Children from years 4,5 and 6 at St Faith's C.E. Primary School in Winchester went on a visit to The Houses of Parliament on Monday 9th November to support a class topic of Monarchy and Parliament.
The visit was part of their ongoing learning about British Values.
After a tour around the Palace of Westminster, during which the children learnt many historical facts and had the opportunity to look around the House of Lords and the House of Commons; the group met with Steve Brine MP and Baroness Meacher for a pre-arranged Question Time.
Prior to the trip the children had thought about questions to ask Steve Brine on the topics of Parliament, Local issues and Schools and Education and a number of children were selected to pose their question.
Steve Brine and Baroness Meacher faced a range of questions such as:– What is the most important decision you have had to make in parliament? Why do children in London travel for free on buses but in Winchester they have to pay? If you could change something in education what would it be?
Each question was answered fully and it really gave the children an insight into how parliament works and made sense of things for them. Each child was given a special certificate as a memento of their visit to Westminster.
After a quick lunch in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey the children were given an introduction to the history of the Abbey and then a guided tour around the magnificent building. They were particularly interested in the recently laid poppies around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the graves of so many famous people.
One of the highlights of the visit to the Abbey was having the opportunity to meet with Canon Mark Birch who previously the Priest in Charge at the Hospital of St Cross. It was a very special day for all involved and one that really emphasised British Values.
Pictured; Steve Brine and Molly Meacher with the children in Committee Room 9 of the House of Commons.
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