An excited group of students from a leading independent school have returned from an influential day in London, where they were guests in the public gallery of the House of Commons and even saw the Prime Minister, Theresa May.
Organised by Ockbrook School, the group of Year 6 students were led around the Houses of Parliament on an exclusive, informative tour. All this before watching the procession of the speaker and sitting within a stone’s throw of Theresa May, David Davis, Boris Johnson, John Bercow and Jeremy Corbyn in the public gallery.
Described by many as ‘the best school trip ever’, on returning to school students used the experience to write non-chronological reports as part of a curriculum required exercise.
Lucy Kolesrikowicz comments: “The Houses of Parliament are loved by all and is an outstanding place to visit. It has been there for years and hopefully will never be destroyed.”
Isabel Blockley recalls: “In Westminster Hall there were many plaques on the marble floor with famous icons’ names, which were made of bronze. On them were names of people such as the Queen Mother, Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. The roof of the Hall is actually hand carved!”
Reuben Coggle adds: “The Lords Chamber is where members question government, debate current issues and check draft laws in detail. At the head of the Chamber is a red and gold throne. It is here where the Queen sits to give her opening of Parliament speech.”
Mrs Cuthbertson, who previously worked in the House of Commons, and now chair of Ockbrook School Parents’ Association, organised the visit for the group of 10 and 11 year olds. She said: “The chance to look around the Houses of Parliament is not an everyday occurrence. It’s pleasing that we can offer our fantastic students such an exceptional, enjoyable trip to London as part of their educational studies.”
Ockbrook School is a 200 year old leading co-educational independent school located in rural Derbyshire. It caters for boys and girls aged three to 18, has its own nursery and thriving sixth form and offers weekly and full boarding for boys and girls from age 11.
For further information, visit: www.ockbrooksch.co.uk.
