The Discover sessions are annual events that take place in September and October.Applications for Autumn 2013 Discover sessions will be available online from 15th April 2013
Palace of Westminster tour
About the session: This unforgettable, in-depth tour of the Palace of Westminster is ideal for introducing your students to a new programme of study or inspiring and motivating them at the start of a new academic year.
We can focus on the aspects of Parliament most relevant to the course you're following - just let us know in advance.
This experience is great for those who want to see and experience first-hand the Palace of Westminster through a focused, educational tour.
Recommended for: All post-16 students
Tour start times:
Tours begin every 15 minutes from 9.30-12.45 and from 14.00-15.30
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Places per session: 40 students
Ask an Expert
About the session: Students will quiz and hear from some of the most fascinating individuals in politics, history, law and current affairs – all in the heart of the Palace of Westminster.
We’re talking to MPs and peers, of course, but also university professors, clerks, parliamentary security officials, journalists and others whose expertise can give insight into the work of the UK Parliament.
Each session will feature a prominent individual in their field. Where possible, we'll also aim to offer different perspectives. However, please bear in mind political parties hold their annual conferences around this time - and so it may occasionally prove impossible!
Includes Palace of Westminster tour? Yes
Recommended for: All post-16 students
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Places per session: 65 students
Show Me the Money
About the session: This interactive session gives students the opportunity to head a government department, join a star chamber and make decisions on how public money should be spent.
Working in groups, students will need to meet government priorities while considering the implications of their decisions on people living in the UK.
The session explores the challenges of scarcity and choice, highlighting the interdependence of government departments and the impact of policy on quality of life, public opinion, equality and economic growth.
Includes Palace of Westminster tour? Yes
Recommended for: AS level government and politics
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Places per session: 65 students
eMPathise
About the session: Students explore the role of an MP within the party system, as well as how active citizens can have influence. Balancing the sometimes competing demands of their constituents, their party and their personal opinions is all in a day’s work for an MP; but how does this actually affect decision-making in Parliament?
As the scenario unfolds, students will need to balance their own opinions with the broader implications of their actions as they get a taste of what it could be like to be an MP.
Includes Palace of Westminster tour? Yes
Recommended for: AS level government and politics, citizenship, law, general studies
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Places per session: 65 students
Forming a Coalition
About the session: This interactive session explores some of the issues involved in negotiating a coalition, through role-play and discussion.
The 2010 general election resulted in the first hung parliament since 1974. What happened in the negotiations? How did the two parties overcome their political differences to form a working coalition?
In groups, students will work together to attempt to form their own coalition government between two fictional parties with very different manifestos. Students will need to use all their tactical skills to negotiate a working coalition. Success is by no means guaranteed!
Includes Palace of Westminster tour? Yes
Recommended for: All post-16 students
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Places per session: 65 students
Booking
Sign up to our E-news for teachers update to receive the latest booking information.
Each school or organisation may apply only once for each experience. Priority will be given to schools and organisations that haven't taken part in Discover Parliament for at least three years.
A maximum of 120 places across the entire Discover Parliament programme will be allocated to any one organisation.