London Calling 2026: Politics in Action

The excitement had been bubbling for weeks as twenty eight enthusiastic Year 13 Politics pupils prepared to return to London for their much anticipated AS Politics adventure. Led by the trio of Miss Frey, Miss McAvoy, and Mr Armstrong, the group embarked on a whirlwind thirty six hour journey packed with learning, sightseeing, laughter, and a healthy dose of retail therapy. London never disappoints—but this year, it felt like the capital had saved something extra special just for them.

Touchdown: From Gatwick to Kensington in Record Time

After a smooth flight and quick train transfer from Gatwick Airport into central London, the group began their adventure by dropping luggage at the Residence Inn, Kensington—their home base for the night. Excitement was high, energy levels… less so. Thankfully, the first mission was a universal priority: food. Recharged and refueled, the Politics pupils dove straight into London life, hopping back onto the Underground to begin a walking tour of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

From the sweeping lawns of Hyde Park to the regal gates of Buckingham Palace, the group soaked up the sights with enthusiasm. Cameras clicked, selfies were taken, and the ever reliable British weather held up—at least for a while. The tour wound its way through Trafalgar Square and the impressive Horse Guards Parade, giving students the chance to connect their political studies to the historic backdrop of Britain’s institutions.

Covent Garden to the London Eye: A Night of Lights and Laughter

The next stop was the vibrant and always bustling Covent Garden, where the pupils enjoyed some well earned downtime. Souvenir shopping quickly turned competitive, with some students on a mission to find the perfect gift for home—while others focused exclusively on treating themselves. Crepes were the runaway favourite snack, though rumours persist of one student sampling something from every food stall in sight.
With packages in hand and spirits high, the group made their way to one of London’s most breathtaking attractions: the London Eye. As they ascended high above the Thames, the panoramic cityscape stretched out beneath them—glittering lights, iconic architecture, and a sense of awe that even the worsening weather couldn’t dampen. As the first drops of rain began to fall, it was time to retreat to the comfort of Earl’s Court and settle in for an early night. After all, the next day promised even more excitement.

Whitehall, Westminster, and Real World Politics in Action

A hearty breakfast set the tone for day two, and with checkout complete, the group marched on towards Whitehall, ready for a morning immersed in the workings of UK democracy. The first stop was the UK Supreme Court, where students explored the role of Britain’s highest judicial body and gained insight into the delicate balance of powers at the top of the legal system.
After a short refreshments break, the group continued to Westminster Hall for a special meeting with Lord Rogan—a rare and invaluable opportunity to hear firsthand from a member of the House of Lords and former Wallace pupil. His stories, insights, and candid reflections gave the pupils a deeper understanding of political life beyond the textbook.

But the day was far from over. The Parliamentary Education Service provided a guided tour that allowed the group to witness both a House of Commons debate and a House of Lords debate in action. For students studying political processes, seeing live democracy unfold just metres away was amazing.

The visit ended with a high energy workshop, where teams battled it out to create their own political party manifestos and pitched their ideas to win votes. Passion, persuasion, and humour ran high—an unforgettable finale to a packed trip.

Reflections

Miss Frey, Head of History and Politics, reflected proudly on the group’s achievements and enthusiasm:
“This year’s London trip was a tremendous success from start to finish. Our pupils showed curiosity, maturity, and a genuine passion for politics that made the experience incredibly rewarding. Watching them engage with real political institutions and debates, and then channel that energy into their own manifesto workshop, was inspiring. Their enthusiasm reminded us why these trips are so valuable. Beyond the academic benefits, the pupils supported one another, embraced every challenge, and made lifelong memories. We could not be more proud of how they represented the school—both as learners and as young adults.”

The 2026 London Politics Trip was more than just a school outing—it was a vibrant, enriching dive into the living world of politics. With unforgettable experiences, new friendships strengthened, and a deeper understanding of democracy gained, the pupils returned home tired but buzzing with inspiration. And if the excitement already brewing is anything to go by, next year’s trip may be even bigger!

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