St Mary's Calne
On Thursday, the LVI A Level Politics students had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the UK’s political elite and bring their studies to life during a visit to the Houses of Parliament.
Excitement grew as the St Mary’s Calne-branded minibus passed the expectant crowds on The Mall and Buckingham Palace, prompting the question, 'Were we expected?'. After passing through the inevitable tight security at Black Rod’s entrance, we were greeted in one of the House of Lords Committee Rooms by the Convener of the Crossbench Peers, Lord Kinnoull.
Lord Kinnoull captivated us with his explanation of his role over ten years in the House, the ongoing debate over reforming the composition of the Lords’ Chamber, and the future of hereditary peers. He then treated us to a fascinating tour, showcasing his vast and entertaining knowledge of the history of Parliament and providing insightful details of the functions of both Chambers. After lunch with Lord Kinnoull in Portcullis House, we bid a grateful and fond farewell as he returned to his important duties.
We were then met by Jack Hanson, Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Investment, Baroness Gustafsson, who continued our tour and quickly guided us to one of the day’s highlights – a close encounter with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, who were both pleased to see us as they departed Parliament on their way to Downing Street.
We were then introduced to Baroness Gustafsson, who generously gave an impromptu interview, explaining her role and offering an inspiring insight into what motivates her.
The trip ended with a fascinating half-hour in the viewing gallery of the House of Commons, where we watched part of the debate on the Employment Rights Bill. With several MPs making statements, it was a wonderful opportunity to not only spot more politicians but also to listen to various arguments and understand the bill scrutiny process in the upper chamber.
Reflecting on the day, our LVI students were not only excited to have enjoyed some political star-spotting, but also felt they had gained a deeper understanding of the heart of our political system and its technicalities, which will undoubtedly benefit them as their A Level course progresses.
Mr Simon Carter, History and Politics Department