Lesson 5: Part 2

THEN, from comparison and discussion of each monument in turn, take suggestions to add to the earlier list of possible features of a new memorial to Sikh soldiers of the First World War.

DISPLAY the following figures, which might be used in any memorial inscription:

  • Approximate total of Sikh soldiers who served in the British Indian Army during the First World War = 125,000
  • Approximate number of Sikh soldiers who died = 8,000

DIVIDE pupils into small groups and ask them to:

  • design a new monument to commemorate Sikh soldiers;
  • include an inscription (no longer than 20 words);
  • include some sentences explaining their design and what they have chosen to include or exclude from it and its inscription.

DURING the design process ensure that pupils have access to material from their study of Sikh soldiers and also to reliable information on the symbols of Sikhism. The teachers role might be to circulate around groups encouraging discussion around points such as what source material might be used to design any figures of Sikh soldiers (e.g. are they relying on propaganda images?). They should also ensure that any proposed usage of Sikh symbols should be respectful.

FINALLY pupils could make a model of their monument. Groups could present their designs and/or models to their peers and a wider audience, taking questions as they go.


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