Early on 27th September, three of our pupils from last year's school council joined Mrs Davis and other staff and children from across the Rutland Learning Trust for a trip to Westminster to find out more about what happens in government at the Palace of Westminster. 

We arrived just after 10.30am, and once we had passed through security, we were soon taken into the Palace of Westminster to find out more about what happens inside.

On our tour we visited both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, as well as spending time in one of the voting lobbies, and visiting Westminster Hall, where the Queen lay in state last year. We were very impressed with all the carving and ornate decorations. We also admired the statues of past prime ministers outside the House of Commons; including one of Winston Churchill, modelled on a picture of him standing on the rubble when the House of Commons was bombed in World War II. This statue stood next to the entrance, which had been rebuilt from the rubble. 

We then took part in a debate, learning the roles of the speaker, the ruling party, and the opposition, and how a bill becomes a law, passing backwards and forwards between the House of Commons and House of Lords until it is agreed by all. 

There was then a surprise visit from our MP, Alicia Kearns, who talked to us about her role in representing the people of Rutland and Melton in Parliament, and about some of the aspects of her job. 

After lunch, there was time to go and look at the outside of the buildings, and walk along the river a little, before climbing back on the coach for the long journey home. 

It was a fantastic day, and we all learnt a lot about how parliament works and the importance of democracy for our country.

A huge thank you to Mrs Glassford and Mrs Lucas from RLT for arranging the trip. It was amazing!