HISTORY in Rome and politics in Washington were the themes of recent trips enjoyed by students at Queen Elizabeth College, Darlington.

Over 40 history students visited iconic Italian sites including the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Pantheon to aid their studies.

Gary Darby, head of history, described the trip as a resounding success.

Meanwhile, the college’s politics students joined Shrewsbury Sixth Form College students on a trip to Washington.

They visited US Capitol, the Supreme Court and the Lincoln Memorial and got the chance to meet speakers from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Abortion Federation.

Students also attended a debate between representatives of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and the National Rifle Association.