On Monday 2nd February 2015, Diana Laffin and six history students attended an evening reception at the House of Lords, organised by the Historical Association. The event was a celebration of high quality history education, attended by head teachers, politicians and leading historians.

Students enjoyed talking to Baroness Shirley Williams about anti-terrorist legislation, currently going through parliament, and discussing changes in the history curriculum with Jacob Rees-Mogg MP.

Towards the end of the evening, the students went on the terrace to enjoy fantastic views of the Thames before thanking Lord Hennessy for hosting the reception. The final icing on the cake was a chance to have a quick chat with the comedian Al Murray.

AS History student, Barnabas Balint, who also studies Arabic, AS French, AS Government and Politics and AS Mathematics, said, “It was a great honour to represent the College at the reception. To meet such passionate writers, teachers and students alike was inspiring to all of us, irrespective of the greatly diverse range of ages, education and views of the people present.”

Student Emily Owens, who also studies AS History, as well as AS German, AS Government and Politics and AS Psychology said, “This was not only an amazing experience but also genuinely useful to actually talk to experts in their field, many of whom we have often spoken about in lessons.”

Senior Curriculum Manager for History, Diana Laffin said, “I was very proud of our student historians on this visit. They were all polite and interested, making the most of the opportunity to talk to eminent historians and politicians.”