KS2 Music / Dance / Drama / History: World War 1 Performance Pack - 'Archie Dobson's War'. Drama - Part 2

Part 2: As the war progresses, we learn that it is far from the grand adventure Walter hoped it would be.

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Synopsis

As the war progresses, we learn that it is far from the grand adventure Walter hoped it would be. Yet the Christmas truce he describes in a letter gives brief respite from the realities of war.

On the home front Archie’s father, Edward, begins to worry what will become of the family if he loses his workforce to the war. The women in the family knit socks for soldiers and the children become aware that adults are shielding them from the full horror of war. Then, when a nearby Zeppelin attack shakes the windows of the Dobsons’ house, everyone realises that the War is closer to home than they had thought. In January 1916, the family is left reeling when they learn that Edward has been conscripted

Chapters

  • News from the front

    Archie and Mabel discuss a letter they receive from Walter. Duration: 04:14

  • A lesson

    Archie has some questions for his teacher. Duration: 01:42

  • The Christmas truce

    Walter's letter to Archie tells of the famous Christmas day truce. Duration: 05:01

  • Close to home

    A frightening event makes Archie realise the war is closer to home than they thought. Duration: 05:33

  • Walter's leave

    Walter returns home on leave. Duration: 03:15

  • The white feather

    Edward receives an unpleasant gift. Duration: 03:38

  • Women and the war

    Lizzie visits the Dobsons. Everyone but Mabel is keen to help in the war effort. Duration: 02:19

  • Edward's letter

    Edward receives a letter which shakes the Dobsons' world. Duration: 01:32

Resources

Complete guidance notes for the WW1 Performance Pack music, dance and drama programmes

Teachers' notes

The script of 'Archie Dobson's War' to read online, print or download.

Archie Dobson's War - The Playscript

More from this series

Archie hopes to make the school football team. But it's 1914 and all is about to change.

Drama - Part 1

In the third and final drama programme from 'Archie Dobson's War', we hear from the front lines where both Walter and Edward Dobson are preparing for the 'big push'.

Drama - Part 3

Music resources linking to World War 1. Including a medley of songs and an original song.

Music - Part 1: Listen to the fields