Jack Leslie - What can we find out about local significant people?

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Teaching idea

This resource is designed for use in the Key Stage 2 classroom. The use of local stories and people is intended to make the past more relevant, real, accessible, and interesting.

Pupils are encouraged to consider what makes an individual significant, linking back to learning they may have carried out in Key Stage 1. They then interrogate a range of historical sources, allowing them to develop historical enquiry skills relevant to all topics.

Through this range of historical sources, pupils explore the story of an early twentieth-century footballer from humble beginnings in London’s East End to becoming a local hero in Plymouth and now a nationally recognised figure.

Jack Leslie’s significance is that he was the first black footballer to be selected for England, but his selection was withdrawn due to the racial attitudes of the day.

Learning aims and outcomes

• To learn about local significant historical events, people, and places, linking them to national and international events
• To study an aspect of significant local history dating from a period beyond 1066
• Gain an understanding of historical concepts such as significance
• Learn how the status of professional footballers has changed over the past century.
• Understand how racial politics impacted the life of Jack Leslie.
• Understand what Jack Leslie’s legacy is today in Plymouth and the broader football community.
• Think about why we remember certain people and places, and what that tells us about our history.

Prior knowledge

• No prior knowledge is required

Extended learning and useful links

• The Jack Leslie Campaign
• Jack Leslie Wikipedia
• The National Football Museum