Bringing History to Life

The bloody battle of the English Civil War from 1642 – 1651 was brought to life for a class of Yr 8 students at The Commonweal School when they were visited by two members of the English Civil War Society. Chris Scott and Richard Ellis performed and informed the class who were enthralled by the whole experience.

The war marked the beginnings of our modern parliamentary democracy and the end of the divine rule of kings. Students were also interested to discover the origins of the school tie came from this period in history when cravats were worn to prevent chaffing on the neck of soldiers.

Commented Craig Loxton, age 12, “ Chris picked me as a volunteer and dressed me in the armour which was very heavy and slippery so that long pikes could not penetrate. It was a really interesting lesson.”

The class roared with laughter when Chris demonstrated the long pike and sword slipping off of the armour worn by Craig and cringed when they discovered the reality of how gruesome and damaging a shot from a musket can make on a person. Hearty applause was given when the lesson ended.”

Commented history teacher Jane Clarke. “It was a super experience for the students who are just beginning to study this era of history. The performance brought history to life and we all, including myself, learnt a lot from the experience which I am sure we will not forget in a long time. This shows that performing arts can definitely enhance other areas of the curriculum.”