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Politics is one of the most popular subject choices for A level and IB students at Wellington College, and with Washington gripped by Mid Term election fever there was no better time than October for 28 Wellington politics students to visit the city. The four-day trip allowed the pupils to see the main political sights, get a flavour of how Washington and American Government works, while also soaking up the museums and culture of the US capital.
Walking tours of DC took in the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the House of Representatives and the Senate and Capitol Building itself, while a visit to the National Archives to see the only remaining originally signed Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights set the tone. Excursions to the National Air and Space Museum, the Museum of African American Culture, the White House Visitors Centre and the Capitol building itself ensured the group were fully immersed in the United States political landscape, with many of the students also taking the opportunity not only to explore the Library of Congress but also to sign up as members, allowing them access to the famous reading room where they spent time studying iconic political tomes.
No trip to Washington is complete without a meal at Ben’s legendary Chili Bowl or embracing popular stateside sporting culture at a Washington Wizards NBA game in the Capital One Arena, experiences much enjoyed by all the pupils, as was the chance to see the politically charged movie, Till, not scheduled for UK release until the New Year.
Sixth form student George had this to say, “visiting DC was absolutely fantastic and I gained an otherwise unachievable understanding of the American political system” while Naomi added ‘for me the best moment was our visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was amazing to see the importance African Americans had in shaping America through art, music, sport, and dance.”
A final morning’s outing to the Lincoln Memorial and the White House before an evening flight home rounded off the week in style, the trip reminding all the pupils that 4 days are indeed a long time in US politics, such was the richly packed and rewarding nature of their schedule!
