What do you know about the impact made by a local famous person from the past on our lives today? - Teacher notes

Exploring the impact of local famous figures from the past on our lives today can be an enlightening journey for students. One such influential person is Emmeline Pankhurst, a name that many children may already be familiar with from previous studies. Her tireless campaign for women's suffrage has had a profound effect on contemporary society. Students should be able to discuss the array of opportunities and rights that women enjoy today—rights that were fought for by Pankhurst and her fellow suffragettes. The freedoms to vote, work in diverse professions, and receive an equal education are just a few examples of the liberties that can be attributed to their efforts.

Another notable individual is Alan Turing, a pioneer in computer science whose work has had an extraordinary impact on modern technology and history. Although his life ended in the Manchester area, his legacy lives on. For children, the focus can be on his contributions during World War II, where he played a crucial role in deciphering secret codes sent by the Germans, significantly aiding the war effort. Turing's work laid the foundations for the digital age, and without his innovations, many of the devices we rely on today might not exist. Lastly, the cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter, created by J.K. Rowling, has touched the lives of nearly every primary-aged child. Rowling's creation of the magical game 'Quidditch' has ties to Manchester, adding a local dimension to her global impact. This component encourages students to reflect on how the contributions of Pankhurst, Turing, and Rowling have shaped our current world, and teachers have the flexibility to introduce additional local figures who have similarly influenced our community and daily lives.