Icons of Change

Overview

Year Group: 8
Duration: 80 minutes
Class Size: 6 students
Unit: Icons of Change: Mandela
Lesson: 1 of 4
Title: Introduction to Icons
Curriculum Reference: National Curriculum for England (History Key Stage 3, Years 7-9)

National Curriculum Links

Purpose of Study

Understand the process of change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance.
Develop historical knowledge and understanding of British and world history.
Analyse significant individuals and events and how they have shaped societies.

Programme of Study (KS3) Relevant Objectives

Pupils should be taught:
- To understand historical concepts such as significance and interpretation.
- The significant events and individuals in a global context.
- Raise questions and lead inquiry into causes, effects, and historical sources.
Specific to this lesson:
- Pupils develop an understanding of what makes a person a "historical icon."
- Introduce Nelson Mandela as a globally significant figure in the 20th century.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Define the concept of a historical icon and identify criteria that make a person historically significant.
Understand the global impact of Nelson Mandela as an icon of change.
Recall prior knowledge and pose meaningful historical questions about Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.
Work collaboratively to share and develop ideas, demonstrating engagement in historical enquiry.

Resources

Whiteboard and markers
Large paper or poster sheets for group brainstorming
Sticky notes
Photos and brief timeline of Nelson Mandela’s life (prepared for display)
“Icons of Change” vocabulary handout (including key terms: icon, significance, legacy, apartheid)
Question prompts sheet
Projector (optional) for showing Mandela’s image or brief quotes

Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity: What is an Icon? (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and introduce the concept of historical icons.
Write “ICON” on the board. In pairs, students discuss what an icon means to them (in history, culture, etc.).
As a class, build a mind map of qualities/features that describe an icon (e.g., impact, legacy, inspiration, challenge to status quo).
Introduce the key terms from the vocabulary handout; clarify historical significance.
Assessment: Quick formative check through participation and contributions to the mind map.

2. Contextualising Nelson Mandela (20 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the figure of Nelson Mandela and why he might be considered an icon.
Teacher-led mini presentation: pictures and a simplified timeline showing key events (e.g., apartheid, imprisonment, presidency).
Discuss the global context of apartheid and resistance briefly to frame Mandela’s significance.
Show relevant quotes from Mandela about freedom and justice.
Link back to icon criteria from the starter — Does Mandela fit? Why?
Assessment: Verbal questioning to check understanding of key facts and concepts.

3. Brainstorm and Question Formulation (30 minutes)

Objective: Students articulate what they know and what they want to discover.
Each student writes on sticky notes:
- One fact they already know about Mandela or apartheid.
- One question they want to explore in this unit (“I wonder why…,” “How did…,” “What impact did…”).
In small groups, students share and cluster these notes on poster sheets under two columns: “Known” and “Wonderings.”
Facilitate a class discussion about shared questions, emphasising inquiry-led learning and critical thinking.
Encourage challenging and open-ended questions to deepen enquiry.
Assessment: Review of questions for depth and relevance; annotation of their notes with teacher feedback.

4. Reflection and Consolidation (15 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on learning and set the stage for next lessons.
Students write a short reflective paragraph in their books:
- “What makes someone an icon?”
- “Why is Nelson Mandela important to study?”
Share some responses aloud.
Teacher summarises how lessons 2-4 will explore these questions in more detail, maintaining curiosity.
Explain that next lesson will investigate Mandela’s early life and the origins of his activism.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Small class group allows for tailored support and personalised questioning.
Use of visual aids and clear vocabulary to support learners with language needs.
Encourage peer support during group activities.
Provide scaffolding for writing reflections with sentence starters if needed.

Assessment for Learning

Ongoing through questioning during starter and presentation.
Review of sticky note facts and questions for historical thinking skills.
Evaluation of reflective paragraphs for understanding of key concepts.
Teacher notes on participation and group collaboration.

Extension Ideas (for early finishers or homework)

Research one lesser-known fact about Nelson Mandela and bring it to next lesson.
Draw a quick “Icon timeline” of Mandela’s life with key moments and icons facts.

Teacher’s Notes

Emphasise that “icon” is not just fame but impact, lasting legacy, and challenge to injustice.
Use questioning to push beyond surface knowledge to historical significance.
Reinforce respectful discussion—Mandela’s life is sensitive and inspirational.
Encourage curiosity and critical enquiry skills, setting a tone for the whole unit.

This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum by fostering knowledge of a globally significant figure, developing historical enquiry skills, and embedding critical thinking about significance and legacy. It is specifically tailored for Year 8 students’ cognitive and emotional development and encourages active, collaborative learning that will inspire ongoing engagement.

Teaching Instructions