Year 9 pupils recently took part in Pleckgate’s first-ever visit to the Houses of Parliament, enjoying an exciting and inspiring day trip to London.
As well as taking in some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, pupils were given a unique opportunity to explore the heart of British democracy.
The visit included guided tours of the House of Commons and the Houses of Parliament, where pupils walked through the historic corridors that have witnessed some of the most significant decisions, debates and events in British history. Along the way, they saw portraits and statues of influential figures who have helped shape the nation, including Winston Churchill, Emmeline Pankhurst and Marjorie Hume, a suffragette who famously chained herself to a statue in the Palace of Westminster in 1909 as part of the campaign for women’s voting rights.
Pupils also participated in an engaging workshop focused on petitions and democratic participation. During the session, they learned how individuals can bring about change through the petition process and explored how petitions can progress to parliamentary debate. Pupils then created their own petitions, encouraging them to think critically about issues that matter to them and how they can make their voices heard.
The trip provided a valuable insight into the workings of Parliament and inspired pupils to become active and informed citizens. It was a memorable experience that brought politics, history and citizenship learning to life.
