Year 8 Scholars Explore Westminster
The Year 8 Scholars recently visited Westminster, not only to see Westminster Abbey and the Supreme Court, but also to explore the areas surrounding Parliament, with a particular focus on the many statues found there.
The day began at Westminster Abbey, where, amongst the many fascinating memorials, particular time was spent studying the art and architecture of the building. The students, accompanied by some excellent guides, examined icons, the vaulted roofs, and the Abbey’s most recent addition, a window by David Hockney.
After lunch, the students moved to Parliament Square to explore the statues there. From Winston Churchill to Nelson Mandela, and including various Prime Ministers and other significant figures, such as Millicent Garrett Fawcett, the students were encouraged to consider the design and messages of the statues. They also reflected on the collection as a whole, asking whether any inclusions or exclusions were surprising.
The final stop of the day was the Supreme Court, just across from Parliament Square. The students were able to sit in one of the courtrooms, not in session at that time, and Mrs Powis-Holt spoke about the origins and significance of the Court. There was then a visit to the interactive museum, which illustrated the Court’s work.
In preparation for the visit to the Supreme Court, the group had spent some time considering the role of the Court in more detail—discussed in an article here.
Overall, it was a busy, enjoyable, and informative day.
