Introduce your KS2 learners to some of history’s most significant leaders with this fully resourced, research-based lesson. Designed to support critical thinking and historical understanding, this ready-to-teach session encourages pupils to explore how powerful figures from the past have shaped the modern world through leadership, influence, and legacy.

What’s Included:

• Fully editable ActivInspire flipchart slides (PDF included).
• Interactive Timeline Sorting Activity – pupils organise key figures based on when they were born, helping build chronological understanding.
• Visual Recognition Task – learners analyse historical portraits and discuss leadership impact.
• Group Research Task – QR-code linked research activity with editable profile templates for: Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Alexander the Great, Qin Shi Huang, George Washington
• Leader Profiles Table – editable worksheet for structured note-taking.
• Plenary Ranking Task – pupils discuss and justify their rankings of the most impactful leaders.

Key Features:

• Fully editable ActivInspire flipchart slides and supporting materials.
• Encourages historical enquiry and collaboration
• Includes discussion prompts and extension challenges
• Supports vocabulary development: significant, legacy, influential, leadership
• Links to the UK National Curriculum for History and PSHE
• Ideal for use during Black History Month, Women’s History Month, or leadership-themed weeks

Perfect for:

• KS2 History or PSHE lessons
• Used as part of the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) unit ‘They Made A Difference’.
• Group-based learning and whole-class discussion
• Homework projects or guided research
• Cover lessons or thematic topic blocks