School trip to Parliament Education Centre
UK schools can visit the Parliamentary Education Centre complete with Parliament-themed learning rooms, augmented reality experiences, 360° projections and sound technology!
The Centre, which is situated at the North End of Victoria Tower Gardens, is a world-class education facility that inspires and connects young people with Parliament and democracy. It is a dynamic, stimulating environment, distinct from the school environment. It makes use of creative and immersive technology to create a unique learning experience that generates a sense of anticipation in groups entering the space, and from which groups depart feeling inspired and excited about their Parliament.
The Parliament Education Centre’s learning spaces for schools
Themed rooms
Each of the learning spaces has a theme which is intended to add to the exciting experience of visiting the Education Centre. Four of the learning spaces will be themed, respectively, Commons, Lords, Monarchy, and My Parliament.
Augmented reality
The Commons, Lords and Monarchy rooms each contain augmented reality experiences. In the Commons, Sir Winston Churchill introduces young people to the Chamber; in the Lords, students can explore a 3D model of the chamber and follow the Yeoman Usher as he puts the mace in place each session; and, in the Monarchy room, portraits of Queen Victoria and King Charles I come to life and talk about their relationship with Parliament.
Immersive ‘Discovery’ space
This is a sensory, interactive room that plunges students into an immersive environment via the use of 360° projection technology. Three experiences have initially been developed:
- 15 minute virtual tour through Parliament and democracy’s history: The Parliament Story
- Virtual recreations of the House of Commons and House of Lords chambers
- Recreations of an historical event connected to each Chamber: the 1908 suffragettes protest in the House of Commons, and an attempt to gain access to the House of Lords chamber in 1739 by the Duchess of Queensbury.
Chance’s Story: The Rebuilding of Parliament KS1
Age 5-7 History, English, Art & Design
Chance the dog, mascot of the fire brigade, tells the story of the night in 1834 when the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire. Discover who won the competition to design and rebuild the new Houses of Parliament, explore this iconic building and its decorative interior and be inspired to create your own Parliament tile design.
They will inform your school’s constituency MP of your visit and invite them along to meet your pupils. This will be subject to the MP’s availability in Westminster at the time of your visit.
NB: Parliament is a working building and access to different parts of the Palace of Westminster, as part of your tour, will vary due to Parliamentary business.
Your visit might include:
- The House of Commons and/or House of Lords chambers
- Lower Waiting, to see the statue of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin’s Tudor rose
- Central Lobby, at the ‘heart’ of the Houses of Parliament
- St. Stephen’s Hall, the home of the original House of Commons
- Westminster Hall, the last remaining part of the original Palace
Story of Parliament film and tour KS2
The tour starts with a 15 minute 360 degree high production film taking you through key events in the changing history of UK Parliament.
The group will then explore the Palace of Westminster, learning about the work of Parliament today.
The tour will give visitors the opportunity to reflect on what UK Parliament of the future might look like and their relationship to that change.
Please note: This film contains some loud sounds and flashing images.
NB: Parliament is a working building and access to different parts of the Palace of Westminster, as part of your tour, will vary due to Parliamentary business.
Your visit might include:
- Norman Porch, the Robing Room and/or The Royal Gallery
- The House of Commons and/or House of Lords chambers
- Central Lobby, at the ‘heart’ of the Houses of Parliament
- St. Stephen’s Hall, the home of the original House of Commons
- Westminster Hall, the last remaining part of the original Palace
Plus lots more for KS2 schools