Last Friday we went on an excursion to Parliament House. We took a train to the city. When we got off the train we walked to the outside of Parliament House. As we sat and had a little snack, our tour guide Susan Close came to meet us. We went through a security check in the Centre Hall. We then went to see the picture plans of the what Parliament House was first drafted as. Instead of a flat roof it had a tall spire on the top.

Next we went into the Old Chamber. The Old Chamber was the first room in Parliament. Susan told us that when we first had Parliament this room was where they did all their work. But as more jobs were needed, the room got too small for everybody. We then walked down the Speakers Corridor to get to the Legislative Council.

The Legislative Council is also known as the Red Room. The person in charge is called the President. The President makes sure that everything goes smoothly. The Red Room is for when people have just come out of the House of Assembly and still need to discuss stuff and then they go back to the House of Assembly. After that we went to the House of Assembly which is also known as the Green Room. The Green Room was super fun because we got to dress up as the people in Parliament.

The person in charge is called the Speaker. The Speaker is in charge of the Green Room. The green carpet is decorated with wattle, wheat and grape vines. Benjamin was the Speaker and got to wear a wig. There’s a red line that goes all the way around the room and that line is known as the blood line. It’s there so that if people want to fight they can’t because they are not allowed to cross the bloodline. Last but not least, we went into the Parliament research library. In there it was full of all the things they have had since Parliament was built. Our favourite place was the Red and Green rooms. We had a great day.

By Caidance and Dana.

'As the speaker I had to walk down the aisle and follow the chairperson, Otis bowing to the audience.' By Benji

'Our tour guide was Susan Close who is the member for Port Adelaide'. By Wayne

'There was a red line in the carpet that is called the bloodline and this is because in ancient times people would carry swords into the room and fight if they disagreed.' By David

'You are not allowed to cross the room you must stay in your seat at all times.' By Adam

'When they originally planned Parliament House it was supposed to be much bigger but they ran out of money so they only built half. They built the other half when the gentlemen from the club donated the money as they were sick of looking at the vacant block.' By Otis and Bailey

'The Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP is the 47th Premier of South Australia. Susan Close is the Deputy and sits next to him in parliament.' By Otis

'Parliament House was first built in 1874 and was added to over the years.' By Robbie

'There were many designs considered before the final one was chosen.' By David

'Parliament House is there for our politicians to go and discuss and make new laws.' By Emanuel

'In the beginning women were not allowed in Parliament, but now 64% of the leaders are women.' By Jaxon

'There are green and red rooms where different discussions happen.' By Nikita

'It was really interesting because we learnt so many new things.' By Hannah

'The Speaker is the person who is in control of the discussions and makes sure everyone follows the rules.' By Cruz

'The outside of the building was quite boring but once we got inside there were amazing details and designs.' By David

A huge thank you to Tash, Amber, Khia and Emma, our parent helpers. Without your help these excursions cannot take place!