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The Railway Children Teaching Resource Pack
Contents
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E Nesbit – A Brief Biography
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Plot Summary
Book and Film
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Historical Context Edwardian Period 1901 – 1910
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The Dreyfus Affair
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Themes
The Railway Children Themes
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Questions for Discussion
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Our Adaptation
Paul’s thoughts on this production:
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More Information on the Production
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Rehearsal Photographs
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Drama Tasks Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
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Task 4
Task 5
Task 6
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Task 7
Task 8
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Resource 1 John and the Railway Children first meet.
Perks: Good. And I’m Perks. Now, how long will you be staying at Three Chimneys?
Roberta: We don’t know.
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Phyllis: Until Father comes home. Perks: Oh ay? And where is your father?
from The Railway Children by E Nesbit. Adapted for the stage by Dave Simpson. 16
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Resource 2 Mr Szczepansky’s first appearance.
John: Why, he’s done nowt wrong. Woman: He’s a madman if you ask me.
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As the crowd presses forward Mr Szczepansky cowers.
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Resource 3 The children act in a way which is not welcomed by adults Example a) The hamper for mother
Example b) The presents for Perks
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Resource 4 Designer’s Notes
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