On Thursday morning, the 5^th Form international pupils took part in a workshop, requested by us, and organised especially for King’s by the Houses of Parliament.

Usually we visit Parliament and have a bespoke tour, but this year the event was on Teams. It was delivered live, and interactive with cameras and audio on so the pupils could ask questions and contribute to the discussion. After an explanation and virtual tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and an explanation of the voting system and the work of MPs, the workshop focussed on how laws are made within Government. The pupils proposed hypothetical legislation to ban single use plastics and followed their proposal through the Commons as a green paper. A lively discussion ensued in both the (classroom) Commons and the Lords about the reactions potential stakeholders, but finally, the legislation passed before Her Majesty The Queen to be signed.

Though unable to savour the atmosphere of the historical buildings and government at work, it was an opportunity for the pupils to understand what goes on behind our democracy and practise their speaking skills.

Nicola Checketts - Head of EAL