Students and staff enjoyed a successful visit to the Houses of Parliament in London this week. Led by Mrs Harris, the students enjoyed a tour of The Supreme Court and sat in on a real case in Court Room 1, in which an aspect of Consumer Law and how it applies in Jamaica was being discussed. The group were also allowed access to explore the other courtrooms and the exhibitions, which housed beautiful gifts from nobility across the world. Perhaps the most impressive exhibit was one of the 12, tudor-style, gold-adorned robe belonging to one of the Supreme Court Justices.
Unforgettable experience from our visit to parliament and the Supreme Court…
Last Wednesday, Talbot Heath’s U6 students embarked to London, where our experience was nothing short of inspiring. Our day began with brisk walk from Waterloo station to the Supreme Court, where we were captivated by London’s architecture and grandeur. We were granted an unguided tour of the Supreme Court, which gave us lots of time to explore and learn about the history of the final appeal court, adjudicating in cases of greatest public importance. We had the luck of arriving during an active appeal concerning an immigration case, to which we were invited to listen in on. This direct engagement with the process of an appeal; observing the barrister represent her case to five Lords of the Supreme Court provided such a unique insight into how the highest levels of the judicial system operates.
After a quick lunch in the on-site cafe, we set foot into Westminster Hall, where we reconnected with the MP HERo’s, who had visited Talbot Heath a year prior, to talk about the white paper being passed in Parliament. The historic importance of this great hall was revealed to us by our mentors, and we got a sense of the profound legacy of the ground we stood on. Westminster Hall has been the site of coronation banquets for monarchs since the Middle Ages – and more recently – it was the place where Queen Elizabeth II lay in state.
After a fascinating tour of Westminster Hall, our women HERo’s, introduced us to Parliament, providing another informative and insightful walkthrough of the halls and remarkably decorated rooms. Our tour concluded with the corridors, where all students had the unique opportunity to talk to these highly qualified and specialised women in small groups, and learn more about their valuable experiences of being women in powerful careers.
This was followed by the prospect of sitting in on the final meeting before the white paper on (title) The board of all women, (with a few exceptions), discussed topics relating to the UK’s ambition to be tech powered, AI and evolving technologies, women in STEM and women’s underrepresentation, as well as the economic and societal changes that are overdue to help support women looking to engage with a STEM or business/entrepreneurial career. Hearing these inspiring conversations the on modern obstacles of being a women in STEM was so uplifting and refreshing in a way; to have a room full of women supporting women on their personal business journeys felt so safe and welcoming, unlike anywhere else. The meeting concluded with a pro-found message: “Believe in yourself, believe, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t”. This really stuck with us.
Concluding this, we were invited to the public gallery to watch the House of Commons in practice. It was a spectacle to see how issues and debates are brought about in the elected chamber. To finish our time in Parliament, we re-joined the women who had attended the board meeting, and had the chance to speak with and meet them one on one and gain additional advice. For me, the biggest takeaway was to not doubt yourself so much, and to believe that you can do it, no matter what anybody tells you. The overwhelming support radiating from these trailblazing, pioneering women encouraged and endorsed a sense of unity, confidence and mutual empowerment. We were all urged to reach our full potentials, and to say yes to whatever comes your way, (within reason!)
This excursion motivated the attendees to do well, and persevere in career life and personal life; it left a sense of comfort to know how passionate and driven women can be in helping other women. A huge thank you to the representatives at the event, and to Miss Smith and Mrs Harris for their dedication and efforts into making our trip to London such a success.
