will stand them in good stead for their exams. I do hope that they remember much of what they have seen and take an active interest in national politics at this time of great change.”

A member of the House of Lords, the Honourable Lord Haskel, will be visiting the school soon to discuss the current state of government and British politics with our students as a follow-up to this visit.

Mr Sullivan