A GROUP of awe-struck students watched America's political system in action during a memorable trip to Washington DC.

A party of 16 youngsters from Forest School, in Snaresbrook visited the US capital, stopping off at Congress, the Senate, and the Supreme Court during the eight-day tour.

Teacher George Paynter said the trip - which also included a few days in New York and a short stop in Philadelphia - gave the students a valuable insight into American politics.

He said: "The students undertook a series of visits and lectures which will undoubtedly serve to widen and deepen their knowledge of the politics of the country they study.

"During a trip to Congress, students saw the collapse of a vote in the rules-driven House of Representatives, and in the Senate they saw two of the chamber’s biggest names in action.

"Losing presidential candidate John McCain, the Senator for Arizona, made a speech on terrorism, and Robert Byrd, the 92-year-old Senator for Virginia (and first person to clock up half a century of uninterrupted service in the legislature), also contributed to a homeland security debate.

"Then it was off to the Supreme Court, arguably the world's most powerful judiciary. During a visit to the White House progress was impeded by the arrival of Obama's presidential cavalcade."

Mr Paynter said the youngsters also enjoyed special visits to various politicians and political activists.

He said: "The highlight of these was definitely the trip to the National Urban League on New York's Wall Street.

"Representatives from this activist group kept the students engaged for over two hours during a discussion on political equality in Britain and America.

"There was also ample opportunity for students to let their hair down and experience the best of American culture, including free time in the relaxing Georgetown district of Washington, tours of the famous sites in all three cities, New York's Museum of Modern Art, and of, course, the obligatory shopping opportunities."