KS 2-3. Remembrance and monuments form part of our national consciousness. Design a memorial, which commemorates those who have died in conflicts during the 20th and 21st centuries and promotes peace in the future. Discuss which form of medium, eg painting, sculpture, piece of architecture, garden etc.

KS 4-5. Why do you think the critics in 1923 were so disturbed by the “inappropriate” version of this painting? Orpen got many letters from ordinary people who felt comforted that ordinary soldiers were shown.

It is probably because of the effect of officials and art critics that Orpen changed his design to the final version of 1928. How important is it for the artist to follow hisher own ideas and what role does the critic play?

English

KS 3-4. Using poems such as Brooke’s “Peace”, McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields”, Sassoon’s “Reconciliation” discuss the range of responses to death in war.

KS 5. As in the AQA syllabus, Unit 6, Reading for Meaning “War in Literature”, compare Orpen’s paintings of everyday trench life with the poetry and prose produced at the times, such as that of Graves and Sassoon.

History

KS 1. What are we Remembering on Remembrance Day? QCA primary unit 17. With McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” and Lutyen’s monument, The Cenotaph, at Whitehall the painting provides a useful starting point when talking about the First World War and remembrance with younger children.

KS 3-4. Why do nations feel the need to remember war? Using this image along with national and local monuments, look at the range of responses to death and remembrance.