Students from Murray Park School in Mickleover recently had the opportunity to experience life in politics during a visit to the Houses of Parliament in London.
Thirty Year 10 and 11 pupils, as part of their citizenship and democracy module, took part in the trip, which directly supported their GCSE studies.
The visit included sitting in on an education debate focused on improving mental health support for students. Pupils also enjoyed a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and participated in a curriculum-based workshop at the Parliament Education Centre, designed to deepen their understanding of the democratic process.
Throughout the day, students met Derby North MP, Catherine Atkinson, learnt about the workings of the House of Commons, visited both the House of Lords and the Commons and even had the chance to review the business papers for the day.
Pupil Kalpriya Dani who took part in the trip said: “Visiting Parliament was such an eye-opening experience.
“Walking through the same halls as the Prime Minister and MPs was incredible, and the tour really helped me understand how laws are debated and passed.
“Meeting our local MP was a highlight—it was great to hear about her journey into politics and ask questions about issues that matter to us.
“The workshops were also really interactive and made me realise how important it is to have your voice heard in a democracy.”
The trip, the school’s first to the Houses of Parliament in over a decade, also included visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, London Bridge, and South Bank.
Joseph Hyndman, assistant head teacher at Murray Park, who organised the trip said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to bring the curriculum to life.
“The students were able to see Parliament in action, interact with MPs, and gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made.
“It was clear that they really enjoyed the experience, and it has greatly enriched their learning.
“This trip has been hugely beneficial for their GCSEs, and we hope to offer similar experiences to pupils in the future.”
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at sarahlouise@penguinpr.co.uk
