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The New Model Army – A Role Play

The purpose of this role-play is to emphasise the difference in attitude - and hence in fighting potential - between old style armies and the New Model Army.

Objective

Addresses KSU 2a ‘range of ideas beliefs and attitudes of men women and children in the past' and tees up a study of KSU 2e ‘to consider the significance of the main events, people and changes studied'

•  Select a group of six pupils. Ideally they should be briefed as to role and expected replies before the lesson. These pupils will adopt the role of soldiers of the New Model Army then, after a one- minute pause, those of the King's old-style army. Give each pupil a copy of the role sheet below. The same six pupils should adopt both roles to enhance the contrast between the two armies.

•  The pupils should be instructed to adopt a different demeanour according to the army they are depicting.

•  Before the first entry of the soldiers the rest of the class are instructed to take the role of potential investors in one army. Following the presentations of the soldiers they have to decide which side provides the safest bet for their money and reputation. They then need to justify this de4cision with reference to the presentations.

New Model Army – march in, stand to attention in straight rows, answer all questions in deadly seriousness

King's Army – come in as a slovenly rabble, loll about, answer in an offhand manner.

Question

King's Army Reply

New Model Army Reply

Why are you fighting?
For the King but also for what we can get for ourselves! For God and Parliament.
Has your pay arrived?
No, and if it doesn't soon we're off Yes, but even if it had not we would continue to fight for the right.
Are you afraid to die? Yep! We would welcome the chance to go to Heaven!
What are your favourite songs? Rude ones! Hymns.
You arrive in a defenceless village, what do you do? Loot and pillage. After all we've had no pay! Treat God's children with respect.
How is your training going? What training? Don't make us laugh! We relish the chance of learning to kill God's enemies. They will be as stubble to our swords.
You see a barrel of wine but are on duty. What would you do? Drink it! Strong drink is a curse. We would smash it.
You are surrounded, the position is hopeless, what do you do? Surrender and beg for mercy! Fight on, for God

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