Perse students dip into diplomacy at US embassy
Perse A level politics students heard from experts and grilled congress people on a trip to the US embassy at the Congress to Campus event.
Students listened to six talks throughout the day, with opportunity to ask questions afterwards. They heard about the presidency, the function of the judiciary in the US, and recent rulings on Roe v Wade.
A particular highlight included a discussion between two Democratic and Republican congress people, where they fielded questions from the students. They demonstrated that political disagreements could be held, while remaining calm and respectful with one another and with their questioners.
It was a very interesting trip and I encourage anyone in younger years to go if it is held again
Chicko Ndumu (Upper Sixth)
Among the students who attended were Tamara Lake and Chicko Ndumu (both Upper Sixth), who both hope to pursue politics-based courses at university.
Tamara said she really enjoyed learning about the impact of Roe v Wade and comparing the situation of abortion rights in the US to that in the UK. She also said it was interesting to see it tie back to what they were learning in class about the role of the judiciary in the US. The trip was particularly valuable for her as she wants to pursue postgraduate study looking at politics in the US.
The US embassy itself formed an imposing backdrop for the day’s events. Tamara commented that the security was so tight, it was strange to see the place filled with students.
Meanwhile, Chicko considered the most interesting part of the day was the questions being asked, commenting that she “learned a lot from listening to other people’s questions about US politics”.
She felt it was an enjoyable and valuable day out, adding: “It was a very interesting trip and I encourage anyone in younger years to go if it is held again.”
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