Fifteen sixth formers from Helena Romanes School in Dunmow recently visited the Houses of Parliament.
In the official tour, arranged by the offices of MP Kemi Badenoch, the students learnt interesting facts and were given the opportunity to admire the historic Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster - where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II laid in state a few months ago.
Fortunately the students received an early tour, which meant they could visit the Chamber of the House of Commons and the House of Lords afterwards, before a debate was due to take place later that day.
Students saw the holder for the mace, and some were given the opportunity to sit on the opposition and front benches.
During their tour, they had the chance to admire historic paintings, statues and gold-plated walls and seats, especially in the House of Lords.
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The sixth formers then visited the Supreme Court and were able to visit Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.
Mr Farry, head of economics and sociology, said: "This was a day that these young students will remember for a long time, having learnt so much about these historic buildings."
Helena Romanes is an all-through school and sixth form in Parsonage Downs.
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