DAY SIX Washington DC

After a well earned sleep, we woke up refreshed and eager to explore the capital, starting with the Supreme Court building. Students then had some time to choose their own Smithsonian institution to explore, with visits to the Air and Space anåd Holocaust museums. We then finished the day at the Museum of African American History and Culture museum. 

Words by Elisabeth, Year 13

On our first day in Washington DC, we visited the US Supreme Court, where we had the rare opportunity to sit in the very court room of the Supreme Court Justices where landmark decisions were made such as the legalisation of segregation and the end of it.

During the tour, we learned that the courtroom’s frieze, designed by Adolph Weinman, depicts the “great lawmakers of history”, drawing from many civilisations, symbolising the evolution of law. Among the figures depicted are King John, whose signing of the Magna Carta laid the foundation for modern legal principles, Napoleon, and even the controversial figure of Muhammad, which is significant because, in Islam, visual depictions of him are forbidden.

What made being in the US Supreme Courtroom that much more memorable, was that there had only been two photos of the court in session. In addition, we had the rare chance to meet a federal judge who assists the Chief Justice and were able to ask him questions about his work. A special exhibition on Brown v. Board of Education provided further insight into this pivotal case and its importance on U.S. law and society.

Words by Gabriel, Year 12 

During day 6, after the supreme court tour, some of the students visited the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian. Half of the museum was closed on the day, which left mainly the space sections. As we walked into the museum, many of the display items were covered in plastic wrap but you could still see the outline of the Apollo lander and an F104 Starfighter. In the museum’s left wing which was open, there was a collection of early airliners and fighters. There were also several galleries available. These galleries included early flight, the solar system, and different types of aircraft. The galleries had a variety of prop planes, fighter jets, helicopters, satellites, rover replicas and even the original wright flyer, the world's first plane. Though it was disappointing that half of the museum was closed for renovation, getting to see all kinds of incredibly rare aircraft was an incredible experience.