College News

Learning about American Politics in Washington

A group of 21 A Level Politics students from QE recently travelled to Washington D.C to learn more about American Politics and see key political structures for themselves.

Student, Josh Wakeford, reports:

‘We toured Congress, sat in a session of the House of Representatives and visited the Supreme Court to learn more about America’s legislative and judicial systems. We also took opportunities to speak to enthusiastic US citizens. We heard more about the Civil Rights Movement from an African American right at the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous I have a dream speech, and listened to a peace protester outside the White House who told us about his movement’s continuous 34 year sit- in.

As well as taking in Washington’s political sites, we had time for more casual sightseeing. We visited the Washington Monument, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Air and Space Museum and the Lincoln Memorial. We also had a chance to sample typical American Cuisine, dining at local burger, pizza, Greek and Chinese restaurants.’

Student Sophie Bailli described the trip as ‘a once in a lifetime experience which really put our college course into perspective,’ whilst Alexandra Logan, commented that the trip was ‘an amazing experience.’  Dominic McArdle, one of the Politics teachers accompanying the students, added:

‘The students had a fantastic insight into American politics and the politicians that we met were really impressed with their questions and background knowledge. They loved the city and many plan to return. It has been an invaluable learning experience.’