I didn't realise that a key reason I enjoyed school trips was down to the fact that they happened during school, until one was arranged on an inset day.
Originally, the proposal of visiting Parliament in the rare circumstance of an inset day manifested a slight sense of resentment towards the thought of a missed lie in. Rather than remembering the reason for taking this politics course in the first place, I fixated my attention towards the dreaded thought of going to bed earlier than initially intentioned, just to accommodate for a train to Waterloo at 8:40—on the dot. On the other hand, there was one enticing aspect to this trip; there was now a given opportunity to be acquainted with the class (and not just on a last minute homework help basis.) Although this may not have been the most approved motive, it was shamefully a very prominent reason to go. (As well as the clearly outlined impression on Meir’s face that this was by no means optional in the first place.)
The day headed off to a rocky start with the always unexpected unreliability of the train service. People arriving in various clusters, possibly assuming the given time to be an indication rather than an insistence, resulted in the meticulously prepared plan to fall somewhat short. Adapting to a new set of circumstances, Meir and Declan separated the groups using a more suitable strategy of division by herding rather than allocation. I was one of the remaining students who stayed at Waterloo station to embrace the fresh London air, for just a little longer.
Once we reached the Europe House we were greeted by a conference room divided into two sections; the tables and chairs similar to a conference style assortment on one half contrasted with the artist easels and pictures stuck to the walls similar to a minimalist art gallery on the other. Starting on the conference half, we were introduced to the host who set the scene for the session with a crucial impartial opinion disclaimer since Brexit was of course the key focus. The given style of education was very interactive yet informative with video clips, bingo cards and the ‘EU bicycle’ which I regret not taking home and framing. The group overall had a general better understanding of the EU as we delved more into the development of the institution and its participating state members through these activities.
During the second half of the session, we migrated to the easels and travelled around like potential collectors carefully examining each ‘piece’ precisely placed around the area debating the present EU policies versus the proposed UK policies after the Brexit negotiations. This was when we were all encouraged to discuss our thoughts and opinions on the Brexit matter and its implications on the UK.
The conversation touched on many important issues such as the problems with the Irish border, migration and the ECHR. The points given in the discussion were explored more in depth with the help of the mediator who posed alternative views to a very complex situation. Our perspectives were broadened with a wider awareness of how Brexit may become both beneficial and disadvantageous for Britain—something we anticipated to occur a lot more in the classroom prior to finalising our A level options.
During the afternoon we were fully immersed into the political culture, standing inside one of the most notable buildings in Britain, the Houses of Parliament. Our tour guide escorted us around to visit all of the main features of this historic landmark. Ironically, there seemed to be an ever present close link between the building and the monarchy with huge paintings of Kings and Queens hung on richly decorated walls as well as a the most extravagant décor belonging to the Sovereign—her throne. We had difficulty determining where we could and couldn't sit with many seats appearing the same but their importance based on their placement. The guide gave details on the intricacies of the building consistently relating back to its history answering why Parliament worked the way it did. Our Future Learn UK Government and Politics course had come to life.
Finally the last part of our day was based around the voting system. Our seats automatically assigned us to a political party through colourful show badges and a assortment of hats for the leaders. We had now all unknowingly entered into a competition between parties to win against our competitors. Through this first hand learning technique of the different voting systems, we grasped the concepts of ballots more effectively spouting as much knowledge as we could scrape together to become the prosperous party with a ‘figurative reward’.
I must retract my initial feelings towards sacrificing my morning lie-in for going to Parliament, not only so Meir believes I am not incompetent but also because I truly believe the day accessed politics through a different angle. Of course the exam board may never ask an open 30 mark question on the blueprints of the Houses of Parliament but approaching this course through a more hands-on method reiterates the information we learn from the textbooks and breathes life into our course.
