Role-play toolkit: Make it yourself
Although Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) role-plays can be conducted very successfully with few or no props, the addition of costumes and props can lead to advantages well beyond an initial sense of fun and excitement.
Using costumes and props contributes to parliamentary understanding and attitudes by:
- engaging student interests
- overcoming reluctance and/or shyness
- encouraging character development
- defining roles
- providing an authentic atmosphere
- creating a more memorable and lasting experience.
This page includes two types of information:
- Make it Yourself patterns, templates and instructions that are designed to be easy to print and follow and include:
- simplified designs
- step-by-step instructions and measurements
- commonly used sewing terminology and symbols
- life-size templates
- diagrams that chart your project progress
- patterns, templates and instructions provided in PDF for easy printing (we're working on providing a second format as well).
- A brief description of the actual attire currently worn by key figures in the House of Representatives and the Senate and a brief explanation of key parliamentary symbols.
This information is particularly useful for DIY Role-play in the Classroom: Law-making and DIY Role-Play in the Classroom: Question Time. The committee chair and members and senators involved in DIY Role-play in the Classroom: Committee usually dress in suits and smart clothing.
Use the table below to find the information you want quickly.
| House of Representatives | Senate |
|---|---|
House of Representatives
Speaker of the House of Representatives
The Speaker (see Fact Sheet 30 The Speaker) runs the House of Representatives using the rules of the chamber—called the standing orders. The Speaker wears an academic gown over a suit or smart clothing. This is traditional attire in the House of Representatives chamber which may also be worn for ceremonial occasions.
You can make the Speaker’s gown using the Make it Yourself Speaker’s gown instructions and template.
Make
it Yourself: Speaker/Clerk's gown instructions [104KB]
Clerk of the House of Representatives
The Clerk (see Fact Sheet 54 The Clerk) of the House of Representatives sits in front of the Speaker and assists the Speaker in running the chamber. The Clerk is distinguished from members by a black academic gown and green neck tie.
You can make the Clerk’s gown from the Speaker’s gown instructions and template. Hunt for a green tie at second-hand uniform shops, op shops and old wardrobes!
Make it Yourself: Speaker/Clerk's gown instructions [104KB]
Serjeant-at-Arms
The Serjeant-at-Arms (see Fact Sheet 10 Serjeant-at-Arms) carries the Mace (see below) into the chamber, sits at the back of the House of Representatives and enforces security during chamber meetings. For formal ceremonies the Serjeant-at-Arms wears regalia based on clothing worn in the old royal court in England .
For role-play purposes we have provided instructions and templates to make the Serjeant’s tailed jacket, lace cuffs and jabot (a frilly neck tie).
Make
it Yourself: Serjeant-at-Arms gown instructions [120KB]
Make
it Yourself: Serjeant-at-Arms jabot & cuffs instructions [93KB]
Mace
The Mace (see Fact Sheet 11 The Mace) is the symbol of authority of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is present whenever the chamber is engaged in parliamentary business. The Mace is made of gilt silver and is highly decorated with emblems of royalty and symbols of Australia .
We have provided instructions and templates to make your own Mace; it is up to you to decorate it!
Make
it Yourself: Mace instructions [77KB]
Members
Members representing the Parliament usually wear suits and smart clothing.
Hunt for appropriate gear in your school’s dress-up box and in cupboards at home!
Other props
A few other props can be easily procured to enrich the atmosphere and facilitation of the role-play. These include:
- a hand-held bell—used by the Clerk to summon members of parliament to the chamber. This bell represents the ringing and flashing of division clocks.
- sand glasses or other timers—used by the Clerk to time members' speeches and the ringing of the bells.
- statutes—Acts of Parliament bound into books which sit on the centre table and may be consulted during chamber proceedings.
Senate
The President of the Senate
The President (see Fact Sheet 16 President of the Senate) runs the Senate using the rules of the chamber, called the standing orders. In the chamber the President usually wears a conventional suit and tie. The President chooses not to wear an academic robe.
For a Senate role-play we suggest you approach parents to donate old or unwanted suits and ties or try your luck at the nearest op shop.
Clerk of the Senate
The Clerk (see Fact Sheet 54 The Clerk) of the Senate sits in front of the President and assists the President in running the chamber. In the chamber the Clerk of the Senate usually wears a suit and tie.
We suggest that you approach parents to donate old or unwanted suits and ties or search for them at your nearest op shop.
Usher of the Black Rod
The Usher of the Black Rod (see Fact Sheet 04 Usher of the Black Rod) carries the Black Rod (see below) into the chamber and enforces security during chamber meetings. The Usher usually wears a black suit, white collared shirt and white bow tie.
In this section you will find the patterns and instructions to make a bow tie. We suggest that you approach parents to donate a suit and white collared shirt or search for them at your nearest op shop.
Make
it Yourself: Usher of the Black Rod's bow-tie instructions [74KB]
Black Rod
The Black Rod is the symbol of the authority of the Senate. It is present whenever the chamber is engaged in parliamentary business. The Black Rod originated in 14th century England. It is made of ebony wood with a silver crafted crown representing nobility.
We have provided instructions and templates to make your own Black Rod; it is up to you to decorate it!
Make
it Yourself: Black Rod instructions [47KB]
Senators
Senators representing the Parliament usually wear suits and smart clothing.
Hunt for appropriate gear in your school’s dress-up box and in cupboards at home!
Other props
A few other props can be easily procured to enrich the atmosphere and facilitation of the role-play. These include:
- a hand-held bell—used by the Clerk to summon members of parliament to the chamber. This bell represents the ringing and flashing of division clocks.
- sand glasses or other timers—used by the Clerk to time senators' speeches and the ringing of the bells.
- statutes—Acts of Parliament (Australian law) bound into books which sit on the centre table and may be consulted during chamber proceedings.
If this information does not answer all of your questions about parliamentary role-play props and costumes, please contact the PEO by phone, fax or email.
Ph: 02 6277 3147 or 02 6277 3508
Fax: 02 6277 5775
Email: info@peo.gov.au