Inside the House of Lords
Rukshar, a pupil at Connaught Girls School, wrote about the World or Work visit to the House of Lords kindly hosted by Lord and Lady Sheikh.
"On Wednesday 10th December Connaught School accepted a kind invitation from Lord and Lady Sheikh to visit the House of Lords. This was part of our partnership with the Mosaic charity - Business in the Community.
"Sixteen year 10 pupils accompanied by two teachers travelled to Westminster on a cold but bright December morning. From Westminster station the view of the London Eye by Westminster Bridge was very impressive.
"At St Stephen's Gate we had to have photo I.D. taken and our bags searched in order to pass through security. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and David Cameron had just finished Prime Minister's question time.
"Our hosts offered us lunch in the Riverside Restaurant (the chocolate cake was very popular!) and then we walked out onto the terrace which had wonderful views across the River Thames.
"Then Lord and Lady Sheikh gave us a personal tour. We learnt that the House of Lords uses red seats and carpets while the House of Commons uses green seats and carpets. We spotted several well known lords going about their work.
"We sat in the public gallery of the House of Commons and listened to part of a speech on child poverty, parenting and low income families. We recognised a few of the MPs like David Milliband and William Hague.
"We visited the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, where MPs can be married and have their children baptised.
"We saw Queen Victoria's throne room and admired the many old paintings on the walls. These included the six wives of King Henry the eighth. There were several busts of ex-prime ministers.
"The Central lobby ceiling showed the four saints of Britain- St George of England, St Andrew of Scotland, St David of Wales and St Patrick of Ireland. We were all impressed with the beautiful ornate gold gilt in the rooms- it was very grand.
"As we left we saw the tall Christmas tree in the entrance hall and Lord and Lady Sheikh gave each of us a red a folder containing booklets on the House of Lords. This is a trip that we will all remember for a long time."