City of Westminster (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Yorkshire students gain first-hand insight into UK democracy with a visit to Westminster, including a guided tour of the country’s highest court.
As reported by Fe News, during a two-day journey to the capital, 14 Parliament Ambassadors from Leeds City College and one from Harrogate College visited the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court.
During their visit, they also participated in a simulated election workshop and had the opportunity to see House of Commons and House of Lords sessions from the gallery.
As part of a project that will culminate with the students applying what they have learned to educate others, the trip was planned to assist the students, who range in age from 17 to 26, in witnessing democracy in action.
It all came together to make Robert Mamaia’s first visit to the capital, where he is pursuing a diploma in music at Leeds City College, very unforgettable.
He said:
“The London trip was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed visiting the Houses of Parliament and getting to see how everything works inside, it gave me a better understanding of how laws are made and how our country is run.
The Supreme Court and Houses of Parliament were both really interesting and getting to see them in person really cemented the history and procedures of the places. I learnt about the Magna Carta and previous case history, as well as how debates worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords.”
He added that they also got to see really cool places like Buckingham Palace. The trip was his first time in London and it was definitely worth it.
Leeds Sixth Form College Step-Up programme participant Stacey Chifamba concurred, calling the event “an eye-opener to many opportunities.”
The visit was a component of the Parliament Ambassador Program, which is run by the GMB union and is administered by the institutions’ Student Life Enrichment team.
In order to improve their understanding of the county’s parliamentary and legal processes, the students have also participated in six democracy seminars as part of the program.
Student Voice and Social Action Lead at Leeds City College, Lindsey Topham-Whitton, said:
“It was a delight to take our Parliament Ambassadors on a two-day trip to London.
This was a fantastic way to bring the content of our bespoke democracy workshops to life. Our programme plays a crucial role in promoting British values, with our learners being influential among their peers and vital in developing others’ knowledge of democracy.”
She added that all of the students reported that their workshops had significantly improved their understanding of the UK Parliament and now, thanks to this trip, learners have developed a wide range of skills.
In addition to deepening their knowledge of democracy and history, most have also said that it has enhanced their independence and boosted their self-confidence and collaboration skills.
They are so grateful to the GMB for their invaluable support in making this experience possible, and we look forward to developing the programme in the future.
Leeds City College, Leeds Sixth Form College and Harrogate College are all members of Luminate Education Group.
How did the trip impact the students’ understanding of democracy?
By giving them a hands-on, immersive experience of the UK’s parliamentary and legal processes, the Westminster trip greatly improved the students’ comprehension of democracy. Students stated that their understanding of how laws are produced and how the nation is run was enhanced by the seminars and trips to the Supreme Court and Houses of Parliament.
Their knowledge of legislative processes and British political history, including the Magna Carta and significant case law, was solidified by attending debates in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
In addition to increasing students’ knowledge, the trip improved their independence, confidence, and teamwork. Many of them were visiting London for the first time, and many characterized the experience as unforgettable.
Additionally, the initiative enabled them to become ambassadors who spread awareness about democracy.