08 Oct 2011
On Friday 30th April, Year 9 and 10 Commerce students travelled to the city to learn about the NSW State Parliament and court system.
In the morning, a guided tour of the NSW State Parliament was arranged and we were shown the House of Representatives and the Senate. In the House of Representatives, students had the opportunity to do a role play and students were given the roles of the Speaker and various parliamentary members including our premier, Ms Kristina Keneally. The role play was interesting as students were able to behave like politicians. It was also surprising to find out the extent to which some politicians go to to shame their opponents so their party can win the next election.
The most fascinating thing in the Senate was a special chair intricately carved out of Australian cedar wood and it looked like a throne. We were later told that only the Queen of England or her royal representatives would be allowed to sit in it. It looked very extravagant and the students found it intriguing.
After lunch at Martin Place, some students visited the Supreme Court whilst others visited the district or local courts in the Downing Centre. We were split up into smaller groups and were allowed to witness criminal trials (including a murder trial and drug conviction) or bail hearings.We also discovered some court room etiquette.
All in all, it was a very gratiifying experience which contributed signiificantly to our learning.
Lillian Cherry (Year 10 Commerce)
