The visit provided the children with a unique opportunity to explore the historic Palace of Westminster during a guided tour, taking in the grandeur of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
During the tour, pupils learned about the rich history of Parliament and the crucial roles played by MPs and Peers in the House of Lords in shaping the laws of the nation.
A highlight of the day was an engaging question-and-answer session with Clive Jones, the MP for Wokingham, who took numerous questions about the world of politics and government.
The children's enthusiasm and insightful questions clearly demonstrated their keen interest in understanding more about how decisions are made at a national level and how they affect our lives locally.
Demonstrating their commitment to making a difference, pupils from the Windmill Primary School Council presented a letter directly to MP Clive Jones. In their letter, the young representatives respectfully requested his support in securing additional green space within the school grounds. This proactive initiative underscores the pupils' dedication to improving their learning environment and promoting sustainability within their school community.
Headteacher Miss Nicola Cotter said: "As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, this visit to Parliament aligns with our mission to empower pupils to understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities as active citizens. By engaging with the democratic process, our children are learning the importance of participation and advocacy in shaping a fair and just society."
Clive Jones MP, Member of Parliament for Wokingham, said: “It was a delight to receive the pupils of Windmill School in the Palace of Westminster after they so warmly welcomed me to their school a few weeks ago. One of the joys of being an MP is hearing from local people of all ages and being able to help them, and so I look forward to writing back to the children soon to get working on their request.”
The visit to the Houses of Parliament is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to provide enriching experiences that foster a lifelong love for learning and a deep understanding of civic responsibility.