AVS Newsletter November 27 2017 | Page 2

Avon Valley Students Visit Parliament Students see inside House of Lords and House of Commons Forty five students from The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College recently took a trip to London to visit Parliament and gain an insight into the British political system. As part of the visit, the group of Key Stage 3 students received a comprehensive tour of Parliament which included walking inside both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, visiting the Queen’s robing room, and going into Westminster Hall, which at 900 years old is the oldest part of the building. Following their tour the students learned about the democratic system and then completed a workshop in the Parliamentary Education Centre. The students were split into teams and were challenged with creating their own political party, complete with ideas for their manifesto. During their day in the nation’s capital the students took in some of London’s major landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards, Downing Street and Parliament Square before heading to the Imperial War Museum’s Churchill War Rooms. Dan Phelan, Achievement Leader, said, “Our students had a fantastic day in London and enjoyed both the war rooms and their experience in Parliament. I was really impressed with the interest the students showed towards learning about Parliament and democracy.” Alison Davies, Headteacher, said, “The visit to Parliament took place just before UK Parliament Week 2017 and is one of a number of activities which we are running to promote democracy which is one of the fundamental British Values.”